Last year I was privileged enough to interview Michelin starred British chef Fergus Henderson. It was one of my most exciting times as a food blogger and perhaps one of the interviews I am most proud of. My good friend Queen Viv had a hand in that and one day a few weeks ago, she told me about a recipe of his that she had clipped from a newspaper. He had recommended this dish to feed a family, and it was a recipe that pleased children as they invariably love sausages.
I was quite interested in this recipe, not because I needed to feed a family as it’s just Mr NQN and I but if you hadn’t guessed by my recent posts, we’re battening down the hatches for Winter (I’m being a tad dramatic here, it’s not quite that cold-yet!). Queen Viv emailed me the instructions and they were disconcertingly vague – a little like when someone tells you a recipe over a dinner conversation across a table and it’s peppered with vague quantities and lots of hand gestures. These instructions make perfect sense to them as they’ve made it at home but I’m a little wary and seek measures. We both had been to Eumundi Smokehouse and had in our possession some of their absolutely lovely fresh sausages and she decided that the venison and beetroot sausages would be the ideal companion for this dish. She reported back positively and rapturously about it and I set it aside to cook one night as I didn’t have any rocket, wild or otherwise, in the fridge.
Then last week I went out to an event on a miserable rainy Autumn day. By the time I started to head home (I should have taken a cab really) my favourite boots were wet and even though it was just after 4.30pm the sky was almost as dark as midnight. I thought about this dish while trudging through the city and avoiding puddles while simultaneously trying to protect my favourite boots as well as my camera bag (a fruitless effort you see and nigh on impossible to do) . I stopped into David Jones and picked up some wild rocket. It would be tonight where I would make this dish. While it was baking for an hour, I would be defrosting in a bubble bath and by the time it was ready, I would have righted myself with the world.
I did so and spent a most enjoyable time reading trashy mags while in the bathtub while the aroma of wine and tomato baked sausages wafted throughout the apartment. I then cooked the polenta and dressed the rocket and it was ready by that time Mr NQN had come home hungry and also wet. We ate these sausages like it was a last meal with some wonderfully crusty bread slices and then vowed to make it again in a couple of night’s time (which we did). And that’s how I’m convinced that one can survive a cold, wet, rainy day.
So tell me Dear Reader, how do you right yourself with the world after being jostled about?
Family or Duo Pleasing Baked Sausages
Adapted from Fergus Henderson’s recipe
Serves 2
- 4 sausages (2 per person, good quality ones, I used Eumundis)
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1x 425g tin chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup white or red wine
- 1 cup instant polenta (fine or coarse)
- 3.5 cups water
- 1 knob of butter (a tablespoon or so)
- Salt
- 50grams/1.7oz wild rocket
- Mustard vinaigrette
1. Preheat oven to 180C/350F. In a cast iron pot or an oven proof pot with lid (or you can cover a baking dish with foil) and brown the sausages in oil. Once browned, turn onto low heat and cook onion and garlic until soft. Add tomatoes and wine and cover with lid and bake for 1 hour. Busy yourself during this time by doing crucial things like reading trashy magazines in the bath to catch up on essential world current affairs.
2. When 50 minutes has passed, you can start on the polenta. It doesn’t take long to do especially if it’s the instant kind. In a medium sized pot, bring the water to the boil and add 2 teaspoons of salt. Using a whisk, add in polenta whisking constantly to get rid of any lumps. Add in butter and keep whisking-it will end up being like mashed potato.
3. Scoop the polenta into a large bowl or individual bowls. Place sausages on top with the tomatoes. As Fergus says “Discipline rocket with a few chops and dress in mustard and vinaigrette. Then make a like a dumper truck with the rocket on top of your dish – something green for the children to complain about”.
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63 Comments | Add your own
I love this so much, Lorraine.
The story AND the recipe. I had a bugger of a week and last night was my time to “right myself”. Mashed potatoes, wine, a good story, a long walk, talk with a dear friend, music I’d forgotten I loved. 
I feel heaps better. 
I just cooked a similar dish yesterday! Such a nice winter warmer
what a hearty dish. Yummy
btw I made the recipe of monkey bread you posted and I kept on going for more yummy
Mmmhhh, that looks so good and comforting! A mouthwatering dish.
Cheers,
Rosa
This dish is my sort of dish. I am onto it! Thanks Lorraine. x
This is so foreign to me. Down here sausage is either Bratwurst or smoked bbq.
Forget the kids, I want it for me! NOW. hehe. Eumundis sausages are yummy, we’ve picked them up from a few markets now.
I love the idea of the long cooked sausage and the fresh rocket… lovely combination, if you ask me!
“something green for the children to complain about” – ha, I love it. Thanks for posting this recipe, I’ll definitely give it a crack.
I had a night recently where I just didn’t feel right, I was absolutely freezing, had a scratchy throat and was not particularly hungry (that’s when I knew something was wrong!)
