Slow Cooker Curried Sausages
Slow cooker curried sausages embody the essence of comfort food, offering a delightful blend of rich, hearty flavors with a hint of exotic spice. This meal’s allure lies in its ability to transform simple ingredients into a sumptuous feast that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. The combination of juicy sausages simmered in a savory curry sauce leaves a lasting impression, creating a dish that is not only delicious but also memorable.
My journey with slow cooker curried sausages began on a chilly winter evening when I decided to experiment with my slow cooker to create something both hearty and flavorful. It was during a family gathering, and the aroma that filled the kitchen as the sausages simmered slowly in the curry sauce added a cozy, homey atmosphere. We were instantly transported to a place of warmth and comfort, surrounded by loved ones and filled with the anticipation of a meal that promised to be a delight.
The ease and versatility of using a slow cooker make this dish an excellent choice for both busy weekdays and leisurely weekends. It’s incredibly simple to prepare – just brown the sausages, mix the ingredients for the curry sauce, and let the slow cooker do the rest. This method not only simplifies the cooking process but also enhances the sausages’ flavors as they marinate and cook slowly over hours.
What sets slow cooker curried sausages apart from traditional sausage recipes is the unique twist of curry powder. This not-so-secret ingredient imbues the dish with a distinctive taste that balances perfectly with the natural savory flavors of the sausages. The result is a harmonious blend of spices and textures that cater to a variety of palates, making it a favorite among family and friends alike.
As you savor slow cooker curried sausages, you’ll appreciate how the dish represents more than just a meal. It’s a bridge between cultures, blending familiar and exotic flavors to create something wonderfully comforting and new. Through such meals, we not only nourish our bodies but also feed our souls, celebrating the joys of food and togetherness.
Preparing the Ingredients
Crafting a delightful slow cooker curried sausages recipe begins with meticulous preparation of fresh ingredients. Start with the aromatics—peel and slice one large brown onion and two cloves of garlic. These foundational elements will infuse the slow cooker with rich, savory notes that elevate the entire dish. The onion, with its sweet yet pungent flavor, and the garlic, with its sharp, intricate profile, meld beautifully, creating a fragrant base.
Next, turn your attention to the vegetables. Cut four medium-sized potatoes and three carrots into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and allows the vegetables to absorb the curry mixture fully, creating an irresistible meld of flavors. As for the cauliflower, chop up one small head into florets. These will add texture and a unique taste that complements the other vegetables well.
The choice of sausages is crucial, as they are the star of this dish. Opt for thick beef sausages, renowned for their robust flavor and pleasing texture. Browning these sausages before adding them to the slow cooker is an essential step. It enhances their taste, imparting a depth of flavor that slow cooking alone cannot achieve. To brown sausages perfectly, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Place the sausages in the skillet, turning them occasionally until they achieve a golden-brown crust all over. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
For additional depth and to cater to diverse palates, consider incorporating flavor boosters like Worcestershire sauce or mango chutney. Worcestershire sauce lends a complex, savory character with a hint of tanginess. On the other hand, mango chutney offers a sweet, slightly spicy undertone, providing an intriguing contrast to the bold curry flavors. Adjust these components to meet your personal taste preferences, and you will have a slow cooker curried sausages dish that is both comforting and nuanced.
The Slow Cooker Magic
Preparing slow cooker curried sausages is an exercise in savoring the art of mindful cooking. Begin by finely chopping onions and mincing garlic, which form the aromatic foundation of this dish. Sauté the onions in a preheated skillet until they turn translucent, then add the garlic. The garlic and onion together release a delightful fragrance that will permeate the entire meal.
Next, add the sausages to the skillet to brown them evenly on all sides. This step is crucial as it locks in their juices, ensuring that each bite is savory and moist. After browning, remove the sausages and set them aside. The residual browning in the pan is invaluable; it will elevate the depth of flavor in your slow cooker curried sausages.
