A British classic. Meaty sausages enveloped in crispy batter, plus, a special onion gravy to really top it off. We think it's better than mum's!

Prep Time

    •    Prep time: 20 minutes
    •    Cook time: 50 minutes
    •    Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

    •    210g plain flour
    •    1 tsp English mustard powder
    •    4 eggs
    •    400ml milk
    •    4 thyme sprigs, leaves only
    •    8 plain pork sausages
    •    2 tbsp sunflower oil
    •    2 onions, peeled and sliced
    •    1 tsp soft brown sugar
    •    500ml beef stock

Method

1. Make the batter: Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 7. Tip flour into the large mixing bowl and stir in the mustard powder with a good pinch of salt. Make a well in the centre, crack in the eggs, then pour in a dribble of milk. Whisk the mixture, gradually incorporating some of the flour, until you have a smooth batter in the well. Now add a bit more milk and continue stirring until all the milk and flour has been mixed together.
2. The batter is ready: You should now have a smooth, lump-free batter that is the consistency of double cream. Stir in the thyme then tip the batter back into the jug you measured your milk in, for easier pouring later on, then stir in the thyme. Use scissors to snip the links between your sausages, then drop them into a 20 x 30cm roasting tin. Add 1 tbsp of the oil, tossing the sausages in it to thoroughly coat the base of the tin, then roast in the oven for 15 mins.
3. Cook the batter: Take the hot tray from the oven, then quickly pour in the batter – it should sizzle and bubble a little when it first hits the hot fat. Put it back into the oven, then bake for 40 mins until the batter is cooked through, well risen and crisp. Check it after 40 minutes cover loosely with foil if it is browning too much. If you poke the tip of a knife into the batter in the middle of the tray it should be set, not sticky or runny.
4. Make the gravy: Soften the onions with the remaining oil in a large nonstick frying pan for about 20 mins, stirring often, until they are golden brown. Sprinkle in the sugar for the final 5 mins. Add a spoonful of flour, then cook, constantly stirring, for 2 mins, so it coats the onions and there is no dry flour left. Gradually pour in the stock, stirring well to make a smooth sauce. Bubble for 4-5 mins to thicken, then season. Cut the toad in the hole into large wedges and serve with the gravy spooned over.
5. EQUIPMENT: Large mixing bowl, measuring spoons, wooden spoon, measuring jug, scissors, 20 x 30cm shallow roasting tin, timer, knife, chopping board, large non-stick frying pan.

This great family recipe is thanks to BBC Goodfood at https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/5822/toad-in-the-hole-in-4-easy-steps?inf_contact_key=55517b4cd7ec4c3ea766fb126cc60db508d4c1bfc6d30bb19a3badeb7f1bfff2