This elevated twist on a British classic brings together crispy golden sausages, creamy sweet potato mash, and a side of garlicky sautéed greens for the ultimate comfort meal. The buttery thyme-infused drizzle ties everything together, creating a dish that’s as indulgent as it is nourishing.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this meal is packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding the whole family, this combination of juicy sausages, velvety mash, and fresh greens is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve with extra herb butter for an irresistible finishing touch!
Full Recipe:
- 4 Cumberland sausages (or any thick British-style sausage)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- Salt, to taste
- 1 red onion, sliced
- ¼ Savoy cabbage, sliced (or substitute with kale or white cabbage)
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen petit pois)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 150g butter, softened
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Brush the sausages with olive oil and roast for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- While the sausages roast, boil the sweet potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes until soft. Drain and let them steam dry for 10 minutes.
- Mash the potatoes with a generous knob of butter and a pinch of salt. For extra smoothness, beat with an electric whisk.
- To make the garlic herb butter, mix softened butter with minced garlic and fresh thyme. Shape into a cylinder using parchment paper, twist the ends, and freeze for 10-15 minutes to firm up.
- For the greens, sauté the red onion in a knob of butter over medium heat until soft.
- Add the sliced Savoy cabbage and a splash of water, cooking until the water evaporates. Stir in the spinach and peas, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until wilted.
- Plate up with a scoop of sweet potato mash, sausages, and wilted greens. Slice a disc of the herb butter and place it on top, allowing it to melt into the dish.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: ~480 kcal per serving | Servings: 2
Sausages with Sweet Potato Mash & Garlic Herb Butter – A Comforting Classic with a Twist
Few dishes evoke the feeling of warmth and comfort quite like sausages and mash. This dish takes the traditional British classic and gives it an elevated twist by swapping out regular mashed potatoes for velvety sweet potato mash and pairing it with garlicky, herby sautéed greens. Topped with a luxurious garlic thyme butter, this recipe is simple yet indulgent, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
A New Take on a British Classic
Bangers and mash is a staple of British cuisine, traditionally served with regular mashed potatoes and a generous helping of onion gravy. While this version retains the comforting essence of the original, it introduces a healthier and more flavorful approach. Sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness and creaminess, while the sautéed greens add a fresh contrast that balances the richness of the butter and the savory goodness of the sausages.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 35 minutes, this meal is perfect for busy schedules.
- Packed with flavor – The combination of roasted sausages, buttery mashed sweet potatoes, and garlicky greens ensures every bite is satisfying.
- Nutritious and balanced – Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins and fiber, while the greens add a dose of antioxidants and minerals.
- Customizable – This recipe works well with different types of sausages, including pork, chicken, or even vegetarian alternatives.
- Great for all seasons – While this dish feels like the ultimate comfort food in colder months, the fresh greens and vibrant flavors make it enjoyable year-round.
The Role of Sweet Potato Mash in This Dish
Sweet potatoes are a fantastic alternative to regular potatoes, offering a naturally creamy texture and a slightly sweet taste that pairs beautifully with the savory elements of this dish. They are also packed with essential nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber, making them a great choice for those looking to add more wholesome ingredients to their diet.
The key to making perfect sweet potato mash lies in allowing the cooked potatoes to steam dry before mashing them. This prevents the mash from becoming too watery, ensuring a rich and creamy consistency. A touch of butter enhances the flavor, and for an ultra-smooth texture, an electric whisk can be used to blend the mash to perfection.
The Importance of Quality Sausages
The sausages you choose for this dish play a crucial role in its overall flavor. Traditional Cumberland sausages, known for their coarse texture and seasoning, work exceptionally well in this recipe. However, other high-quality British-style sausages, such as Lincolnshire or pork and apple sausages, can also be used.
For those looking for a leaner option, chicken sausages make a great alternative without compromising on taste. Vegetarians and vegans can opt for plant-based sausages, which pair just as well with the sweet potato mash and greens.
Cooking sausages in the oven allows them to develop a beautifully golden exterior while remaining juicy and tender inside. A light brushing of olive oil helps them crisp up and adds a slight richness that enhances their natural flavors.
Wilted Greens – A Nutritious Side That Complements the Dish
Greens are an essential part of this dish, providing a fresh and slightly earthy contrast to the creamy mash and rich sausages. This recipe uses a combination of Savoy cabbage, spinach, and peas, each adding unique textures and flavors:
- Savoy cabbage – Its ridged leaves trap the garlic herb butter beautifully, making every bite flavorful. If unavailable, kale or white cabbage can be used instead.
- Spinach – This leafy green wilts quickly and blends seamlessly with the other ingredients, adding a vibrant color and mild taste.
- Peas – Their natural sweetness enhances the dish, creating a well-balanced bite. Frozen petit pois work best due to their delicate texture and flavor.
Sautéing the greens with a little butter and red onion adds depth and a hint of sweetness that complements the garlic thyme butter drizzled over the top.
Garlic Thyme Butter – The Ultimate Finishing Touch
One of the standout elements of this dish is the garlic thyme butter. Melting a small disc of this infused butter over the warm sausages, mash, and greens elevates the dish to new heights.
The combination of garlic and thyme creates a beautifully aromatic and savory butter that can also be used in other recipes. It’s incredibly easy to prepare—simply mix softened butter with minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves, roll it into a cylinder using parchment paper, and chill until firm. Leftover butter can be stored in the fridge or freezer and used to enhance vegetables, steaks, fish, or even warm bread.
Pairing Suggestions for the Perfect Meal
This dish is satisfying on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your meal, here are some great pairing suggestions:
- Crisp white wine – A lightly oaked Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc complements the buttery and savory elements of the dish.
- A light beer – A golden ale or pilsner balances the richness of the sausages and butter.
- Roasted root vegetables – Adding carrots, parsnips, or beets on the side enhances the dish with more depth and texture.
- A fresh green salad – A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast.
Ways to Customize This Recipe
- Make it dairy-free – Use plant-based butter and check that the sausages are dairy-free.
- Add extra herbs – Rosemary, sage, or parsley can be added for extra fragrance and flavor.
- Try different greens – Swap Savoy cabbage for kale, Swiss chard, or bok choy to change things up.
- Spice it up – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the greens or use spicy sausages for a little heat.
Conclusion – A Dish That Combines Comfort and Sophistication
Sausages with sweet potato mash and garlic herb butter is a dish that effortlessly blends classic comfort food with a touch of elegance. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or looking for something special to serve to guests, this recipe delivers a satisfying and delicious experience every time.
With its easy preparation, versatile ingredients, and layers of flavor, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your home. Try it today and discover how a simple twist on a traditional meal can turn into something extraordinary!