Introduce the curry powder to the onions and garlic while still in the skillet. Stirring the curry powder at this stage toasts the spices slightly, unlocking their full aromatic potential. This mixture will be the backbone of your dish, providing a robust flavor profile that delights the senses.
Transfer the spiced onion mixture into your slow cooker. Return the browned sausages to the pot, layering them atop the fragrant base. Now, it’s time to add your vegetables: carrots, potatoes, and cauliflower. These root and cruciferous vegetables not only add nutritional value but also absorb and enhance the curry’s flavors throughout the slow cooking process.
Pour in the stock, which will serve as the cooking liquid, ensuring that all components are immersed and poised to meld seamlessly. Add Worcestershire sauce or a savory chutney to introduce a bright contrast to the dish’s deep, earthy flavors.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to your desired cooking time. Opt for high heat if you’re pressed for time; the sausages will be ready in three hours. Alternatively, the low setting allows for a leisurely cook over six hours, during which the ingredients can truly harmonize. This hands-off approach permits you to step away, knowing that your slow cooker curried sausages will emerge as a comforting and aromatic delight.
Perfecting the Dish and Serving Suggestions
Bringing your slow cooker curried sausages to a superb conclusion involves a few essential final touches that enhance both texture and flavor. One of the key steps is to thicken the stew. To achieve the desired consistency, prepare a cornflour paste by mixing two tablespoons of cornflour with a small amount of water. Gradually stir this mixture into the slow cooker, ensuring it is evenly incorporated. Allow this to cook on low heat for an additional 15-20 minutes. This thickening process will make your curried sausages hearty and rich.
Next, for added color and sweetness, introduce a cup of frozen peas into your dish. The vibrant green peas offer a refreshing contrast and a delightful burst of flavor. Ensure the peas are well mixed and allow them to cook for the remaining 10-15 minutes, warming through thoroughly. Their sweet undertones beautifully complement the spiced depth of the sausages, enhancing the overall culinary experience.
When it comes to serving your slow cooker curried sausages, consider pairing them with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice. Both options create a comforting base that absorbs the sauce’s flavors, elevating each bite. Alternatively, a slice of crisp bread can be used to soak up the luscious curry sauce.
To round out the meal, you might serve a fresh green salad on the side. The salad offers a crunchy and refreshing counterbalance to the rich, spiced stew. Add garnishes such as chopped fresh coriander or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra touch of flair and heat. For a crisp texture, a side of toasted bread can also make an excellent accompaniment.
This dish is designed to be shared, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The shared experience of enjoying a home-cooked meal like slow cooker curried sausages brings joy and satisfaction to any dining occasion. Gather around the table, savor the harmonious blend of spices, and relish the hearty comfort this dish provides.
Ingredients
- 1 brown onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2-3 potatoes
- 2 medium carrots
- ½ head small cauliflower
- 750 gm – 1kg thick beef sausages
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce or mango chutney (or really any fruit chutney)
- 4 cups chicken or beef stock
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons cornflour
Instructions
- Start by preparing the vegetables. Peel and slice the onion and garlic and set aside. Peel and chop the potatoes and carrots to 2-3cm pieces. Chop up the cauliflower and set aside in a bowl with the potatoes and carrots.
- If you are using a slow cooker that you can saute in, turn it onto high and heat a splash of olive oil. Otherwise use a frying pan for this step and then transfer to the slow cooker. Add the onions, garlic and the sausages. Fry off the sausages so that they are brown on all sides. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your slow cooker.
- Remove the sausages from the pan and slice into thick, 1 inch pieces. Place the curry powder in the pot with the onions and saute for another minute until nice and fragrant.
- Add the sliced sausages back to the pot with the carrots, potatoes and cauliflower. Add the worcestershire sauce or chutney and the stock. Give everything a good mix around and place the lid on. Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours.
- In a small bowl mix the cornflour with a little water to make a thick paste. Remove the lid of the slow cooker and add the cornflour mixture and frozen peas. Stir through and then continue cooking for an additional 1 hour on high or 2 hours on low. Serve with mashed potatoes or rice.