My wonderful boyfriend actually tucked me up in bed early with a hot water bottle and I was right as rain the next morning.
Sometimes I think you just need sleep.
This looks positively wonderful
I love to BAKE when things get a little crazy! Perfect therapy for me!
I love Fergus Henderson and his whole nose to tail philosophy. I still dream about the whole roast pig I ate at his restaurant St Johns.
Perfect weather for this! I’ve never made polenta before, but it looks delicious with the sausages!
Perfect comfort food for winter!
a very hearty meal indeed, especially to keep you warm with all this cold wet weather
We’ve the same fall weather here, need this type of yummy baked sausages to spice up the cloudy days
Have a great week,
Gera
This is a great post for a cool winter’s day, the dish looks fantastic, like a warm hug! I can’t pass up buttery mashed potatoes with a slow cooked dish of any description to make everything right again, I just wish I could get some of those lovely sausages in Brisbane.
sausage – our eternal friend! This looks like wintery divinity
While a cheap snag in bread at Bunnings is somehow delicious every time, it’s the really good quality ones cooked lovingly that lift the humble sausage into gourmet goodness.
Thanks for sharing this one – it’s definitely on the menu next week!
This looks like a great winter warmer and while I am sitting here FREEZING, I’am certainly craving it.
I am thinking it would be really nice with creamy mash potato too.
To correct the balance of the world after it has tilted and sent me sliding through the day…I usually settle down with a nice hot cup of tea or two. I find a good cup of tea can just comfort and energize me.
Sounds perfect for these rainy Sydney days!
Must be accompanied with proper hot chocolate. Dark Chocolate melted into (soy) milk with honey, cinnamon and a splash of butterscotch schnapps. That will warm you up immediately.
My comfort on a rainy day is British TV DVDs – BBC Pride and Prejudice, The Good Life, As Time goes by. You can’t feel bad about grey skies when watching people who have them nearly every day
yum! looks so good for winter!!
Your polenta looks so much more gloriously plump and soft than mine ever has! I’ll have to have another go…
In terms of righting myself? Chocolate, watching Ellen, or having a little bit of a cry then telling myself to buck up
This dish looks perfect for a cold, rainy day, or perhaps after a strenuous day of shopping at the David Jones sales
A glass of red while cooking a warm hearty meal… nothing better!
Love the recipe and advice, Lorraine!
SSG xxx
such a warm comforting dish for the cold weather.. yum!
Thanks for the wonderful recipe! I can’t wait to try it.
I bake when I’ve had a bad day – there is nothing better than cupcakes to put a smile on my face!
This is such a nice dish when it is cold and rainy and you are feeling down and out of sorts; here it is in the 90s and it is going to hit 100 this week but I will keep it in mind for next fall; to destress I like to sit by the beach listen to the waves crashing and order something to eat and have them bring it to me under my umbrella, like some fried fish and a glass of white wine.
Well we are still having bright sunny days here, but I am storing this idea for a cold rainy one…love authentic sausage (as opposed to non authentic supermarket rubbish!)
Ah this looks perfect for Sat night dinner at home with my husband – sausages are his favourite ( at 30 you have think he’d have moved on but no, faithful till the end to snags!). Forcast in Perth is for 15 & rain so perfect with a yummy warming shiraz to match
happy times.
Yummy,perfect for Sat night dinner at home, my husband is a massive fan of sausages ( still at the age of 30 his devotion hasn’t shifted!)Top it off with a warming Shiraz to beat off the cold on a forcast 15 degrees & rainy Perth weekend.
What a great way to enjoy a rainy and dark day. I loved it.
Rain makes me feel “nesty” I immediately want my pajamas and socks, a good glass of wine and a light and delicious meal.
David Jones. I loved David Jones. Thanks for the recommendation when we visited. I made my husband stop by regularly. I still dream of their amazing chocolate covered strawberries. I’m sure we must have stopped in David Jones to get out of the rain one day. I imagine this dish would be perfect for a rainy day. xoxo Mum
Mr 9 often asks me: Why do I feel hungry when I’m cold/sick/wet (whatever the occasion happens to be). I explain that sometimes we crave comfort food. I think this recipe will fit the bill for the next time one of us is down, or cold, or sick, or whatever excuse we can come up with!
I am bookmarking this for 6 months from now when I can eat hearty food again.
I am recovering from a badly sprained ankle have had to be off my foot for 5 weeks and then I contracted pleurasy and I have not been able to get out of bed for a week
with a family of 2 daughters 8 and 9 and a hungry husband, I was blessed to have beautiful comfort food made for my family over the past week by a troop of angels by way of girlfriends and some strangers also
I feel very humbled and blessed this winter
So perfect for this weather, I haven’t made polenta either but this looks the right dish to have it with.
this looks so delish. What a wonderful dish, so rich, i can practically smell it from the other side of the world.
