| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 1 hour 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 600 | 40g | 20g | 35g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 4g | 30g | 1.8g |
Why I Love Finnish Sausage Sauce with Mashed Potatoes
As I sat down to create this standout dish, the Finnish Sausage Sauce with Mashed Potatoes, I was reminiscent of my Italian-American kitchen back in New Jersey and my nonni’s cooking. This particular recipe, although rooted in Finnish cuisine, stirred the familiar scents of my childhood kitchen, most notably the sizzling sausage, a staple ingredient Italian cooking as well.
The Cultures Behind the Dish
Truth be told, I have always been an avid fan of Jamie Oliver and his ability to seamlessly cross culinary borders. Inspired by him, I decided to bring together the sturdy, hard-working Finnish cuisine with a sprinkle of familiarity for me, Italian-American comfort. And so, this Sausage Sauce with Mashed Potatoes was born, blending the flavors and techniques of both cultures.
Similar Dishes and Companions
This dish has a striking resemblance to the Italian polenta with salsiccia. It’s the homely warmth of the potatoes and richness of sausage that tie these two worlds together. If looking for a fulfilling meal, I recommend serving the Sausage Sauce with Mashed Potatoes with a crisp side salad. A dry white wine, perhaps a Pinot Grigio, or, to stick to the Finnish roots, an ice-cold beer would be excellent companions.
There’s something deeply satisfying and inherently comforting in a dish that combines the earthiness of potatoes and the rich, artful flavors of a well-seared sausage. Over the years of my culinary journey, I have come to understand and appreciate the beauty of simplicity and how some of the most humble ingredients can work together to create a symphony of flavors. It’s a testament to my personal belief that the best food originates from the heart, rooted in family traditions, and is capable of transcending geographical boundaries to create new traditions. That’s exactly what this dish has come to represent in my kitchen.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs of potatoes
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of butter
- Salt to taste
- 1.5 lbs of Finnish sausage or smoky kielbasa
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of beef broth
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
Method
Step One
Begin by peeling the potatoes and cut them into chunks. Put them in a large saucepan, add enough water to cover and bring to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and cook until the potatoes are tender.
Step Two
While the potatoes are cooking, slice the sausages into 1/2 inch thick rounds. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat and add the sausages. Cook until they are browned and remove them from the pan.
Step Three
In the same pan, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté them until they become soft and golden. Then add the flour to the onion and garlic mix, stirring well to coat them evenly.
Step Four
Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add black pepper and dried thyme, then return the sausages to the pan. Lower the heat and let it simmer until the sauce thickens.
Step Five
When the potatoes are done, drain them and return them to the saucepan. Add the butter and milk to the potatoes and mash them until they become smooth. Season with salt to taste.
Step Six
Serve the sausages and their sauce over the mashed potatoes. Enjoy your Sausage Sauce with Mashed Potatoes hot.
