British cuisine offers a delightful array of traditional sausages, but for vegetarians, finding authentic and flavorful options can sometimes be a challenge. Luckily, British vegetarian sausage recipes bring the best of both worlds: rich, hearty flavors combined with wholesome, plant-based ingredients.
These recipes capture the essence of the classic British sausage, from the savory herbs to the satisfying texture, without the meat. Whether you’re a longtime vegetarian or simply looking to reduce meat consumption, these sausages make a perfect addition to any meal.
In this blog post, you’ll discover multiple delicious British vegetarian sausage recipes, each with its unique twist and ingredients. From the smoky and spicy to the herby and mild, these sausages are versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Plus, they pair wonderfully with traditional British sides like mashed potatoes, mushy peas, or a hearty gravy. Let’s dive right into these fantastic recipes that celebrate vegetarian cooking with a British flair!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These British vegetarian sausages are a wonderful way to enjoy the comforting taste of traditional sausages without any meat. They are packed with flavor, incorporating a blend of herbs, spices, and plant-based proteins that mimic the texture and savoriness of classic sausages.
Not only are these sausages delicious, but they are also healthier and more sustainable. They cater to a variety of dietary needs and preferences, making them an excellent choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Plus, making your own vegetarian sausages at home allows you to customize the seasoning to suit your taste perfectly.
Lastly, these recipes use easily accessible ingredients and simple cooking techniques, so even beginner cooks can achieve fantastic results. Once you try these, you’ll never look back at store-bought vegetarian sausages again!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked lentils (brown or green)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably fresh)
- 1/4 cup cooked quinoa (optional for texture)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tbsp tomato puree
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional for umami)
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water (flax egg)
- Salt to taste
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Food processor or fork for mashing lentils
- Frying pan or skillet
- Baking tray lined with parchment paper (optional for baking)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Large plate for shaping sausages
Instructions
- Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Stir and set aside for 10 minutes to thicken.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mash the lentils: In a large mixing bowl, mash the cooked lentils with a fork or pulse briefly in a food processor until mostly smooth but still textured.
- Combine ingredients: To the mashed lentils, add the cooled onion and garlic, cooked quinoa, breadcrumbs, tomato puree, soy sauce, nutritional yeast (if using), dried sage, thyme, smoked paprika, mustard powder, black pepper, salt, and the flax egg. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is sticky and holds together well.
- Shape the sausages: Wet your hands slightly and form the mixture into sausage shapes, about 3-4 inches long and 1 inch thick. Place them on a large plate or tray.
- Cook the sausages: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the sausages for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning gently to brown all sides evenly. Alternatively, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Serve hot: Once cooked, serve your British vegetarian sausages immediately with your favorite sides.
Tips & Variations
“For extra flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce (make sure it’s vegetarian) or a teaspoon of marmite to the mixture.”
- Make them spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a kick.
- Use mushrooms: Finely chopped sautéed mushrooms can add a meaty texture and earthy flavor.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with ground oats.
- Herb swaps: Fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary can be used instead of dried for a fresher taste.
- Smoking flavor: A few drops of liquid smoke can mimic that classic British smoky sausage taste.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 sausage) |
---|---|
Calories | 120 kcal |
Protein | 7 g |
Carbohydrates | 15 g |
Fat | 4 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Sodium | 350 mg |
Serving Suggestions
British vegetarian sausages are incredibly versatile and pair perfectly with classic British sides. Try them alongside creamy mashed potatoes and mushy peas for a comforting meal.
They also shine in a traditional toad in the hole style dish, baked in Yorkshire pudding batter with gravy.
For a lighter option, slice the sausages and add them to a warm salad with roasted vegetables and a tangy mustard dressing. Alternatively, serve them in a crusty bread roll with caramelized onions and mustard for a hearty sandwich.
If you want to explore more vegetarian recipes that complement these sausages, check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or the warming Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food.
Conclusion
Creating British vegetarian sausages at home is a rewarding experience that brings together the best of traditional British flavors with wholesome, plant-based nutrition. These recipes are easy to customize, allowing you to experiment with herbs and spices to suit your palate.
Whether you’re making them for a family breakfast, a casual lunch, or a comforting dinner, these sausages provide a satisfying alternative that everyone can enjoy.
By making these sausages yourself, you control the ingredients and avoid any unnecessary additives or preservatives often found in store-bought versions. Plus, they freeze well, so you can prepare batches ahead of time for busy days.
Don’t forget to explore other delightful recipes like Horse Cough Syrup Recipe or the elegant Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe to expand your culinary repertoire. Enjoy your cooking adventure and the delicious results!
📖 Recipe Card: British Vegetarian Sausages
Description: A classic British-style vegetarian sausage made with a blend of vegetables, oats, and spices. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or a comforting meal.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 6 sausages
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mash the cooked lentils until mostly smooth.
- Add oats, grated carrot, onion, garlic, and breadcrumbs to the lentils.
- Mix in soy sauce, tomato paste, sage, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Form the mixture into 6 sausage shapes.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and brown sausages on all sides.
- Transfer sausages to a baking tray and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 22 g
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