I right myself with a nice glass of wine and a nice piece of dark chocolate. And if things are really stressful, I make a beeline for a pedicure or massage.
will be great with champagne. sausage is just great!
This looks amazing and delicious. Although I admit I thought it was mashed potato from the initial photo and almost immediately put it on my MUST COOK list.
Alas, polenta takes some convincing of the boy, but I’m going to try it anyway. Now to hunt down some venison beetroot sausages.
We made this the other day, which is also an amazingly delicious cold, winter recipe (it’s more wintery here in Melbourne!) although I dressed the rocket in a light olive oil and balsamic before adding it to the plate. http://www.ingoodtasteblog.net/in_good_taste/2010/05/worknight-dinner-recipe-chicken-sausages-with-white-beans.html
I wonder if I can get those sausages here!
Ommm nommm nommmm
This is like comfrt food! Sausages are always so delicious!
One of my favorite foods is polenta. I grew up eating it. This dish looks wonderful, something that I’d cook & have cooked.
Hubby is not a fan of sausages but I definitely heart this dish.He’s such a curry muncher and would eat it for every meal, if I were to make it that is! I’m going to buy some Eumundi sausages when I have my own food safari hehe and make this dish for my daughters, granddaughters and myself.
‘Righting’ a bad day for me is through baking. A lovely aroma wafting through the house and indulging with a slice and a cuppa
And just when the weather turned cold enough here for real, rib-sticking comfort food, you do a post on sausages – on a bed of mash!
I’m rather odd, but it’s properly fried sausages on a bed of steamed, fluffy white rice that makes me feel better when things go haywire.
i almost want today to be a dreary, icky day so i can replicate exactly what you’ve done here, from the bubble bath to the polenta and stellar sausage. nice save, lorraine.
Loved your little tale Lorraine. You have some lovely little stories on here. Even if I don’t eat meat, it’s still lovely to read your accounts of what’s gone on with it all.
))))
I’m thinking that this would be a very tasty dish made with mushrooms or perhaps a delicious haloumi(?) instead of the sausages, and think I might just attempt it. Though I guess it wouldn’t take nearly as long. I might have to adjust the recipe a tad! Maybe just a sit and read with a glass of my fav red to pass the cooking time? Which just may be my way to right my world, along with the lovely “Duo Pleasing Baked Mushies”!!!
when its cold, wet and dark outside cure number one is to be inside with snuggly clothes on then all that can follow is red wine, good hearty food and the sofa!
I’m loving the idea of trying polenta!
I’m still gawking at all that polenta (which I was actually hoping was sweet potato mash) – sausages are always good for the cold winter months.. actually, they are good any time
That is fabulous, Lorraine. I love polenta in practically any form (I’m working on a salad I saw in Donna Hay using it) but under these divine sausages it is a perfect foil. So much prefer it to rice or potatoes!
Oooh wow this looks so tasty!
yummy~~~ awesome sausages!
Wine. Wine will always bring you down if you’ve been jostled! So will a dish like this.
Mmm… sausages and polenta would definitely be a hit with my family!
I’m so glad you liked the twist of Zarina’s curse. I just knew everyone would think I’d gone on some random tangent.
Beautiful dish! Looks hearty AND pretty!
, somehow it makes the world right again.
When I’m feeling really crap I like to have tea and cookies
*kisses* HH
This meal definitely looks comforting and perfect for a cold day. I love how you served the sausages on polenta to catch all the wonderful juices…and the arugula adds the perfect peppery kick!
I saw this in Epicure a few weeks ago and made it that night for myself and some friends. Definitely perfect for these cold Melbourne nights! x
soaking in the bath reading trashy mags sounds idyllic – I managed to lie in bed and read my novel today because I was unwell enough to need to rest and it seemed quite a luxury – except for purring right in my ear from the cat!
SAusages are something I haven’t been able to give up since going veg – wonder how this might be with some veg sausages
(oh and you are riding the zeitgeist as fergus henderson was on masterchef tonight!)
St. John is one of the places that I need to visit one day. I love what he did and I remember that interview you did with him. Totally ENVIOUS!
What a fantastic winter dish. Something like this would right me after a horrible rainy day. My fave thing to do is to stop for supplies in the form of chocolate and trashy mag then after a hot shower curl up on the lounge simultaneously watching trash TV while I read trash mags and eat chocolate. Then to top it off the hubby pops out to get pizza for dinner.
Hi Krista-Thankyou so much Krista!
Absolutely, some days are just like that aren’t they! 
Wonderful to hear! 
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Hi Maria-Isn’t it just!
How fantastic!
Hi snooky doodle-thankyou!
I’m so glad! thanks for letting me know!
Hi Rosa-Thankyou so much!
