Richmond: Irish Recipe

Competition (closed)

THE TASTE THAT BRINGS THEM HOME

Our search for the UK’s best sausage recipe

This summer, we set out to find a sausage recipe with the power to bring everyone together around the dinner table. From hundreds of entries, we picked four finalists to compete in a special cook-off – under the expert eyes of celeb-chef judges Sue Martin and Frances Waters.

Finalists – David Chorley, Pam Findlay, Natalie Robinson and Paul Scott –all turned the heat up on the day, with Sausage and Stilton Potato Cakes, classic Bolognese, and seasonal Mustard, Apple and Sausage Tart. But in the end, it was Natalie’s Sausage and Herby Dumpling Pie that got the judges’ votes - and the £10,000 prize!

Photo of Natalie who won the competiton

"The competition was a wonderful experience!" - Natalie

The winning recipe:
Richmond Sausage and Herby Dumpling Pie

This simple recipe takes 25 minutes to make and serves 1 (for a family meal, make 4 separate servings – cooking times may vary)

What you’ll need:
  • 2 Richmond skinless sausages
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1tsp sunflower oil
  • 1 x 215g tin baked beans
  • A generous dash of Worcestershire sauce
For the dumplings:
  • 75g/2¾oz self-raising flour
  • A pinch of dried herbs
  • 25g/¾oz butter
  • 2tbsp/1floz milk
Tip:

Experiment with different herbs in the dumplings – try rosemary, sage or thyme.

Method:
  1. Preheat oven to 220°C/425°F. Fry the sausages and onion in the oil for 5 mins. Cut the sausages into chunks. Take off the heat, add the beans, Worcestershire sauce and 125ml/4floz water. Spoon into a casserole dish.
  2. Put the flour and herbs in a bowl. Rub in the butter and stir in enough milk to make a soft dough. Break into 3cm/1in pieces and put on top of the sauce mixture.
  3. Bake for 10 mins, then reduce the heat to 190°C/375°F and bake for a further 15 mins.

“Like most good home-cooked dishes, Natalie’s was comforting and familiar but had an original twist. The simple and robust flavours won me over and, above all, it was easy for people to replicate.” – Sue Martin, Judge

The judges tasting the food of the finalists

Frances and Sue judge the final dishes

The four finalists

Natalie Robinson, Paul Scott, Pam Findlay, David Chorley – the four finalists

Natalie 'the winner' is presented with the cheque

Natalie Robinson is presented with a very impressive cheque