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Glamorgan sausages with red onion and chilli relish
I have a small enamel pan that's seen better days but still does this dish justice. The sausages come from Glamorgan in Wales — cheese-based rather than meat — so they're golden and slightly crumbly, and I've found that starting them cold with the fat gives them an even crust without overcooking the interior.The relish is where things get interesting: red onions, a handful of chilli, a splash of cider vinegar, and just enough sugar to balance it all out. I usually make a bigger batch than I need because the relish keeps in the fridge for weeks and turns into something worth raiding when nothing else feels right.The key is not crowding the pan — if you're making this for four people, use two pans or do them in batches. The sausages should have a bit of bite to them rather than going soft, so pull them off about thirty seconds before they look done and let them rest while you finish the relish.
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the relish first — it needs a few minutes to soften and develop flavour. Heat the sunflower oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, add the sliced red onions with a pinch of salt, and cook gently for about 8–10 minutes until they've softened and turned translucent but not browned.
- Add the garlic, chilli, sugar, smoked paprika, and cider vinegar to the pan. Stir well and let it bubble away for another 3–4 minutes until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the onions are glossy and jammy. Taste and adjust — you want a balance of sweet, sharp, and spicy. Set aside while you cook the sausages.
- Place your Glamorgan sausages in a cold frying pan (this is important — starting them cold helps them hold their shape). Add the olive oil and butter. Turn the heat to medium and let the sausages begin to warm up slowly with the pan, about 2 minutes.
- Once the butter has foamed, increase the heat slightly and cook for another 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown all over and heated through. The internal temperature should reach 71°C (160°F). Don't press down on them — you want to keep their crumbly texture intact.
- Remove from the pan and rest for 1 minute while you give the relish one final stir.
Nutrition
Notes
Prep tips: I always let the sausages come to room temperature before cooking — it takes about twenty minutes and makes a noticeable difference in how evenly they cook. If you can't find Glamorgan sausages, any good Welsh cheese sausage will work.
Substitutions: Swap the cider vinegar for apple cider vinegar if that's what you have on hand. You can use any mild chilli — serrano or jalapeño work well if you want to tone down the heat. For a richer relish, add a tablespoon of red wine instead of half the cider vinegar.
Storage: The relish keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Reheat gently before serving — it thickens as it cools and becomes more jam-like when cold.
Serving suggestions: I like these with a simple green salad dressed with lemon juice, or alongside mash potatoes and some wilted spinach. The relish also makes an excellent condiment for sausages at any time of year.
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