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Delicious Creole Sausage and Tomato Stew

Featured in Beef recipes for any day.

This spicy sausage dish is rooted in Reunion's cuisine and highlights the perfect union of smoked sausage and aromatic spices. The secret is double-cooking: sausages are simmered briefly to lose excess fat, then browned to build flavor. The rich sauce, slow-cooked with tomatoes, onions, and a delicate spice mix, deepens with every ingredient. Spiciness is easy to adapt to your palette, while ginger and garlic round out this comforting Creole dish, tasting better as it sits over time.
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Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Sat, 01 Mar 2025 23:13:19 GMT
Creole Sausage with Tomato Sauce Pin it
Creole Sausage with Tomato Sauce | Tastyhush.com

The mouthwatering aroma of smoked sausages mingling with fragrant spices, the slow caramelization of onions in the pot, the gentle simmering of the sauce - Rougail Sausage is more than just a Réunion Island dish, it's a culinary journey that begins from the first moments of preparation. This traditional recipe, shared by a friend from Réunion, has become a cherished symbol of gathering and sharing in my kitchen.

My first encounter with Rougail Sausage was at a dinner hosted by Rose, a friend from Réunion. She taught me that the secret lies in balancing the chili and allowing proper simmering time - two crucial elements that distinguish a good rougail from an exceptional one.

Essential Ingredients and Their Secrets

  • Smoked Sausages (4-6) - Morteau or Montbéliard sausages work perfectly, their smoky flavor mirrors traditional Creole sausages
  • Chili (1 small) - Bird's eye chili is traditional, but adjust quantity to taste. It should enhance, not overwhelm
  • Onions (2) - Red onions provide natural sweetness and beautiful color to the sauce
  • Fresh Ginger - A key ingredient that adds distinct spicy and aromatic notes

Detailed Instructions

1.
Preparing the Sausages
Begin by blanching the sausages in simmering water - this crucial step removes excess fat and tenderizes the meat, preparing it to absorb the sauce flavors.
2.
Creating the Base
In your cooking pot, brown the sliced sausages until well-colored. The caramelized bits at the bottom form the foundation of all upcoming flavors.
3.
Making the Rougail
Prepare the spice base by grinding chili with a pinch of salt in a mortar, releasing essential oils. Add onions and garlic, creating an aromatic spice blend.
4.
The Simmering Phase
Combine all ingredients and let time work its magic. The sauce should simmer gently, allowing flavors to develop and tomatoes to transform into a rich sauce.

The stone mortar in my kitchen, a gift from Rose, seems to have developed a memory of spices that enriches each new rougail I prepare.

Serving Suggestions

Present the rougail in a large serving bowl alongside aromatic white rice. Traditional serving allows each person to mix the sauce with rice according to preference.

Creole stewed sausages with spiced tomatoes Pin it
Creole stewed sausages with spiced tomatoes | Tastyhush.com

Regional Variations

Some Réunion families incorporate brèdes (local leafy greens). Others prefer adding kaffir lime leaves for extra freshness.

Final Thoughts: Rougail sausage embodies the essence of Réunion cuisine - generous, aromatic, and communal. It reminds us that cooking is fundamentally about sharing and tradition. Each preparation creates a deep connection with Réunion Island, where every meal celebrates life and togetherness.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of sausage should I use?
Smoked sausages like Montbéliard are ideal, but Toulouse or Creole-style sausages work great too.
→ Is this dish very spicy?
You can make it as spicy or mild as you like by adjusting the chili. Leave it out entirely for a milder version.
→ Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Absolutely! Letting it rest enhances the flavors even more.
→ How should I store it?
Store it in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months.
→ What goes well with it?
Serve it with plain rice and beans like lentils or red beans for a classic pairing.

Spicy Sausage with Tomatoes

A traditional Creole stew blending smoky sausages with tangy tomatoes, sweet onions, and bold spices. A flavorful family favorite!

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Beef

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Reunion Island Cuisine

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Vegetables and Seasonings

01 500 g of chopped tomatoes
02 A little bit of olive oil
03 Two cloves of garlic
04 Two red onions (yellow works too)
05 A small piece of ginger (optional)
06 One small hot chili (or mild)
07 Dried thyme
08 Salt and black pepper

→ Meats

09 4 smoked sausages (Toulouse, Montbéliard, or Creole-style)

Instructions

Step 01

Pop the sausages into simmering water for around 10 minutes. Once done, drain them, let them cool a bit, and slice them into 1 cm thick pieces.

Step 02

Heat up a big pot and fry those sausage slices on medium heat in olive oil for about 5 minutes until they get a golden color.

Step 03

Throw in the chopped onions, crushed chili with a pinch of salt, grated garlic, and ginger. Let it cook on low for a few minutes.

Step 04

Mix in the chopped tomatoes and sprinkle with thyme. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot and let it cook nice and slow for 45 minutes, stirring once in a while.

Notes

  1. Tastes even better the next day when reheated.
  2. Traditionally served alongside white rice.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot
  • Knife
  • Mortar and pestle (optional)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 380
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
  • Protein: 24 g