Toad in the Hole

Toad in the hole is a quintessential British comfort food that has warmed hearts and bellies for generations. This delightful dish combines hearty sausages nestled in a golden, crispy Yorkshire pudding batter.

Ingredients:

• 115g plain flour
• A large pinch of salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 4 large free-range eggs
• 300ml milk
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 8 sausages (traditional pork or vegetarian)
• 2 tbsp beef dripping or vegetable oil

For vegetarians:

For those preferring a plant-based approach, simply substitute:

• Pork sausages with high-quality vegetarian sausages
• Beef stock with vegetable stock in gravy
• Worcestershire sauce with vegetarian Worcestershire sauce

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan).
2. Make the pancake batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper. Make a well in the centre and crack in the eggs. Gradually whisk in the milk until you have a smooth batter. Stir in the thyme leaves and let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes.
3. Place a metal baking tray with the beef dripping or oil in the oven to heat until smoking hot.
4. Brown the sausages in a frying pan for about 5 minutes.
5. When the oil is smoking hot, quickly remove the tray from the oven, add the sausages, and immediately pour in the batter around them.
6. Return to the oven and DO NOT open the door until the batter has risen and starts to go golden (approximately 25-35 minutes).

Homemade Onion Gravy

Ingredients:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp flour
• 500ml beef or vegetable stock
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Gravy Method:

1. In a large pan, melt the butter with the oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook slowly for about 20 minutes until caramelised.
2. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for a minute, stirring constantly.
3. Gradually whisk in the stock and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
4. Season to taste and serve piping hot over your toad in the hole.

Pro Tips:

• For vegetarians, brands like Quorn or Linda McCartney offer excellent sausage alternatives
• Always use room temperature eggs for the best batter consistency
• The secret to a perfect rise is a smoking hot tray and keeping the oven door closed

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with mushy peas
• Add roasted seasonal vegetables
• Perfect with a dollop of HP sauce

Whether you’re a meat-lover or prefer plant-based options, this toad in the hole recipe offers something for everyone. It’s a true taste of British comfort food that’s sure to become a family favourite.

Bon appétit!