Sausage and Mashers

Sausage and Mashers Recipe - Vegetarian Food from United Kingdom

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Sausage and Mashers is a classic comfort food dish that combines creamy mashed potatoes with savory sausage and a rich gravy. This hearty meal is perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner.

History

Sausage and Mashers has its roots in British cuisine, where it is a popular dish served in pubs and homes alike. The combination of creamy mashed potatoes and flavorful sausage has been a favorite for generations, providing a satisfying and filling meal.

Ingredients

2.5 lb (1.13 kg) small yukon gold potatoes, rinsed (and peeled if desired)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp olive oil
1 large onion, halved lengthwise and sliced (2 cup)
1 tsp sugar
0.5 tsp dried thyme
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1.5 cup vegetable or mushroom broth
0.33 cup red wine
1 tbsp soy sauce
8 oz (227 g) pkg. soy “sausage” links, thawed if frozen, cut into bite-size pieces
1 cup low-fat milk or soy milk, heated
1 tsp butter or margarine

How to prepare

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Add potatoes and salt, and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
Add onion, sugar, and thyme, and cook, stirring often, until the onion slices are golden.
Stir in flour and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
Stir in broth, wine, and soy sauce.
Simmer until thickened, stirring continuously.
Add 'sausage' to the gravy and simmer until heated through.
Drain and rinse the potatoes; mash them with a potato masher.
Add warm milk and butter, and whip the potatoes with a hand mixer until fluffy.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve mashed potatoes topped with gravy and 'sausages'.

Variations

Substitute regular sausage for the soy "sausage" links for a meatier version of the dish.
Add chopped herbs such as parsley or chives to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version of the gravy.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the potatoes until they are tender to ensure a smooth and creamy mash.

- Adding a splash of red wine to the gravy adds depth of flavor and richness.

- Thaw the soy "sausage" links before cutting them into bite-size pieces for easier cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sausage and Mashers with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A dollop of mustard or ketchup on the side adds extra flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the potatoes until tender for easy mashing.

- Simmer the gravy until thickened to ensure a rich and flavorful sauce.

- Whip the mashed potatoes with a hand mixer for a fluffy and creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular milk or cream instead of soy milk for a dairy version of the mashed potatoes.

- Swap out the soy "sausage" links for chicken or pork sausage for a different flavor profile.

- Cornstarch can be used in place of flour for a gluten-free gravy.

Make Ahead Tips

The mashed potatoes can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. The gravy can also be made in advance and reheated on the stovetop.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Sausage and Mashers in individual bowls, topped with the savory gravy and sausage pieces. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Sausage and Mashers with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a classic pub-style meal. A side of crusty bread or dinner rolls is perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Sausage and Mashers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sausage and Mashers contains approximately 400 calories. This calorie count may vary depending on portion size and ingredient substitutions.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this recipe primarily come from the potatoes, flour, and soy milk. Carbohydrates provide energy for the body and are an important part of a balanced diet.

Fats

Fats in this recipe come from the olive oil, margarine, and soy "sausage" links. While fats are high in calories, they are essential for absorbing certain vitamins and providing energy.

Proteins

Proteins in this recipe come from the soy "sausage" links. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body, making it an essential nutrient.

Vitamins and minerals

Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins. Onions provide antioxidants and vitamin C. Thyme is rich in vitamin K and iron. These ingredients contribute to a well-rounded and nutritious meal.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat in the form of soy "sausage" links and all-purpose flour. Those with soy or wheat allergies should use caution or consider alternative ingredients.

Summary

Sausage and Mashers is a balanced meal that provides carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a hearty and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as part of a well-rounded diet.

Summary

Sausage and Mashers is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines creamy mashed potatoes with savory sausage and a rich gravy. This classic recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner, providing a balanced meal with carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. Enjoy this hearty dish with your loved ones for a delicious and filling meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Sausage and Mashers. It was a cold and rainy day, perfect for staying indoors and experimenting in the kitchen. As I browsed through my collection of cookbooks, I stumbled upon an old, tattered recipe card tucked away between the pages of a well-worn cookbook.

The card was yellowed with age, with faded handwriting that was barely readable. It simply read "Sausage and Mashers," with a list of ingredients and instructions scribbled underneath. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try.

I gathered the ingredients from my pantry and set to work. The recipe called for sausages, potatoes, onions, and a few other simple ingredients. As I chopped and sautéed, the aroma of the cooking sausage filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Once everything was cooked and mashed together, I took a bite and was immediately transported back to my childhood. The flavors were rich and comforting, like a warm hug from a loved one. I knew I had stumbled upon a gem of a recipe.

Curious about the origins of this recipe, I reached out to my friends and family to see if anyone had heard of Sausage and Mashers before. To my surprise, my aunt revealed that it was a family recipe that had been passed down through the generations.

According to my aunt, the recipe had been brought over from Ireland by our ancestors and had been a staple in our family ever since. It was a dish that had been enjoyed during times of celebration and times of hardship, a true comfort food that brought us all together.

I was thrilled to have stumbled upon such a cherished family recipe, and I made it a point to learn all I could about its history and tradition. I reached out to my grandmother, who was the keeper of our family's culinary heritage, and asked her to teach me the finer points of making Sausage and Mashers.

She welcomed me into her kitchen with open arms, eager to pass down her knowledge and expertise. Together, we chopped and sautéed, mashed and seasoned, until we had created a dish that was worthy of our family's legacy.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, my grandmother regaled me with stories of her own experiences learning to make Sausage and Mashers. She told me of how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had learned it from her mother before her.

It was a recipe that had been lovingly handed down from generation to generation, each cook adding their own unique touch to make it their own. My grandmother had made the dish countless times over the years, tweaking and perfecting the recipe until it was just right.

As I listened to her stories and savored the flavors of our meal, I felt a deep sense of connection to my family's past. I realized that this recipe was more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions – it was a piece of our history, a link to our roots and traditions.

I vowed then and there to carry on the tradition of Sausage and Mashers, to pass it down to my own children and grandchildren so that they too could experience the joy and comfort of this beloved family recipe. And as I took another bite, I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special that would stay with me for years to come.