One of the mysteries I would like to solve is how Hormel’s Goteborg sausage became Kauai’s sausage. It is sold throughout the nation, so why did it become such a favorite only on one island and not the rest of Hawaii?
If anyone knows, please tell me.
Goteborg is the second largest city in Sweden, also called Gothenburg. The sausage is of the style of a Swedish summer sausage, similar to the popular Hickory Farms’ cured meats. It is salty and goes well with bland foods like rice.
In many places outside Hawaii, the sausage is simply sliced and eaten.
In Hawaii, Goteborg is a standard pupu at Garden Island parties and there are many variations. The most common way I’ve seen it served with rice and various toppings. This version is commonly called a UFO for its resemblance to a flying saucer.
When the sliced rounds are microwaved they curl to make a bowl shape, perfect to stuff with rice. Microwave the slices between paper towels so the excess oil will be absorbed, and the sausage will emerge crispy.
Toppings for the rice range from the simplest furikake (seasoned dried seaweed), to ahi poke to takuan (pickled daikon). The variations are limited only by your imagination.
The sausage is found in the meat department of most grocery stores as a long salami-shaped stick. Those in the know cut it into slices and freeze the slices in smaller bags.
With that in the freezer, you are always ready for UFOs!
KAUAI UFOS
By Lynette Lo Tom
- Hormel Goteborg Sausage
- Cooked rice
- Toppings such as furikake, tsukemono (pickled vegetables), takuan, ahi poke, chopped green onions, chopped raw onions
Slice sausage into 1/4-inch slices (or to the thickness you prefer). Place slices between paper towels on a plate and microwave in 30-second bursts until sausage forms a bowl and is as crisp as you like. Pat off excess oil.
Fill the sausage “bowls” with 1 teaspoon cooked rice or a larger rounded mound of rice.
Top as desired.
>> TIP: For a party, these delightful pupu can be wrapped in plastic wrap for easier handling.
Nutritional information unavailable.
”Easy Kine” features simple dishes that start with commercially prepared ingredients. Lynette Lo Tom is excited to hear your tried-and-true suggestions. Contact her at 275-3004, email lynette@brightlightcookery.com or via instagram at brightlightcookery. Nutritional analysis by Joannie Dobbs, Ph.D., C.N.S.
