Toad in the Hole: A Look into its History and Why it Makes a Satisfying Meal

Homemade Toad in the Hole

Toad in the Hole is a classic British dish that has been a staple in English cuisine for centuries. But what is it exactly and where did it come from?

Toad in the Hole, also known as Sausage Toad, is a dish made of sausages baked in a batter. The sausages are placed in a dish, and a batter made of eggs, milk, and flour is poured over them. The dish is then baked in the oven until the batter is puffed and golden brown.

The origins of Toad in the Hole are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the 17th century to make a filling meal out of basic ingredients. At the time, sausages were a cheap and readily available source of protein, and the batter helped to stretch the meal and add some substance.

Despite its humble beginnings, Toad in the Hole has remained a popular dish in England and has been embraced by generations of families. It is often served with gravy and vegetables, making it a filling, and satisfying meal.

So what makes Toad in the Hole such a satisfying meal? For one, it is comforting and nostalgic, reminding many people of meals they had with their families when they were growing up. Additionally, the combination of savoury sausages and light, fluffy batter makes for a perfect balance of flavours and textures. The dish is also versatile and can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, making it a great option for any meal of the day.

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6.
  2. Place sausages in a oven-proof dish with the oil and bake for 15 mins until browned..
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
    Tip: the batter should thinly coat the back of a spoon to be the right consistency.
  4. Take the sausages and, ensuring that the fat is sizzling hot, pour the batter over the sausages (if the fat isn’t sizzling hot heat it up on the hob first).
  5. Bake in the oven for around 20 minutes or until the batter is golden brown and puffed.
  6. Serve hot with your choice of vegetables or gravy. Enjoy!
Preparation Time: 15 mins
Cooking Time: 35 mins
Oven Temperature: 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6

Ingredients:

1.5lb Intwood Farm Classic Pork sausages (works well with our jumbo or chipolata sausages as well)
140g plain flour
2 large eggs
200ml whole milk
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp oil or melted butter or 2 tbsp goose fat, melted

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