Hairy Bikers Cumberland Sausage Pie Recipe
The Hairy Bikers Cumberland Sausage Pie Recipe is a hearty British classic perfect for family dinners. This savory pie combines Cumberland sausages, vegetables and a golden pastry crust.
Ingredients
- 8 Cumberland sausages or other sausage of choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 carrot diced
- 1 celery stalk diced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon plain flour
- 150 ml ⅔ cup chicken or vegetable stock
- 150 ml ⅔ cup double cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 sheet puff pastry or shortcrust pastry
- 1 egg beaten (for glazing)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) or gas mark 6. Grease your pie dish lightly with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Sausages
- Remove the sausages from their casings and break the meat into chunks. This helps the filling cook evenly and mix well with vegetables.
Cook the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add onion, carrot and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until soft and fragrant. Add thyme and stir well.
Brown the Sausage
- Add the sausage meat to the vegetables. Cook until the meat is lightly browned but not fully cooked. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Make the Sauce
- Sprinkle flour over the sausage mixture. Stir for 1–2 minutes to cook the flour. Gradually pour in the stock and cream. Stir constantly until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Transfer to Pie Dish
- Spoon the sausage filling into the prepared pie dish. Spread evenly so it sits nicely under the pastry. Let it cool slightly before adding the pastry.
Prepare the Pastry
- Roll out the pastry to fit your dish. Cover the filling completely. Trim any excess pastry and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few small slits in the top for steam to escape.
Glaze and Bake
- Brush the top of the pastry with beaten egg for a shiny, golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes until the pastry is crisp and golden brown.
Serve Hot
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice and serve warm. The filling should be rich, juicy and full of flavor.
Notes
- Use mixed vegetables like peas or leeks for extra flavor.
- Add mustard or Worcestershire sauce to the filling for a richer taste.
- Try shortcrust pastry for a sturdier crust or puff pastry for flakiness.
- Use fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley to change the flavor profile.
- Bake until pastry is golden and slightly puffed for the best texture.