Sausage Curry

I've always been a fan of fusing flavors from different culinary worlds, and this Sausage Curry recipe is a perfect example of that. Imagine biting into smoky sausage pieces enveloped in a rich, aromatic curry sauce—it's a comfort food experience you won't forget. You get the best of both worlds: the familiar, hearty taste of sausages and the deep flavors of a well-spiced curry.

What I love about this dish is its simplicity. You don't have to be a gourmet chef to pull this off. All it takes is a single skillet and about 45 minutes of your time. The combination of readily available ingredients like sausages, coconut milk, and spices results in a meal that's both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Serve it over steamed rice or with a side of naan, and you have a weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're like me, you don't always have every single ingredient on hand when the cooking inspiration strikes. Don't worry—I've got you covered with some easy ingredient substitutions for this Sausage Curry recipe.

• Sausage: If Italian sausage is too spicy for you or you're looking for a lighter option, chicken or turkey sausage works beautifully. For a plant-based version, consider vegan sausages—just be mindful that they might have a different cooking time and may not require as much sautéing.
• Coconut Milk: Heavy cream will make the dish richer and creamier but will take away the tropical notes that coconut milk provides. Greek yogurt can also be used as a healthier alternative, but I would recommend adding it towards the end of cooking to prevent curdling.
• Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Powdered ginger and garlic are great in a pinch, but keep in mind that they're more concentrated than the fresh kind. You might want to add them in smaller quantities and taste as you go.
• Cumin Seeds: If you don't have cumin seeds, a pinch of ground cumin can work as a quick replacement. Ground cumin has a more intense flavor, so use it sparingly. You could also try using fennel seeds for a slightly different but still aromatic touch.
• Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes are a vibrant alternative to canned. If you're going for fresh, consider using roma or plum tomatoes, as they have less moisture and won't make your curry too watery.
• Paprika or Kashmiri Chili Powder: Cayenne pepper can add the heat, but it's a lot spicier, so be cautious with the quantity. Mild chili powder offers a complex flavor with less heat, or if you want smokiness with a kick, try chipotle powder.
• Bell Pepper: If you're thinking about swapping or adding other veggies, zucchini and mushrooms can add earthiness, while carrots provide a sweet crunch. The cooking time may vary for different veggies, so add them according to how long they need to cook. For instance, carrots take longer to soften than zucchini.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Sausage Curry

• Choose Quality Sausage: The better the sausage, the better the dish. If you can, select sausage that is freshly made, minimally processed, and free from artificial preservatives. Each type of sausage—be it Italian, Andouille, or even a plant-based alternative—brings its own unique flavors to the dish.
• Control the Heat: Sensitive to spice? Start with a milder chili powder and exclude any additional chilies. You can also deseed fresh chilies to lower the heat but still enjoy their flavor. To ramp up the spice, use a hot chili powder or even some sliced fresh green chilies.
• Cooking Coconut Milk: Coconut milk can be tricky to cook with sometimes. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, opt for full-fat coconut milk and keep the heat medium to low when you add it to the curry. This prevents the milk from curdling or separating.
• Fresh vs. Canned Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes may contain more moisture, so you might need to simmer the curry a bit longer to achieve the desired consistency. Canned tomatoes are more consistent but make sure to check for added sodium or preservatives.
• Layer the Flavors: Consider toasting your spices before adding them. This simple step can unlock more flavors from your spices, creating a more nuanced dish. To do this, lightly toast them in a dry pan over low heat until aromatic, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
• Optimal Cooking Time: Good curry, like a fine wine, improves with time. If your schedule allows, prepare the curry in the morning and let it sit for a few hours before dinner. This extra time allows the flavors to meld together even more, enhancing the overall taste.
• Avoiding Curdled Yogurt: If you're opting for yogurt, whisk it well before incorporating and add it last, after turning off the heat. This ensures it blends smoothly into the curry without curdling.
• Garnish Matters: Fresh cilantro is more than just a colorful garnish; it provides a burst of freshness that balances out the richness of the curry. For an added layer of complexity, consider adding a dash of freshly squeezed lime juice along with the cilantro.
• Serving Suggestions: Think beyond rice and naan—try serving this curry over different grains like couscous or quinoa, which will absorb the flavors beautifully. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works well too.
• Storage Tips: To freeze, let the curry cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Freeze in individual servings for quick and easy meals. Remember to leave out any fresh garnishes like cilantro when freezing, as they don't thaw well.
• Veggie Additions: If you're adding extra vegetables, consider their cooking time. Root vegetables like potatoes or carrots should be added early in the simmering process, while softer vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini can be added later.

