A warming bowl of this comforting vegan sausage casserole is the perfect antidote to chilly nights. This easy family dinner is great for feeding a crowd
Prep:15 mins
Serves 6
2 tbsp olive oil12 vegan sausages2 onions, finely chopped2 carrots, finely chopped2 celery sticks, finely chopped2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes1 tbsp light soft brown sugar1 tsp dried oregano1 tsp smoked paprika1 tsp cayenne pepper1 tbsp cider vinegarsmall handful thyme sprigs, leaves picked2 x 400g cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained100g vegan spread softened½ small bunch parsley, finely chopped3 garlic cloves, crushed6 slices rustic sourdough, halved, if needed
STEP 1Heat the oil in a large casserole or heavy-based saucepan over a medium heat, and fry the sausages for 4-6 mins, in batches if needed, until golden brown all over. Transfer to a plate.STEP 2Add the onion, carrot and celery to the oil left in the pan (add a splash more if you need to), and fry for 10 mins, until very tender and starting to turn lightly golden. Tip in the chopped tomatoes, half fill each can with water and add to the pan. Stir in the sugar, oregano, paprika, cayenne, vinegar and half the thyme. Season well and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 mins uncovered until the tomatoes start to break down, then stir in the cannellini beans and simmer for 10 mins until the casserole has thickened and the sauce coats the beans. Stir the sausages back into the pan. Season well. Add a pinch more sugar or smoked paprika if you like.STEP 3Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Mash the vegan spread with the remaining thyme leaves, chopped parsley and crushed garlic. Season with black pepper and mash well with a fork until combined. Lightly toast the sourdough in a toaster or under the grill. Smother the garlic mixture over the bread slices, and arrange over the top of the casserole. Transfer to the oven and cook for 15 mins until the garlic breads are golden brown, the garlic mixture melts into the toasts and edges are toasted.
