Description
This recipe combines crumbled bread, quality sausage meat, chopped dried apricots, and fresh herbs like sage or thyme, all bound together with onion and egg. It’s baked separately or rolled into balls for a crispy exterior and tender center. Jamie’s version focuses on balance and bold flavor, with natural sweetness from the fruit.
Ingredients
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- Sausage Meat (500g / 1.1 lbs, or use sausages with skins removed)
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- Dried Apricots (100g / ¾ cup, finely chopped)
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- Breadcrumbs (100g / 1½ cups, from stale bread)
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- Red Onion (1 medium, finely chopped)
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- Fresh Sage or Thyme (1 tbsp, finely chopped)
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- Garlic (1 clove, minced)
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- Olive Oil (1 tbsp)
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- Egg (1, beaten)
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- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
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- Optional: Zest of 1 orange for added brightness
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 5–6 minutes, until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the garlic and herbs, cooking for 1 minute. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix the stuffing
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage meat, breadcrumbs, chopped apricots, and the cooked onion mixture.
- Add the beaten egg, season with salt and pepper, and mix well with your hands until fully combined.
Step 3: Shape and bake
Option 1 – Bake in a dish:
- Spoon the mixture into a greased baking dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
Option 2 – Make stuffing balls:
- Roll into golf ball-sized portions and place on a baking tray.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, turning once for even browning.
Step 4: Rest and serve
- Allow the stuffing to rest for a few minutes before serving. It can be sliced or spooned as a side dish or served alongside roast meat.