Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen preparing dinner? Craving a delicious, satisfying meal without the fuss? Then look no further! This sticky sausage tray bake is the ultimate weeknight winner, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Inspired by the incredibly talented Sarah Rossi from Taming Twins, this recipe is a testament to simple cooking done right. And the secret ingredient? You won’t believe it – marmalade!
Sarah herself calls this the “easiest ever” traybake, and after making it myself, I wholeheartedly agree. The combination of juicy sausages, tender vegetables, and that unexpected burst of sweet and tangy marmalade creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. Even if you’re not a marmalade fan (like myself!), trust me on this one. The marmalade doesn’t overpower the savory elements; instead, it beautifully enhances the flavors of the vegetables, adding a depth that’s truly remarkable.
I followed Sarah’s recipe closely, making just one small tweak: I swapped leeks for red bell peppers, simply using what I had on hand. This highlights the beauty of this recipe – its adaptability! Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables. Think vibrant courgettes, tender broccoli florets, or even some hearty Brussels sprouts. The possibilities are endless!
Here’s what you’ll need:
*
Vegetables:
Two onions (peeled and roughly chopped), three carrots (peeled and chopped), two bell peppers (cut into strips), four large baking potatoes (cut into large chunks). Feel free to add other vegetables as desired!*
Protein:
500g pork sausages (any variety will work wonderfully)*
Flavor Boosters:
One tablespoon olive oil, one tablespoon dried thyme, salt and pepper to taste, and 100g marmalade (any type will do; I used Sainsbury’s for about 79p, but any supermarket brand works perfectly).Instructions:
1.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
This ensures everything cooks evenly and gets beautifully golden brown.2.
Prep your ingredients:
Chop and measure all your vegetables and sausages. This makes the cooking process smoother and faster.3.
Combine in a baking dish:
Place all the chopped vegetables and sausages into a large baking dish (a roasting tin works perfectly). Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss everything gently to coat evenly.4.
Bake:
Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the vegetables to start softening and the sausages to be browning nicely. If they’re not quite golden, add another 10-15 minutes.5.
Marmalade Magic:
Once the initial 45 minutes are up, gently flip the sausages. Spoon the marmalade evenly over the sausages and vegetables. Return the dish to the oven for a final 15 minutes, allowing the marmalade to caramelize and the flavors to meld together.6.
Serve and enjoy!
This tray bake is delicious hot from the oven, but I also found it to be even more flavorful the next day, making it perfect for lunch or leftovers!Tips and Variations:
* For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
* Consider using different types of sausages, such as chicken or Italian sausages, to explore diverse flavor profiles.
* Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables! The more the merrier.
* Next time, I might reduce the potatoes slightly and add more vegetables like leeks or courgettes for a more balanced meal.
This sticky sausage tray bake is the ultimate simple and satisfying dinner solution. So, ditch the complicated recipes and embrace the ease and deliciousness of this marmalade-infused culinary masterpiece!
