An Oldie But A Goodie....Curried Sausages...budget family dinner...no packet mix required!

This is a great old fashioned favourite. I remember loving this when my own mum used to dish up her version to us when we were kids. It's probably even considered retro or "old school" no that we're in the two thousands but in my opinion sticking to what works always works! I was inspired (or maybe more disheartened followed by inspired!) recently at the stupour-market when I saw a lady reach for a packet mix for this dish. I couldn't help but think that surely it would be just as easy to make them from scratch, especially when that means knowing they are full of fresh ingredients and minus all the preservatives, additivies and weird artificial stuff! So here's my recipe for them...I promise they are quick and easy and really quite cheap to make. The family will be satisfied at dinner time and you can give yourself a little cheer because you've snuck in a whole lot of veggies and left out the unknowns!

Old Fashioned Curried Sausages

You'll Need:
8 sausages of your choice (I used beef but you can use pork or whatever you fancy...remember the better quality the sausages the less junk is in them!)
3 medium carrots (peeled, halved lengthways and chopped into half moon slices)
2 sticks celery (chopped)
1 medium onion (diced)
4 medium tomatoes (chopped - or if short on time 1 can diced tomatoes)
1 apple (quartered, cored and diced)
1tbs olive oil
1 1/2 tbs curry powder
1 tbs plain flour (or cornflour/rice flour if GF)
1 tbs tomato sauce or ketchup
2 tsp brown sugar
1 1/2 cups chicken stock

To Make:
1. place sausages in a large deep sided frying pan and cover with water - place on medium heat and bring to a simmer for 5 mins or until firm
2. remove sausages from water and peel off the skins - place to the side to cool
3. empty water from pan, add oil and place over med-high heat
4. add carrots, celery & onion and cook for about 5 mins or until softened
5. add tomatoes and apple to the pan and cook for another 3-4 mins or until collapsed
6. whisk other ingredients in a jug until well combined and smooth - set aside
7. chop or slice sausages into the bite sized pieces and add to the veggies in the pan - stir to combine
8. turn heat down to medium and pour in sauce mixture
9. allow mix to come to the simmer and let cook for 10 mins, stirring regularly, until sauce thickens and flavours are combined
10. serve with steamed rice, couscous or mashed potatoes....mmmmm

Hope you enjoy this nod to the 70's! I promise it's a winner and hopefully it will become a regular rotation on your weekly menu. It can also be made ahead and frozen in an airtight container covered with cling film pressed down onto the top or kept in the refrigerator for 2 days before reheating to serve.