When the temperature drops and you're craving something truly comforting, Dame Mary Berry has the perfect solution that will warm you from the inside out. The beloved baking legend and national treasure has shared what might just become your new go-to winter warmer: a spectacularly simple sausage stew that delivers maximum flavour with minimal effort.
Why This Recipe Will Become Your Weeknight Hero
This isn't just any stew - it's a masterclass in creating depth of flavour with humble ingredients. Mary's genius combination of quality sausages, creamy butter beans, and aromatic vegetables creates a dish that feels both rustic and refined. The best part? It all comes together in one pot, meaning less washing up and more time enjoying that glass of red wine Mary suggests serving alongside.
The Secret to Mary's Flavourful Foundation
Mary begins with a technique that professional chefs swear by: properly browning the sausages to develop those delicious caramelised notes. "You want a good colour on them," she advises, highlighting how this crucial step builds the stew's flavour foundation. The sausages are then removed while onions, celery, and carrots soften in the same pan, absorbing all those meaty flavours.
Ingredients That Make the Magic
- 8 quality pork sausages (Mary recommends opting for the best you can afford)
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 2 celery sticks, sliced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
- 400g tin of butter beans, drained
- 1 tablespoon tomato purée
- 1 tablespoon sunflower oil
- 300ml chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Mary's Method: Simple Steps to Stew Perfection
- Brown the sausages: Heat oil in a large flameproof casserole dish and brown sausages on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Soften the vegetables: Add onion, celery, and carrots to the same pan, cooking for about 10 minutes until softened but not coloured.
- Build the base: Stir in garlic and cook for another minute before adding tomato purée and chopped tomatoes.
- Simmer to perfection: Return sausages to the pan, add stock and butter beans, then season. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer gently for 20 minutes.
- The finishing touch: Stir through fresh parsley and serve piping hot.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This stew exemplifies Mary Berry's cooking philosophy: "simple, no-fuss food that tastes delicious." The butter beans add creaminess and substance, making it feel luxurious while keeping costs down. It's the type of meal that looks like you've spent hours in the kitchen, yet comes together in under an hour.
Mary suggests serving it with crusty bread to mop up the rich tomato sauce, or with mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience. It also keeps beautifully for up to two days in the refrigerator, with the flavours deepening overnight - making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
In true Mary Berry style, she's created a recipe that feels both special and accessible, proving that you don't need complicated techniques or expensive ingredients to create a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
