Hairy Bikers Vegetarian Sausage Casserole is made with homemade vegetarian sausages, vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, spices, and tomato paste. It serves 6 and takes about 2 hours including preparation and cooking, offering a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meat-free meal option.
🧡 Why You’ll Love This Vegetarian Sausage Casserole Recipe:
- Hearty and Satisfying: This casserole delivers the comfort and satisfaction of traditional sausage casseroles, making it a fulfilling meal for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
- Rich in Flavor: Packed with spices, nutritional yeast, and a savory tomato base, this recipe offers deep, complex flavors that develop beautifully during cooking.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This casserole reheats well, making it an excellent option for meal prep or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
- Eco-Friendly: Choosing vegetarian options is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and support a more sustainable food system.
- Simple Ingredients: Despite its complex flavors, the recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it easy to shop for and prepare.
❓ What Is Hairy Bikers Vegetarian Sausage Casserole Recipe?
Hairy Bikers Vegetarian Sausage Casserole recipe features homemade vegetarian sausages made from vital wheat gluten and spices, simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that offers a plant-based twist on a classic comfort food.
🧅 Hairy Bikers Vegetarian Sausage Casserole Ingredients
- 2 cups vital wheat gluten
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed (to mimic traditional sausage flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
🥘 How To Make Hairy Bikers Vegetarian Sausage Casserole
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, ground black pepper, chili powder, crushed fennel seeds, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In another bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, vegetable broth, olive oil, and tomato paste until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon until the mixture starts to come together, then use your hands to knead the mixture for about 2 minutes until it forms a cohesive dough.
- The dough should be elastic but not sticky. If it’s too wet, add a little more vital wheat gluten.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a sausage shape, about 5 inches long. Wrap each sausage tightly in aluminum foil, twisting the ends to secure.
- Fill a pot with a couple of inches of water and bring to a simmer. Place a steamer basket in the pot, making sure the water does not touch the bottom of the basket. Place the wrapped sausages in the basket, cover, and steam for about 40 minutes, turning once halfway through.
- Carefully remove the sausages from the steamer and let them cool slightly. Once they are cool enough to handle, you can unwrap them.
- For a firmer texture, refrigerate the sausages for a few hours or overnight before using. They can be pan-fried, grilled, or sliced and added to dishes as needed.
💭 Recipe Tips:
- Enhance Flavors: Consider marinating the steamed sausages in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and herbs for an hour or overnight in the fridge to deepen their flavor before adding them to the casserole.
- Sausage Size: When shaping your sausages, keep in mind that they will expand slightly during steaming. If you prefer thinner sausages, roll them slightly smaller than your target size.
- Steaming Tips: Ensure that the sausages are not touching each other in the steamer to allow for even cooking. If your steamer is small, you may need to steam them in batches.
- Sausage Casing Alternative: If you prefer a more traditional sausage appearance, you can use rice paper wrappers soaked in water as a casing for your sausages before steaming. This adds an extra layer of texture.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce for your casserole, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to your sauce before pouring it over the sausages and vegetables.
🍚 What To Serve With Vegetarian Sausage Casserole?
Serve Vegetarian Sausage Casserole with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up the sauce a side of steamed green vegetables or a crisp salad adds freshness, while crusty bread is perfect for scooping up every delicious bite.
🎚 How To Store Leftovers Vegetarian Sausage Casserole?
- Refrigerator: Cool Leftovers Vegetarian Sausage Casseroleto room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Place cooled Leftovers Vegetarian Sausage Casserole in freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
🥵 How To Reheat Leftovers Vegetarian Sausage Casserole?
- In The Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) transfer Leftovers Vegetarian Sausage Casserole to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to retain moisture, and heat for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave Method: Place Leftovers Vegetarian Sausage Casserole in a microwave-safe dish cover with a microwave-safe lid or vented plastic wrap. Heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes or until hot throughout.
FAQ’S:
Can I use store-bought vegetarian sausages for Vegetarian Sausage Casserole?
Yes, you can use store-bought vegetarian sausages as a convenient alternative to homemade ones. Just choose your favorite brand and follow the cooking instructions on the package before adding them to the casserole.
Can I add grains or legumes to Vegetarian Sausage Casserole?
Yes, adding grains like quinoa or barley or legumes such as lentils or beans can enhance the casserole’s nutritional profile, add texture, and make it even more filling. Cook them before adding to ensure they’re tender.
How do I make Vegetarian Sausage Casserole creamier?
For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of plant-based cream or a dollop of vegan cream cheese to the casserole before baking. Stir it through the sauce to distribute evenly.
How long does Vegetarian Sausage Casserole take to prepare and cook?
Preparation time is about 30 minutes, especially if you’re making homemade vegetarian sausages. Cooking time is approximately 1 hour, making the total time around 1.5 hours.
Can I make Vegetarian Sausage Casserole spicy?
Yes, to add heat to the casserole, include spices like chili powder, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños. Adjust the amount according to your preference for spice.
Hairy Bikers Vegetarian Sausage Casserole Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 264 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 73mg
- Sodium: 814mg
- Potassium: 512mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Vitamin A: 2450IU
- Vitamin C: 22mg
- Calcium: 315mg
- Iron: 2mg
More Hairy Bikers Recipe:
- Hairy Bikers Beetroot Chutney
- Hairy Bikers Jerk Chicken With Allspice Berries
- Hairy Bikers Turkey Burgers
Hairy Bikers Vegetarian Sausage Casserole
Description
Hairy Bikers Vegetarian Sausage Casserole is made with homemade vegetarian sausages, vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, spices, and tomato paste. It serves 6 and takes about 2 hours including preparation and cooking, offering a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meat-free meal option.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, ground black pepper, chili powder, crushed fennel seeds, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In another bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, vegetable broth, olive oil, and tomato paste until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon until the mixture starts to come together, then use your hands to knead the mixture for about 2 minutes until it forms a cohesive dough.
- The dough should be elastic but not sticky. If it’s too wet, add a little more vital wheat gluten.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a sausage shape, about 5 inches long. Wrap each sausage tightly in aluminum foil, twisting the ends to secure.
- Fill a pot with a couple of inches of water and bring to a simmer. Place a steamer basket in the pot, making sure the water does not touch the bottom of the basket. Place the wrapped sausages in the basket, cover, and steam for about 40 minutes, turning once halfway through.
- Carefully remove the sausages from the steamer and let them cool slightly. Once they are cool enough to handle, you can unwrap them.
- For a firmer texture, refrigerate the sausages for a few hours or overnight before using. They can be pan-fried, grilled, or sliced and added to dishes as needed.
Notes
- Enhance Flavors: Consider marinating the steamed sausages in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and herbs for an hour or overnight in the fridge to deepen their flavor before adding them to the casserole.
- Sausage Size: When shaping your sausages, keep in mind that they will expand slightly during steaming. If you prefer thinner sausages, roll them slightly smaller than your target size.
- Steaming Tips: Ensure that the sausages are not touching each other in the steamer to allow for even cooking. If your steamer is small, you may need to steam them in batches.
- Sausage Casing Alternative: If you prefer a more traditional sausage appearance, you can use rice paper wrappers soaked in water as a casing for your sausages before steaming. This adds an extra layer of texture.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce for your casserole, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to your sauce before pouring it over the sausages and vegetables.