Sausage rolls are popular in the United Kingdom and many other countries around the world. This scrumptious pastry is filled with seasoned pork sausage meat. It’s also important to note that the pastry has got to be of the flaky, buttery variety. Anything else will simply not do. For the most part, they are enjoyed hot but they can also be served cold.

An uncertain history

While this is arguably one of the most popular pastry in the UK, there is no concrete proof regarding the origins of sausage rolls. Ancient Greeks and Romans would wrap meat in pastry but the sausage roll we know today is believed to have originated in France during the 19th century. During the 1800s, they became popular as a cheap street food. Back then, they were made with shortcrust pastry but, today, flaky puff pastry is a must. In more recent history, in 2012, the British government tried to introduce something called ‘Pasty Tax’ on hot takeaway foods like sausage rolls. There was such a massive outcry that the government was forced to abandon this idea.

Variations

The sausage meat varies around the UK based on the region. The spices and herbs used also vary depending on where they are made. The most common variety includes peppery seasonings while some include more thyme and sage. European sausages are more meaty than British sausages. The British varieties are bulked up with ingredients like rusks or breadcrumbs. The minimum amount of pork meat that pork sausage must contain is 42%. As for seasonings, salt, pepper, sage, parsley and nutmeg are top choices.

Now that you know a little more about sausage rolls, you will enjoy each bite that much more. You can eat them all on their own, or you can serve them with your favourite sauce and even a green salad. By serving a salad with your sausage rolls, you help keep the meal deliciously balanced.