Curried Sausages

Curried sausages are a beloved dish that combines the hearty richness of sausages with a fragrant, mildly spicy curry-flavored gravy. This dish has been a staple in Australian and British kitchens for decades, often served over mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic comfort meal or a quick, budget-friendly dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

For more comfort food ideas, check out Nigella Lawson’s Curried Sausages Recipe, which offers another delicious take on this classic dish.

What Are Curried Sausages?

Curried sausages are made by cooking sausages in a thick, savory curry sauce that typically includes onions, garlic, and a mix of vegetables like carrots and peas. The sauce is often thickened with flour or cornstarch and flavored with mild or spicy curry powder, depending on preference.

This dish is particularly popular in Australia, where it is considered a household classic. You can find many variations of the recipe, ranging from traditional stovetop versions to slow cooker adaptations. If you enjoy sausage-based dishes, you might also love this Sausage Parmesan Soup, another rich and comforting meal option.

Ingredients and Variations

Here’s what you’ll need to make curried sausages:

How to Make Curried Sausages (Step-by-Step Guide)

1: Prepare the Sausages

• First, cook the sausages in a pan until browned. Set aside and slice into pieces.

2: Sauté the Aromatics

• Next, in the same pan, heat olive oil and cook onions and garlic until soft. Then, add curry powder and stir for a minute to release the flavors.

3: Build the Sauce

• After that, add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.

4: Add the Sausages and Vegetables

• Now, return the sliced sausages to the pan. Stir in carrots and peas and let cook for about 10 minutes.

5: Thicken the Sauce

• Meanwhile, mix cornstarch with water and pour into the pan. Stir until the sauce thickens.

6: Serve and Enjoy!

• Finally, serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread. Garnish with fresh parsley for extra flavor.

For more tips on thickening sauces, read How to Make the Perfect Curry Sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Properly storing and reheating curried sausages ensures that they remain flavorful and safe to eat. Whether you’re meal prepping or saving leftovers, following these tips will help maintain the taste and texture of the dish.

Storing Curried Sausages

Refrigeration

✅ Cool before storing: Allow the curried sausages to cool to room temperature before placing them in the fridge. However, avoid leaving them out for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.
Use an airtight container: Store the sausages and sauce in a sealed, airtight container to retain freshness.
✅ Shelf life: Properly stored, curried sausages will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing

✅ Portion before freezing: Divide the dish into smaller portions for easy reheating.
✅ Use freezer-safe containers: Store in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
Label and date: Write the storage date on the container to keep track of freshness.
✅ Storage duration: Curried sausages can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Curried Sausages

Stovetop (Best Method)

✅ Pour the sausages and sauce into a pan over low to medium heat.
 Stir occasionally and add a splash of water or broth if the sauce is too thick.
✅ Heat for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.

Microwave (Quickest Method)

✅ Place the sausages in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely.
 Reheat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
✅ Add a little water or milk if needed to keep the sauce creamy.

By following these storage and reheating tips, you’ll enjoy curried sausages just as delicious as when they were freshly made! 🍛

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Curried sausages are a beloved comfort food, but getting them just right can be tricky. While the dish seems simple, small missteps can lead to bland flavors, an unappetizing texture, or a sauce that just doesn’t come together properly. If you’ve ever ended up with overcooked sausages, a watery curry sauce, or an overly salty dish, you’re not alone!

Below, we’ll go over the most common mistakes people make when preparing curried sausages—and, more importantly, how to avoid them for a delicious, rich, and perfectly balanced dish every time.

1. Overcooking the Sausages

❌ The Mistake:

Many people make the mistake of boiling or frying sausages for too long before adding them to the curry sauce. Overcooked sausages become tough, dry, and chewy instead of juicy and flavorful.

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Brown the sausages lightly: Instead of fully cooking them upfront, just sear them until they develop a golden-brown crust. This locks in flavor and prevents them from drying out.
• Finish cooking in the sauce: Once they are browned, let them simmer in the curry sauce for a few minutes. This keeps them juicy while also allowing them to absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce.
• Use good-quality sausages: Low-quality sausages with too many fillers tend to dry out quickly. Opt for sausages with a high meat content for the best texture.

2. Using the Wrong Type of Curry Powder

❌ The Mistake:

Not all curry powders are the same! Some are mild and slightly sweet, while others are fiery and intensely spiced. Using the wrong one can throw off the balance of flavors.

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Choose the right heat level: If you prefer a milder curry, opt for a yellow curry powder. If you enjoy spice, a Madras or hot curry powder will give the dish more heat.
• Taste before adding extra spices: Curry powders can vary greatly, so it’s always best to taste your dish as you go.
• Experiment with fresh spices: Adding a touch of ground cumin, coriander, or garam masala can enhance the depth of flavor and make your curry sauce even more aromatic.

3. Not Thickening the Sauce Properly

❌ The Mistake:

A runny or watery sauce can make the dish unappetizing and cause the flavors to feel diluted. Some people don’t use a thickening agent, while others use too much and end up with a pasty, clumpy sauce.

