1tablespooncornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon watercornstarch slurry
1small onionfinely chopped
2rosemary stalks
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Toad in the Hole:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Whisk until you have a smooth batter.
Place batter in the fridge to chill slightly while the sausage cooks.
In a large frypan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausages and cook them until they’re nicely browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Place the cooked sausage in a greased 8x8 square baking dish, and set the pan aside. Pour the Batter Around the Sausages and make sure the cooked sausages are evenly spaced.
Put the baking dish in the cold oven, preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) allow it to preheat with the dish inside and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the batter is puffed up and golden brown. Do not open the door during the first 20 min of baking as this can stop the rising process.
Gravy:
In the same frypan you used for cooking sausages, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the rosemary stalks and let them infuse the butter and sausage drippings with their flavor for a minute or two.
After infusing the butter with rosemary, add the chopped onions. Cook over medium heat until the onions are soft and translucent.
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue to simmer for a couple of minutes until the gravy thickens. If needed, adjust the thickness with more cornstarch slurry or water.
Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
Slice the Toad in the Hole into portions and drizzle the delicious onion and rosemary gravy over the top.
Notes
Ensure the batter for Toad in the Hole is smooth and free of lumps. A consistent batter ensures an even rise and a fluffy texture.
The quality of the sausages can significantly impact the overall flavor. Opt for good-quality pork sausages with a high meat content for the best results.
Allowing the batter to chill in the fridge before baking helps in achieving a better puff and crisp texture. This step should not be skipped.
Starting with a cold oven and then preheating it with the baking dish inside helps the batter to rise properly. Ensure your oven is accurately calibrated for the best results.
Refrain from opening the oven door during the initial 20 minutes of baking. This is crucial for the rising process.
Adjust the thickness of the gravy to your preference by varying the amount of cornstarch slurry. Remember, the gravy will thicken as it cools.
Infusing the butter with rosemary adds a depth of flavor to the gravy. Don't skip this step as it enhances the overall taste.
If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven. However, note that the batter may not be as fluffy as when freshly baked.
Toad in the Hole can be served with a variety of side dishes such as steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish.