Mary Berry Sausage Plait Recipe
Discover the joy of baking with Mary Berry's Sausage Plait recipe, a delightful twist on the traditional sausage roll that combines savory sausage with flaky pastry in an eye-catching design. This easy and elegant dish is not only delicious but also impressively presented, making it a perfect choice for any meal, from a cozy family dinner to a special occasion brunch.
Mary Berry Sausage Plait Recipe: A Culinary Delight
The sausage plait is essentially seasoned sausage meat encased in pastry, baked to golden perfection. Mary Berry's version elevates the classic by incorporating ingredients like lemon zest, sun-blushed tomatoes, and thyme leaves, adding depth to the flavor profile. The result is a rich and satisfying taste, complemented by the comforting and fulfilling combination of flaky pastry and hearty sausage.
Ingredients for the Sausage Plait
- Onion: 1/2 to 1 medium, finely chopped
- Sausage meat: 1 to 1.25 lbs, quality sausage meat for a rich flavor
- Lemon zest: from 1/2 to 1 small lemon, finely grated
- Sun-blushed tomatoes: 2 to 3 oz, chopped for a tangy sweetness
- Thyme leaves: 1 to 1.5 tbsp, freshly chopped for aroma
- Puff pastry: 1 large sheet, ready-rolled for convenience
- Egg: 1 large, beaten for glazing
- Flour: for dusting
- Salt and pepper: to taste
How to Make Mary Berry Sausage Plait
- Start by frying or boiling the onion until tender, then mix it with the sausage meat, lemon zest, sun-blushed tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface into a rectangle, then spread the sausage mixture down the center.
- Cut diagonal strips along both sides of the pastry and plait these over the sausage meat alternately from each side.
- Brush the plait with beaten egg and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
This sausage plait is best served warm and can be accompanied by sides like skin-on fries, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal. For storage, wrap leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the oven to maintain the pastry's crispiness.
Nutritional Information and Variations
Each serving of the sausage plait provides approximately 450-500 kcal, with a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Variations of the recipe can accommodate different dietary needs, such as using vegetarian sausage meat or adding other ingredients like cheese or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What type of sausage meat should I use? Opt for high-quality sausage meat from a trusted brand or your local butcher. You can also experiment with flavored sausages for an extra flavor kick.
- Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, simply substitute the sausage meat with your favorite veggie sausage mix or a blend of lentils, mushrooms, and breadcrumbs.
- How can I prevent soggy pastry? Ensure your filling is not too wet and bake the plait in a preheated oven to start cooking the pastry immediately.
Embrace the art of baking with Mary Berry's Sausage Plait recipe. With its delicious flavor, impressive presentation, and comforting satisfaction, it's sure to become a beloved addition to your recipe collection.