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Use cornstarch or flour correctly: If using cornstarch, mix it with a little cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the sauce. For flour, whisk it into a small amount of broth before incorporating it to prevent clumps.
• Simmer for the right amount of time: Letting the sauce cook for a few minutes allows it to reduce and thicken naturally. Avoid adding too much thickener too soon—give it time to develop the right consistency.
• Use mashed potatoes as a natural thickener: If you prefer a more natural option, a spoonful of mashed potatoes stirred into the sauce will add thickness without altering the flavor.

4. Skipping the Sautéing Step for Onions & Spices

❌ The Mistake:

Some people throw raw onions and spices directly into the sauce without sautéing them first. This leads to a curry that lacks depth and tastes flat.

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Always sauté the onions first: Cooking the onions in a little oil until they are golden and slightly caramelized will add a rich, slightly sweet flavor to your sauce.
• Toast the curry powder: Before adding the liquid ingredients, let the curry powder cook in the pan for about 30 seconds. This releases the essential oils in the spices, making the flavor much more intense and aromatic.
• Add garlic and ginger for extra depth: If you want an even richer sauce, finely minced garlic and ginger can add a warm, slightly spicy background flavor.

5. Overloading the Dish with Too Many Vegetables

❌ The Mistake:

While adding vegetables to curried sausages can enhance the dish, using too many can overwhelm the curry flavor and lead to a watery sauce.

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Stick to 2-3 key vegetables: Traditional choices like carrots, peas, and potatoes work well because they complement the flavor without overpowering it.
• Pre-cook root vegetables if using them: If you’re adding potatoes or sweet potatoes, boil or steam them separately before stirring them into the sauce. This ensures they are fully cooked without making the curry watery.
• Balance textures: If adding soft vegetables like zucchini or spinach, add them at the very end to prevent them from becoming mushy.

6. Using Too Much or Too Little Salt

❌ The Mistake:

Sausages and curry powder both contain sodium, so adding too much salt upfront can make the dish overwhelmingly salty. On the other hand, not seasoning properly can leave it bland.

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Taste as you go: Always season gradually and taste before adding more salt.
• Balance flavors with acidity: If your curry is too salty, a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar can help balance it out.
• Use low-sodium broth: This gives you more control over the salt level in your sauce.

7. Rushing the Cooking Process

❌ The Mistake:

Some people try to cook curried sausages too quickly, leading to underdeveloped flavors. A good curry sauce needs time for the flavors to meld together.

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Simmer the sauce for at least 10-15 minutes: This helps all the flavors come together and allows the sauce to thicken naturally.
• Let the sausages sit in the sauce before serving: Giving the dish a few extra minutes off the heat lets the sausages absorb even more of the curry flavor.
• Use a slow cooker for maximum flavor: If you have the time, cooking curried sausages in a slow cooker allows the flavors to develop beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Making curried sausages may seem simple, but avoiding these common mistakes can take your dish from average to absolutely delicious. By choosing the right curry powder, thickening the sauce properly, sautéing the onions and spices, and allowing enough time for the flavors to develop, you’ll end up with a flavorful, hearty meal that everyone will love.

Now that you know how to perfect your curried sausages, why not give it a try? Let us know in the comments if you have any personal tips or tricks for making this dish even better! 🍛✨

FAQs About Curried Sausages

🔹 What type of sausage is best for curried sausages?
Traditional beef or pork sausages work best, but you can use chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausages as well.

🔹 Can you make curried sausages in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the sausages first, then place all ingredients in the slow cooker for 4-6 hours on low.

🔹 How do you thicken curried sausage gravy?
Use a slurry of cornstarch and water, or let the sauce simmer until it reduces naturally.

🔹 What vegetables go well with curried sausages?
Common options include carrots, peas, potatoes, bell peppers, and spinach.

🔹 Can you freeze curried sausages?
Yes, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Final Thoughts

Curried sausages are more than just a meal—they are a comforting, hearty dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to the table. Whether you enjoy them as a quick weeknight dinner or as part of a traditional family gathering, this recipe is a perfect balance of rich flavors, savory sausages, and a fragrant curry-flavored gravy.

One of the best things about curried sausages is their versatility. You can customize the spice level, swap ingredients to suit dietary needs, and even prepare them in different ways, such as on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot. Plus, they pair well with a variety of sides, including mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread, making them a go-to dish for any occasion.

For more comforting and hearty recipes, check out Beef and Noodles Recipe, another classic dish packed with flavor and warmth.

Additionally, this dish is great for meal prepping. Since it stores and reheats well, you can make a big batch and enjoy it over several days. With the right storage techniques, curried sausages can taste just as good as they did when freshly made.

If you haven’t tried making curried sausages before, now is the perfect time! Whether you stick to the classic recipe or put your own creative twist on it, this dish is sure to be a hit. So go ahead—grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and enjoy a warm, flavorful bowl of homemade curried sausages! 🍛✨