Introduction
The Cumberland Sausage Plait is a delightful twist on the classic sausage roll, offering a beautiful presentation and robust flavours, making it a perfect option for a hearty meal or elegant party snack. This recipe simplifies the traditional method by utilising the air fryer, ensuring a quicker cooking time while reducing the hassle of baking.
Ingredients
- 500g Cumberland sausage meat
- 1 sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 apple, peeled and grated
- 2 teaspoons of fresh sage, chopped
- 1 teaspoon mustard (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for glazing)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Method
The following steps will guide you through creating the perfect Cumberland Sausage Plait, ideal for air frying:
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the Cumberland sausage meat, finely chopped onion, grated apple, fresh sage, and mustard. Add salt and pepper to taste and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface. Place the mixture in the centre, shaping it into a long rectangle, leaving enough space on each side to fold the pastry over.
- Create the Plait: Make diagonal cuts along each side of the pastry, then fold the top and bottom strips over the filling. Starting at one end, plait the strips over the filling alternating sides to enclose it fully.
- Glaze the Pastry: Brush the entire pastry with the beaten egg to ensure a golden and glossy finish as it cooks.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
- Cook the Plait: Carefully transfer the plait to the air fryer basket and cook for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown, and the filling is cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
This savoury plait pairs beautifully with a side salad or roasted vegetables, and a touch of mustard or chutney enhances the flavour further. It’s also excellent for picnics or as a lunchbox treat, offering versatility and satisfaction in every slice.
Tips for Success
- Chilling the Plait: Before cooking, place the plait in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up the pastry, which helps in achieving better plaiting and baking results.
- Customise the Filling: Feel free to experiment with additional or alternative ingredients such as cheese, mushrooms, or different herbs to suit your taste.
- Portioning: If feeding a crowd, consider making multiple smaller plaits instead of a large one; this allows for more even cooking and easier serving.
Conclusion
The Cumberland Sausage Plait is a quintessential British dish elegantly transformed for the efficiency of air frying. This recipe not only provides a simplified approach but delivers on taste and presentation, making it a star of any mealtime setting. Enjoy the crispy, flaky pastry combined with the rich and juicy sausage filling, a true culinary delight!