Glamorgan Sausages

A Traditional Welsh Delight

Glamorgan sausages hail from the rural countrysides of Wales, a testament to the resourcefulness of a region where meat was often sparse. Named after the Glamorgan region, these sausages are vegetarian, a rarity among sausages, replacing meat with cheese and breadcrumbs.

This dish gained popularity during World War II, mainly due to rationing, which made meat even more scarce. The focus on local produce, such as Caerphilly cheese, highlights the dish’s connection to Welsh heritage.

Ingredients

• Breadcrumbs - 100g
• Caerphilly cheese - 200g
• Leeks - 1 medium
• Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon
• Parsley - a handful
• Thyme - a pinch
• Eggs - 2, separated into yolks and whites
• Milk - 60ml
• Butter - for frying
• Salt - to taste
• Pepper - to taste

Preparation

Let's talk preparation. The essential base of breadcrumbs is moistened with rich and flavorful Caerphilly cheese, a semi-hard cheese known for its crumbly texture and slightly tangy taste.

The subtle oniony flavor of the leek is cooked down into soft aromatic goodness to infuse this dish with local Welsh scents.

Follow these steps for preparation:

1. Finely chop the leek and parsley.
2. Grate the cheese and mix with the breadcrumbs.
3. Combine the cheese-breadcrumb mix with the chopped leek.
4. Add Dijon mustard, parsley, a pinch of thyme, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Mix in the milk and yolks of the eggs until the mixture holds together.
6. Whisk the egg whites separately.

Cooking Process

The characteristic sausage shape is formed from the densely packed mixture before being lightly coated in the fluffy egg whites and additional breadcrumbs, providing an exquisite outer crunch when fried.

Here’s how to cook them to perfection:

1. Take small amounts of the mixture and mold into sausage shapes.
2. Dip each sausage in beaten egg whites.
3. Roll them in more breadcrumbs.
4. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
5. Fry the sausages until golden brown, approximately 5 minutes on each side.

For accuracy in preparing your sausages, use a cooking timer to ensure they're perfectly crispy yet not overdone.

Serving Suggestions

Traditionally served as a breakfast dish alongside crusty bread with a dollop of tomato sauce, these sausages also make for an impressive savory snack or appetizer. They pair beautifully with a light salad, enhancing their tangy flavor, reminiscent of the Welsh pastures.