January is often the coldest month of the year, so there is nothing wrong with staying huddled up indoors and enjoying some comfort food for dinner. However, many of us are trying to be healthier in the New Year, so put down the takeaway menu and try Mary Berry’s sausage hot pot, which is an incredibly simple recipe that anyone can make.
This sausage hot pot is made with crispy bacon, a thick gravy, plenty of tender vegetables and, of course, some juicy sausages. It takes less than 10 minutes to prepare before simmering for 30 minutes, and everything is cooked in the same pan so you will save time on the washing up afterwards. In her cookbook ‘Simple Comforts’, Mary said: “Sausages are one of the most comforting meals – chose your favourites for this recipe. This one-pot stew is a complete main course, with a green vegetable if you like, and will keep all the family happy.”
How to make Mary Berry’s sausage hot pot
You will need (serves four):
Eight spicy fork sausagesFour rashes of smoked baconOne onionOne red pepperOne large carrotOne garlic clove300ml of chicken stockOne tin of chopped tomatoes (400g)Two tablespoons of sundried tomato pasteTwo thyme sprigs250g of baby new potatoesOne tablespoon of sunflower oilSalt and pepper
Method:
To begin, prepare the ingredients. Cut the bacon into fine pieces, chop up the onion, carrot and red pepper and then mince the garlic clove. You will also need to cut the potatoes into thick discs.
Heat the sunflower oil in a large lidded frying pan over a high heat. Add the sausages and fry for a few minutes until browned all over. Set aside the sausages and then cook the bacon until it is crispy.
Set the bacon aside as well, and then add the onion, pepper, carrot and garlic clove to the pan. Cook for five minutes on a high heat.
Pour the thyme, chicken stock, chopped tomatoes and sundried tomato paste into the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, season with salt and pepper, and add the potatoes to the pan as well.
Turn the heat down to a simmer, and then add the sausages and bacon back into the pan. Cover with a lid and let everything cook for 20 minutes.
Once the time is up, take the lid off the pan and cook for 10 minutes until the potatoes, sausages and vegetables are tender.
Your tasty sausage hot pot is now ready to serve, and it will pair perfectly with broccoli, green beans or even a big dollop of mashed potatoes.