Serving Ideas for Sausage Curry

• Classic Rice: You can't go wrong with serving this curry over a bed of steamed jasmine or Basmati rice. The rice absorbs the flavorful curry sauce wonderfully.

• Naan: A fluffy, warm piece of naan can be perfect for scooping up the curry. If you can find garlic naan, even better—the flavors complement each other so well.

• Quinoa: For a protein-packed alternative to rice, try serving the curry over quinoa. The nutty flavors of quinoa work well with the spiciness of the curry.

• Couscous: This quick-cooking grain offers a different texture but is just as effective at soaking up that delicious curry sauce. It's particularly good if you're in a hurry.

• Cauliflower Rice: Looking for a low-carb option? Cauliflower rice is a great stand-in for traditional rice and adds an extra serving of veggies.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Curried Sausage

When it comes to Sausage Curry, one of the great things about it is how well it stores and reheats. So, if you're cooking for one or two but still want to make a full batch, or if you're meal-prepping for the week, here are my personal tips on how to store, freeze, and reheat this dish.

Storing in the Fridge:

1. Cool It Down: Make sure to let the curry cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps to prevent the buildup of moisture, which can make the dish soggy.
2. Airtight Containers: Use airtight containers to keep the curry fresh and prevent it from absorbing other flavors in the fridge. Glass containers are my go-to because they're non-reactive and easy to clean.
3. Shelf Life: Stored properly, this curry will last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Beyond that, the flavors and textures might start to degrade.

Freezing:

1. Portioning: If you're like me and enjoy having ready-to-go meals, divide the curry into meal-sized portions before freezing. This makes it super easy to take out just what you need.
2. Freezer-Safe Containers: Use containers that are specifically designed for freezer use. Make sure they're airtight to prevent freezer burn. If using plastic bags, squeeze out as much air as possible.
3. Label and Date: Always label what you're freezing and put a date on it. Trust me, you'll thank yourself later when you're trying to identify what's what in your freezer.
4. Garnishes: If you've garnished your curry with fresh herbs like cilantro, remove them before freezing, as they can get mushy upon thawing.

Reheating:

1. Thaw First: For the best results, thaw the frozen curry in the fridge overnight. This makes for easier and more even reheating.
2. Stovetop Is Best: I find that reheating on the stovetop over low heat yields the best results. It allows you to re-incorporate any separated fats and flavors. If the curry looks a bit dry, you can always add a splash of water or broth to bring it back to life.
3. Microwave Option: If you're short on time, you can use the microwave. Use a microwave-safe container and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wax paper. Start by heating for 2 minutes, give it a good stir, and then heat in additional 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

Recipe

Sausage Curry

This sausage curry recipe is a hearty and comforting fusion dish that combines the smokiness of sausages with the rich, aromatic flavors of a well-spiced curry sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it's an easy-to-make meal that is both filling and delicious. Enjoy it over steamed rice or with a side of naan for an unforgettable dining experience.

5 from 4 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 409 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board
• Chef's knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• 1 lb sausage links your choice of type, e.g., Italian, Andouille, or chicken sausage
• 1 large onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1- inch ginger grated
• 1 large bell pepper chopped
• 1 can 14 oz coconut milk
• 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika or Kashmiri chili powder adjust to taste
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Optional: 1-2 fresh green chilies slit (for added heat)

Instructions

 

Preparation:

• Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces.
• Chop the onion, garlic, ginger, and bell pepper.

Sauté Spices:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add cumin seeds and sauté until they start to splutter.

Cook Aromatics:

• Add chopped onions to the skillet and sauté until translucent.
• Add minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Add Sausage:

• Add the sliced sausage to the skillet.
• Sauté for 5-7 minutes or until the sausage starts to brown.

Spice it Up:

• Add ground coriander, ground cumin, ground turmeric, and paprika or Kashmiri chili powder. Mix well to coat the sausage and aromatics.

Add Vegetables:

• Stir in the chopped bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes.
• If using green chilies for extra heat, add them now.

Add Liquids:

• Pour in the can of coconut milk and the can of drained diced tomatoes.
• Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Simmer:

• Cover the skillet with a lid and let the curry simmer for 10-15 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Season and Garnish:

• Taste and adjust the salt as needed.
• Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 409kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 18gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 82mgSodium: 726mgPotassium: 437mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1030IUVitamin C: 42mgCalcium: 37mgIron: 2mg

Keyword curry, sausage

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Sausage Curry - FAQ