Hi Chantelle-hehe fabulous! I hope you like it!
x
Hi Blond Duck-Oh really? :O
Hi Liss-aren’t Eumundis amazingly good? I’m ruined for life now with sausages
Hi deana-thankyou! I couldn’t agree more
Hi LaLa-hehe isn’t he a funny guy
Oh no you poor thing! But what a fantastic boyfriend! Yes I don’t think we get enough sleep in life!
Hi Lisa-thanks so much! Hehe great idea, me too!
Hi Gourmet Chick-it’s brilliant isn’t it. Oh I wish I could have gone there! *sigh*
Hi Celia-I love it because it’s an easy variation of mashed potato
Hi Cakelaw-thankyou so much!
Hi Simon-Thanks very much!
Hi Gera-Ahh do you! I wish you could get the same sausages over there!
Hi Tania-hehe a big hug is the best way to describe it!
I think you might be able to as he is originally from Queensland! 
Hi Sarah-hehe yes they’re a great standby!
I couldn’t agree more. You can really taste the difference can’t you! Fantastic, I hope you like it! 
Hi Saphire-I know, I’m freezing today too! I would like someone to make it for me
And yes mash would be great! Oh yes tea is fantastic for that I agree!
Hi Shan-Yes it makes the rain more bearable
Ahhh interesting I see what you mean! 
Mmm I like the addition of butterscotch schnapps!
Hi sam-Thankyou!
Hi Hannah-Oh really? itwas just a fine polenta, maybe that helps? Aww good stuff! It sounds cathartic!
Hi Laura-haha! yes the sales can be tough on the body!
Hi Michelle-Mmm nice! Mr NQN would be with you
Hi SSG-Why thankyou!
xxx
Hi isLa-Thanks so much!
Hi Loll-You’re more than welcome!
Aww yes cupcakes are like little pieces of sunshine!
Hi Joumana-Thankyou!
Absolutely, it’s great for cold weather! aww that sounds positively dreamy! 
Hi Tenina-Absolutely, proper sausages are so good aren’t they!
Hi Vanessa-hehe some kids never grow up-but that’s ok!
Ahh sounds like the perfect way to “celebrate” the weather 
Hi Velva-thankyou so much! Agreed! I just want to bury myself inside!
Hi mum-You’re more than welcome!
Hehe good idea! Oh yes I love those and the figs too! xxx
Hi MaidinAustralia-too right!
It’s like a big hug I promise you 
Hi Deanna-Fantastic! yes you’re so fortunate to be in a sunny climate!
Hi marelle-Oh no, I hope you get better soon! how wonderful to have so many caring people around you!
Hi Camilla-I agree, and polenta is so much easier than mash too !:D
Hi damaris-Thankyou very much!
Hi Carolyn-Ahh what a great way to do it!
I love beauty treatments too! Looking forward to one tomorrow!
Hi Andreas-Oh champagne huh? Interesting pairing!
Hi Caz-Thanks so much!
You could definitely do it with mashed potato 
If you can’t find that flavour, another good quality sausage would be great! That looks absolutely delicious! 
Hi Kelley-You might be able to! They’re usually at markets!
Hi pigpigscorner-Aren’t they the best?
Hi Portuguese Kitchen-Ahh cool! Yes we’ve done it a few times since we love it so much
Hi Matilda-Oh really? Curry for every meal? Now that’s dedication! Yes that means more for the rest of you
I like the sound of that!
Hi Midge-Oh that sounds really good too actually!
Hi grace-hehe come over here!
experience it all!
Hi Pam-Thankyou so much!
Aww you are so sweet! yes that could definitely be done I think and you’re right, it would need quite as long. You could cook the tomatoes and some beans or mushrooms and then add the halloumi in towards the end 
Hi Nomes-wonderful!
I really like the sound of that!
Hi catty-hehe you could do that actually!
Sweet potato mash sounds like it would go well!
Hi Barbara-Thankyou so much!
Oh was it grilled polenta? I love that too! 
Hi Natalie-Thanks very much!
Hi Yuki-Thanks Yuki!
Hi The Duo Dishes-haha true true!
Hi 5 Star Foodie-Yes I think it’s definitely a family pleaser
Hi Blond Duck-No I understood it!
Hi Heavenly Housewife-Thankyou very much!
Ahh yes a cup of tea, just perfect! 
xxx
Hi Faith-Thankyou! The juices are so good I have to say and I’ll take any excuse to buy wild rocket!
Hi Susan-Ahh fantastic!
Yes definitely cold weather compatible! 
Hi Johanna-Oh no I hope you’re feeling better now? I’m sure it would work well with vegetarian sausages! Oh yes I saw that-how serendipitous!
Hi penny-Me too! I’d love to go there one day
Aww thanks!
Hi Melissa-Thankyou!
Ooh good idea yes trash TV is a must and chocolate. I like your way of thinking! 
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