RECIPE

Grilled Merguez Sandwiches with Caramelized Red Onions

  • ACTIVE: 25 MIN
  • TOTAL TIME: 50 MIN
  • SERVINGS: 4

A North-African lamb sausage flavored with the spicy pepper spread harissa, merguez is delicious in sandwiches like these (fresh Mexican chorizo or another spicy sausage will also work well in this recipe).

  • ACTIVE: 25 MIN
  • TOTAL TIME: 50 MIN
  • SERVINGS: 4
  • MAKE-AHEAD

Ingredients

  • Ingredients
    1. 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    2. 2 medium red onions, sliced 1/4 inch thick
    3. Salt
    4. 1 tablespoon honey
    5. 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
    6. Freshly ground pepper
    7. Four 6-ounce merguez or fresh chorizo sausages, pricked all over with a fork
    8. Four 6-inch pieces of baguette, split and toasted
    9. 12 large cilantro sprigs
    10. 4 lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the onions, season with salt and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to moderate and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened, about 10 minutes. Stir in the honey and balsamic vinegar and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until richly caramelized, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Light a grill. Grill the sausages over moderate heat, turning occasionally, until nicely charred and cooked through, about 15 minutes.
  3. Set a sausage in each piece of baguette. Top with the caramelized onions and a few cilantro sprigs and close the sandwiches. Transfer to plates and serve. Garnish with the lemon wedges.

Make Ahead

The caramelized onions can be refrigerated overnight. Reheat gently before serving.