Family Favourite Golden Sausages

Who remembers this oldie but a goodie!

I made this golden sausage casserole  this week for my family for the first time since my own childhood and it was a hit!

Serve with mashed potato or rice, and steamed greens.

There’s nothing pretty about this dish, but it’s super delicious!

Sausages are an economical option for a family meal for several reasons.  It’s good on the wallet and filling in the tummy.  Here are a few reasons why choosing sausages for a family meal is a good idea to add into a well balanced family meal plan.

1. Inexpensive Ingredients: Sausages are often made from less expensive cuts of meat, including pork, beef, or chicken, which are ground and mixed with fillers like bread crumbs, rice, or vegetables. This makes the overall cost lower compared to premium cuts of meat.
2. High Yield: The mixture of meat with fillers and spices increases the volume, allowing producers to create more sausages from the same amount of meat, stretching the product further and making it more affordable.
3. Versatility: Sausages can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from breakfast to dinner. They can be grilled, fried, baked, or simmered in sauces, which means they can complement many different meals and cuisines, maximizing their utility.
4. Long Shelf Life: Many sausages are preserved through smoking, curing, or drying, which extends their shelf life. This reduces waste and allows consumers to buy in bulk, often at a lower cost per unit.
5. Minimal Preparation Required: Sausages are typically pre-seasoned and often pre-cooked, which reduces preparation time and the need for additional ingredients. This convenience can save money and time in the kitchen.
6. Affordable Protein Source: Sausages provide a good source of protein at a lower cost compared to many other protein sources like steaks or fish, making them a budget-friendly option for families.
7. Cultural and Local Availability: In many cultures, sausages are a traditional food that has been developed to utilize every part of the animal, reflecting a resourceful approach to cooking and eating.

 

You’ll notice that I have added the controversial ingredient of raisins to this dish.  People like to add raisins to savoury meals for several reasons, enhancing the overall flavour and texture of the dish.   Raisins add a natural sweetness that can balance out the savory and sometimes spicy elements of a dish. This contrast creates a more complex and satisfying flavour profile.  The chewy texture of raisins provides a pleasant contrast to the other components of the dish, adding variety to the mouthfeel.

In many cuisines, particularly Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and North African, raisins are a traditional ingredient in savory dishes. For example, they are commonly used in Moroccan tagines, pilafs, and stuffings. As raisins cook, their sugars can caramelize slightly, adding depth and a subtle richness to the dish.

Raisins are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Adding them to savory dishes can enhance the nutritional value of the meal

I remember eating this meal in the colder months as a child.  There is something quite comforting about warm meals in the winter.  I think the reason for this is because warm meals offer a sense of coziness and comfort that is particularly appealing during the colder months. They can evoke feelings of home and security, which is especially welcome when it’s cold outside.

Eating warm food helps maintain body temperature in cold weather. The heat from the food can provide immediate warmth and comfort, helping to counteract the chill of the winter environment.  Warm foods are generally easier to digest than cold foods. They can help to stimulate digestion and improve circulation, which can be sluggish in cold weather.

Winter diets often include heartier, more calorie-dense foods to provide the energy needed to keep warm. Warm meals often feature stews, soups, and casseroles that are rich in nutrients and can help sustain energy levels throughout the day.

The aroma of warm meals can be particularly inviting in the winter. The scents of spices and cooked foods can create a welcoming atmosphere that enhances the dining experience.

If you are like us and love to mop up all the goodness on the plate then make sure to use one of my bread recipes.

Family loaves of Bread

Cute Little Bread Rolls 

If you love family friendly sausage recipes make sure to also try out these recipes.

Devilled Sausages or this One Pot Sausage Pasta dish by the Kiwi Country Girl

Smokey Sausage Casserole by VJ Cooks.