Delia Smith is a British cooking legend, and her sausage rolls are no exception. Delicious and versatile sausage rolls can be enjoyed as a snack or a meal. These flaky, savory pastries are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a quick snack. Here’s everything you need to know about making Delia’s delicious sausage rolls.
Delia Smith Sausage Rolls Recipe
To make the best sausage rolls of all you first need to make the pastry.
Make Pastry for Sausage Rolls
Ingredients
- 75g block butter
- 110g plain flour
- A pinch of salt
- Cold water to mix
Procedure
- Mix the butter into the flour by tossing it in and then using the coarse side of a four-sided grater, grate the butter into the flour. Use downward motions as you hold and grate the butter, ensuring that the butter is evenly distributed.
- To prevent your butter from melting from the warmth of your hands, try alternating between holding each side as you dip it into the flour. Alternatively, wrap the butter in foil for a more secure method. As you dip the butter into the flour, throw in the remaining lumps at the end to get the perfect texture.
- Using the grater, lift up the pile of grated butter curls and begin distributing them into the flour using a small palette knife. Gently spread the grated butter curls evenly throughout the flour to ensure an even texture throughout your baking.
- Mix the fat and flour together until it resembles breadcrumbs. Now, sprinkle a tablespoon of cold water over the mixture and use a palette knife to bring it all together. Once it starts to form a dough, use your hands to knead the mixture until it is smooth and pliable. You may need to add a few drops of cold water to help the dough come together. Once the dough is ready, empty the bowl and your pastry is ready to use!
- Roll out your pastry dough into a square shape, then place it in a resealable plastic bag and rest it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will help the pastry to firm up and be easier to work with.
Make Filling and Bake Sausage Rolls.
Ingredients:
- 225 grams of quality sausage meat
- ½ medium or 1 small finely chopped onion
- 2 rounded tablespoons chopped sage leaves
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten, to glaze
Procedure:
- Mix together sausage meat, two rounded tablespoons of sage leaves, chopped onion, and some seasoning. Give it a good mix, making sure to evenly distribute the ingredients. Now your sausage meat is ready to be shaped and cooked! Transfer the mixture to a flat surface that has been sprinkled with flour.
- Divide the sausage meat into two equal portions and roll each portion into a log shape with your hands. Pinch and roll the log to create two sausage rolls measuring approximately 30 centimeters long. Put them onto a piece of parchment whilst you roll the pastry.
- Roll the pastry dough into an oblong or a square, lightly knocking the edges with your rolling pin. Aim for an approximate size of 30 by 20 centimeters. Once you’ve achieved the desired shape and size, cut it into two strips lengthwise to finish.
- Now, simply transfer one roll of sausage meat onto one piece of pastry. Brush some beaten egg along one edge and fold the pastry over to seal it. Turn the sausage roll so that the sealed edges are tucked underneath.
- Slice each roll into six even pieces by starting in the center and carefully cutting each piece into three equal parts. This will ensure the rolls are evenly shaped and evenly sized.
- Make three snips on each pastry using scissors. This will allow the steam to escape and help the pastry to cook evenly. Brush each pastry with a beaten egg for a golden finish. Finally, place them on a lined baking sheet. Using a liner is going to save you lots of time scrubbing and cleaning afterwards.
- Bake these pastries in a hot oven at 220°C (Gas Mark 7) on a high shelf for 20-25 minutes until they are crisp and golden. Enjoy your freshly baked sausage rolls!
Note: When it comes to making the perfect sausage rolls, flaky pastry is always the way to go. Unlike puff pastry, which rises dramatically, flaky pastry provides the perfect texture and flavor for your sausage rolls. So, remember: for light, flaky and delicious sausage rolls, flaky pastry is the way to go!
Final Thoughts
Delia Smith’s recipe for sausage rolls is the perfect one to start with. It’s simple and straight-forward but still packed with flavor. And best of all, it yields delicious results every time. So next time you’re craving a homemade sausage roll, don’t hesitate – just get out your rolling pin and get cooking!