Curried sausages are a true Aussie classic that combines juicy sausages with a savoury curry sauce for a filling dinner after a busy day. If you remember the old-fashioned curried sausages from childhood and want to recreate them, here is a curried sausages recipe to try out. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make curried sausages, from ingredients to freezing and storage tips.
What are curried sausages?
Curried sausages are one of the beloved traditional Australian recipes made with sausages, onions and curry sauce. The sauce is made with curry powder, onion and stock, giving it a mild and slightly sweet flavour. Traditionally, families add peas and carrots alongside a gravy thickened with flour or cornflour.
The curried sausages recipe has remained popular for generations because it can be served alongside classic sides. They’re also perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a lunch that you can make ahead of time.
Ingredients for classic curried sausages
Here are a few ingredients that you’ll need for the curried sausages recipe:
The sausages
Good curried sausages start with quality sausages. You can use beef or pork sausages, but thick beef sausages are a popular choice because of their savoury flavour, while pork sausages have a slightly sweeter taste. If you’re looking for more inspiration, explore our range of juicy sausage recipes.
The curry sauce (curry powder, onion, veggies)
The sauce is what gives curried sausages their taste. The classic version has onions, curry powder, stock and tomato sauce. You also need Worcestershire sauce and a small amount of brown sugar to balance the savoury notes. Carrots and peas are traditional additions that give the sauce colour, texture and sweetness.
Curried sausages with curry powder are made with a mild curry blend instead of a hot one. This creates a gentle warmth that complements the sausages without overpowering them.
How to make curried sausages: step by step
Follow the steps below to make curried sausages:
- Brown and slice the sausages: Get a large frying pan and brown the sausages over medium-high heat. Check out tips on how to cook sausages for the best results. When the sausages are ready, set them aside for a few minutes and slice them into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same pan, fry onions until they’re golden and stir in the curry powder before pouring the stock, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar.
- Add the sausages back to the pan: Stir the sauce for a few minutes and return the sliced sausages to the pan.
- Add vegetables: Add your washed and sliced vegetables to the sauce, then simmer gently until the sausages are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Thicken the sauce: Use cornflour mixed with water to thicken the sauce before adding peas and allowing them to heat through before serving.
This easy curried sausages recipe comes together in 30 to 40 minutes, and you can serve it for dinner. Our pork sausages & veggie casserole is a great alternative if you enjoy slow-cooked dishes.
Common mistakes to avoid with curried sausages
While cooking curried sausages is straightforward, these mistakes can affect the taste of the dish:
- Skipping the browning: Browning the sausages before simmering them in the sauce adds a deeper flavour and improves texture. Browning also helps the sausages hold their shape, as it does in recipes like beef sausages & garlicky corn cobs.
- Too much curry powder: Using too much curry powder can overpower the sauce, which should be savoury rather than spicy. Start with a little curry powder and adjust to taste.
- Boiling the sauce rapidly: Do not boil the sauce rapidly. Instead, let it simmer gently to allow the flavours to blend together. You should also avoid adding too much thickener. A small amount of cornflour mixed with cold water is usually enough to create a silky sauce. If you're looking for more hearty dinner ideas, browse our sausage recipes.
What to serve with curried sausages
Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side for curried sausages that pair well with the sauce. You can also serve it with white rice or brown rice. If you want to mop up every last spoonful of gravy, crusty bread is perfect.
For a fresh bite, serve curried sausages with steamed green beans and broccoli or a salad. Another family-friendly recipe worth a try is pork sausages & creamy parsley sauce. When busy evenings leave little time for meal planning, HelloFresh meal kits are convenient.
How to store and reheat curried sausages
Curried sausages keep well, making them great for meal planning. You can refrigerate curried sausages for up to three days or keep them in the freezer for three months. The flavours tend to deepen overnight, making leftover curried sausage a delicious addition to your dinners or lunches.
Reheat your curried sausages on the stove on medium-low heat. If the sauce is too thick, add some water or stock and stir until it’s hot. You can also reheat small portions in the microwave.
Curried Sausages FAQ
What sausages are best for curried sausages?
Thick beef or pork sausages are the most popular choice for curried sausages. The trick is to use sausages with a high meat content so they stay juicy during cooking. Beef sausages have a richer flavour, while pork sausages create a slightly milder dish.
Do you boil or fry the sausages first?
Fry or brown the sausages first. This helps them develop extra flavour and creates some texture before they finish cooking in the curry sauce. Browning also helps the sausages hold their shape while they simmer.
Can you make curried sausages in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the sausages and onions first before transferring everything to a slow cooker. Cooking the dish slowly allows the flavours to develop and creates a rich, comforting sauce.
How do you thicken curried sausage sauce?
Mix a little cornflour with cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Add a little more if needed, but avoid using too much. Otherwise, the sauce can become overly thick.
Can you freeze curried sausages?
Yes. Once the dish has cooled, store it in an airtight container and freeze it for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Which curry powder should you use?
A mild curry powder is the traditional choice for curried sausages. It adds warmth and flavour without making the dish spicy. If you prefer a stronger curry flavour, simply add a little more to suit your taste.