Ingredients
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Ingredients
- 12 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 8 tbsp tomato purée
- 4 large red onion, finely chopped
- 1600 g butter beans
- 32 vegetarian sausages
- 4 warm crusty bread
- 4 tsp fennel seeds
- 8 celery sticks, finely chopped
- 240 g fresh vegetarian pesto
- 4 tsp sweet smoked paprika
- 1000 ml vegetable stock
- 8 tbsp olive oil
- 4 few sprigs of thyme, rosemary or sage
- 8 carrots, finely chopped
- 1600 g plum tomatoes
- 4 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Nutritional Information
Calculated based on standard values with available measurements and may therefore not be accurate.
Nutritional information not available.
Veggie sausage casserole
Instructions
Step 1
Warm the oil in a large flameproof casserole dish over medium-high heat. When it begins to shimmer, add the sausages and quickly stir to coat them with the oil. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they are browned on all sides, then remove them and set aside on a plate. Lower the heat to medium and add the onion, celery, and carrot along with a generous pinch of salt. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables are softened but not browned.Step 2
Mix in the garlic, paprika, and fennel seeds, if using, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until they release their aroma. Add the herb sprigs and tomato purée, making sure to coat everything well. Continue cooking for 5 minutes until the tomato purée is caramelized and turns dark red. Pour in the vinegar, tomatoes, stock, and beans along with their liquid. Rinse the tomato can with water and add that to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and place the sausages back into the pan. Simmer gently for 40-45 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning as desired, remove and discard the herb sprigs.Step 3
Pour the pesto over and accompany with warm crusty bread, if desired.
Recipe Story
Delicious Veggie Sausage Casserole
If you're in search of a hearty and comforting dish that's both satisfying and packed with flavor, look no further than our Veggie Sausage Casserole. This delightful dish is a celebration of rich, savory flavors, beautifully complemented by an array of vibrant vegetables and aromatic herbs. Whether you're a seasoned vegetarian, embracing a plant-based lifestyle, or simply seeking a nutritious meal option, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Main Flavors & Ingredients
The star of this casserole is undoubtedly the savory vegetarian sausages, which provide a deliciously meaty texture without the meat. Infused with the aromatic goodness of finely chopped red onion, celery, and carrots, the base of this dish offers layers of natural sweetness and umami. With the addition of sweet smoked paprika and optional fennel seeds, the casserole is lifted with smoky, slightly spicy notes, creating a complex and enticing flavor profile.
Herbal accents from fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage introduce an earthy depth, while tangy tomato purée and balsamic vinegar balance the flavors with a touch of acidity. This savory mixture is lovingly combined with plum tomatoes, rich vegetable stock, and hearty butter beans, resulting in a stew-like texture that's both filling and nourishing. The fresh vegetarian pesto swirled through at the end provides a vibrant pop of basil-infused freshness.
Health Benefits
Beyond its delicious taste, this Veggie Sausage Casserole is brimming with nutrients and health benefits. Packed with fiber from the vegetables and beans, this dish supports digestive health and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. By using vegetarian sausages, this recipe significantly reduces saturated fat intake compared to traditional meat-based casseroles.
Cooking Time & Serving Ideas
With a quick prep time of just 15 minutes and zero cooking time, this Veggie Sausage Casserole is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a wholesome meal in a hurry. Serve it piping hot with a side of warm crusty bread for dipping, or over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a comforting dinner. It’s also a fantastic dish for meal prep, as the flavors deepen even further the next day.
Variations
This recipe is versatile and easily adaptable to suit various dietary needs. For a vegan option, simply ensure your vegetarian sausages and pesto are vegan-friendly. To make it gluten-free, choose gluten-free sausages and serve with rice instead of bread.
Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano or basil, to switch up the flavor profile. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture. However you choose to enjoy it, this Veggie Sausage Casserole is sure to delight your taste buds and nurture your body.
