Sausage Hotpot

This Sausage Hotpot is the epitome of comfort food, making it perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish is a satisfying option for any occasion. The combination of sausages, tender potatoes, and aromatic herbs creates a warming meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: The blend of beef sausages and herbs makes every bite delightful and satisfying.
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Dish: Great for family dinners or casual gatherings, this hotpot fits various occasions.
• Hearty Ingredients: Packed with protein and vegetables, it’s a filling meal that keeps you energized.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare it in advance, then bake when you’re ready to serve!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your sausage hotpot, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large frying pan
• Baking dish
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon for stirring

Importance of Each Tool

• Large frying pan: Ideal for frying the sausage and vegetables evenly without overcrowding.
• Baking dish: Perfectly holds the hotpot ingredients while they cook in the oven.
• Cutting board & Knife: Essential for dicing vegetables safely and efficiently.

Ingredients

This sausage hotpot is ultra comforting and so simple to make!

For the Base

• 125g / 4.5oz diced Smoked Turkey Bacon Lardons (see notes)
• 6 beef Sausages (see notes)
• 1 large White Onion, diced
• 2 medium Carrots, diced
• 2 cloves of Garlic, finely diced

For the Sauce

• 3 tbsp / 45g Butter
• 3 tbsp Plain Flour
• 480ml / 2 cups Beef Stock
• 2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon Mustard

For Seasoning

• 1/4 tsp EACH: Dried Rosemary, Dried Thyme, Black Pepper
• 1x Beef Oxo/Bouillon Cube, crumbled

For Topping

• 400g / 14oz Baby Potatoes (or as needed to cover the top)
• 1 tbsp Butter (melted)
• finely diced Chives (to garnish)
• Salt (as needed)

How to Make Sausage Hotpot

Step 1: Fry the Meat

Fry the turkey bacon in a large pan over medium heat until crisp with the fat rendered. Remove it from the pan and set aside. Increase the heat slightly and fry the beef sausages until browned; they don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage. Remove them from the pan as well.

Step 2: Cook Vegetables

Lower the heat back to medium. Add the diced carrots and onion to fry until soft and lightly colored. If needed, add some butter to prevent sticking. After about 30 seconds, add in minced garlic.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Melt remaining butter in the pan. Stir in plain flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in beef stock while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, herbs, pepper, Oxo cube, Dijon mustard along with reserved turkey bacon and chopped sausages.

Step 4: Assemble

Pour everything into a baking dish. Allow it to rest for about 15 minutes or until a skin forms on top. Preheat your oven to 180C/350F during this time.

Step 5: Prepare Potatoes

Slice baby potatoes into approximately 1/4 thick slices. Arrange them over the filling in overlapping layers starting from outside towards center. Brush with melted butter and season generously with salt.

Step 6: Bake

Cover your dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that time has passed, remove foil and increase temperature to 200C/400F; bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Let it rest for about five minutes before serving. Garnish with finely diced chives before enjoying your delicious sausage hotpot!

How to Serve Sausage Hotpot

Sausage hotpot is a delightful and hearty dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Crusty Bread

• Toasted Baguette – Serve slices of toasted baguette for dipping into the rich sauce.
• Rustic Sourdough – A slice of rustic sourdough bread adds texture and flavor, perfect for soaking up the juices.

Accompanied by Fresh Salad

• Mixed Green Salad – A light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the hotpot.
• Coleslaw – Creamy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, making it a great side dish.

Topped with Cheese

• Grated Cheddar – Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top just before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
• Parmesan Crisps – Serve with homemade parmesan crisps for a crunchy contrast.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley – Fresh parsley brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color.
• Thyme Sprigs – Garnish with thyme sprigs for an aromatic touch that complements the flavors.

How to Perfect Sausage Hotpot

To create the ultimate sausage hotpot, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Use Quality Sausages – Choose flavorful sausages made from high-quality meat for better taste.
• Don’t Rush the Browning – Take your time to brown the sausages and vegetables; this builds depth of flavor.
• Adjust Seasoning – Taste as you go; adjust salt and pepper based on personal preference and stock used.
• Layer Potatoes Carefully – Overlap potato slices evenly to ensure even cooking and crispy texture on top.
• Let It Rest – Allow the hotpot to rest after baking; this helps flavors meld and makes serving easier.
• Experiment with Veggies – Add other vegetables like peas or bell peppers for added nutrition and variety.

Best Side Dishes for Sausage Hotpot

Pairing side dishes with sausage hotpot can enhance its comforting nature. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the savory broth of the hotpot.
2. Steamed Green Beans – Lightly steamed green beans add a vibrant color and fresh crunch to your meal.
3. Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes offer another comforting starch that pairs well with sausage hotpot.
4. Roasted Vegetables – A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables brings extra flavor and nutrients to your plate.
5. Cauliflower Rice – For a low-carb option, serve cauliflower rice seasoned with herbs as a base under the hotpot.
6. Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad provides a cool contrast to the warm, hearty hotpot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a sausage hotpot can be simple, but a few common errors can ruin the dish. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Skipping the Browning: Not browning the sausages and turkey bacon properly can lead to a lack of flavor. Always ensure they are well-browned before moving on to the next steps.
• Ignoring Vegetables: Overcooking or undercooking vegetables can affect the texture. Aim for soft yet firm carrots and onions to balance with the sausages.
• Rushing the Roux: If you don’t cook the flour long enough in your roux, it will taste raw. Take your time melting the butter and thoroughly cooking the flour before adding broth.
• Not Seasoning Enough: Under-seasoning is a common mistake. Taste your mixture as you go and adjust salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold stock or butter to a hot pan can shock it and alter cooking times. Always use room temperature ingredients when possible.
• Removing All Fat: While it’s good to remove excess fat, leaving some behind enhances flavor in your hotpot. Use just enough to keep it rich.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover sausage hotpot in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Sausage Hotpot

• Portion out any leftovers into freezer-safe containers.
• Frozen sausage hotpot lasts up to 3 months; label containers with the date.

Reheating Sausage Hotpot

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F). Cover with foil and heat for about 25 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making sausage hotpot that might help you.

What is Sausage Hotpot?

Sausage hotpot is a hearty dish featuring sausages baked with vegetables and potatoes in a rich sauce. It’s perfect for cozy dinners!

Can I use different types of sausages?

Absolutely! You can swap beef sausages for chicken or turkey sausages based on your preference or dietary needs.

How do I customize my Sausage Hotpot?

Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or green beans. You may also experiment with herbs such as parsley or oregano for additional flavor.

How long does it take to prepare?

The total time for making sausage hotpot is around 105 minutes, including both preparation and cooking time.

Is Sausage Hotpot suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This dish stores well, making it ideal for meal prepping. Simply store portions in airtight containers.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version, substitute sausages with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef stock.

Final Thoughts

This sausage hotpot is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or substituting different proteins. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep – give it a try!