Creating flavorful vegan sausages that rival their meaty counterparts can be a delightful culinary adventure. Our apple sage vegan sausage recipe combines the natural sweetness of fresh apples with the earthy aroma of sage, resulting in a perfectly balanced, savory treat.
Whether you’re looking to impress vegan guests or simply want a wholesome, plant-based option for breakfast or brunch, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
These sausages are wonderfully juicy, packed with protein and spices, and have a satisfying texture that holds together beautifully. Plus, they’re free from any animal products, making them ideal for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone wanting to cut back on meat without sacrificing flavor.
With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a batch ready in no time — perfect for meal prepping or enjoying fresh off the pan.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a fantastic blend of fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together to create an irresistible plant-based sausage. The apple adds a subtle sweetness and moisture, while the sage gives a classic savory note reminiscent of traditional sausages.
It’s naturally gluten-free and oil-free if you follow the cooking suggestions, making it a healthier alternative without compromising on taste.
Beyond the flavor, these sausages are highly versatile and can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices. They freeze well, making them ideal for batch cooking and quick meals.
This recipe also introduces you to the magic of using vital wheat gluten (or gluten-free binding alternatives) to create that signature meaty texture that makes vegan sausages so satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 cup vital wheat gluten (or gluten-free seitan mix)
- 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas (mashed)
- 1 medium apple (peeled, cored, and finely grated)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh sage
- 1 small onion (finely minced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth (more if needed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Grater
- Food processor or blender (optional for chickpeas)
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and chopping board
- Steaming basket or pot with lid (optional for steaming)
- Plastic wrap or parchment paper (for shaping sausages)
Instructions
- Prepare the chickpeas: Drain and rinse canned chickpeas, then mash them with a fork or pulse briefly in a food processor until mostly smooth but still a little chunky.
- Grate the apple: Peel, core, and finely grate the apple. Set aside to mix with other ingredients.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the mashed chickpeas, grated apple, chopped sage, soy sauce, sautéed onion and garlic, and vegetable broth.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir well until a dough starts to form. Knead the dough for about 3-5 minutes until elastic and firm. If too dry, add vegetable broth a tablespoon at a time.
- Shape the sausages: Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions. Roll each into a sausage shape, about 4-5 inches long. Wrap each tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper and twist the ends to secure.
- Steam the sausages: Place sausages in a steaming basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and develop their texture.
- Pan-fry the sausages: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Remove sausages from wraps and lightly brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.
- Serve warm: Enjoy immediately or let cool and refrigerate for later use.
Tips & Variations
For gluten-free option: Substitute vital wheat gluten with a blend of mashed beans, cooked quinoa, and ground flaxseed. Add a vegan binder like agar or xanthan gum to help hold the sausage shape.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Make it smoky: Use smoked paprika and a dash of liquid smoke for a deeper smoky flavor.
Apple varieties: Try tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangier flavor or sweeter varieties like Fuji for a milder taste.
Cooking methods: Instead of steaming, you can boil the sausages wrapped in foil or bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Sausage (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 120 kcal |
Protein | 8 g |
Fat | 3 g |
Carbohydrates | 15 g |
Fiber | 4 g |
Sugar | 3 g |
Sodium | 210 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This apple sage vegan sausage pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve them alongside vegan scrambled tofu and roasted potatoes for a hearty breakfast.
They also work great as a protein-packed addition to your favorite grain bowls or salads.
For a comforting meal, try pairing these sausages with sautéed greens and a side of creamy mashed potatoes. You can also slice them up and add to your favorite vegan pasta dishes or vegan stuffing recipes like our delicious German Stuffing Recipe.
Looking for more vegan-friendly baking ideas to go along with your sausages? Try our Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe for fresh homemade buns or grab a sweet treat after your meal with the Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe.
Conclusion
Making your own apple sage vegan sausages at home is not only rewarding but also a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting, plant-based meal packed with flavor and nutrition. The combination of fresh apple and fragrant sage brings a unique twist that elevates the humble vegan sausage to something truly special.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just experimenting with more plant-based meals, this recipe is approachable and adaptable to suit your tastes.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these sausages anytime you crave something savory yet wholesome. Don’t forget to experiment with different herbs and spices to make it your own!
We hope this recipe inspires you to try more homemade vegan dishes and dive deeper into the delicious world of plant-based cooking.
📖 Recipe Card: Apple Sage Vegan Sausage
Description: A flavorful vegan sausage made with apples, sage, and hearty plant-based ingredients. Perfect for breakfast or as a savory addition to any meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 6 sausages
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely chopped apple
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1 cup vital wheat gluten
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix apples, lentils, onion, garlic, and sage.
- Add soy sauce, olive oil, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, and pepper; stir well.
- Gradually add vital wheat gluten and vegetable broth, mixing to form a dough.
- Knead the dough for 3-5 minutes until elastic.
- Divide dough into 6 equal parts and shape into sausages.
- Place sausages on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 15g | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 20g
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