A culinary expert has revealed a remarkably simple way to elevate one of Britain's most cherished comfort foods: toad in the hole. The secret lies in adding a single, common herb to the batter, a trick that promises to make the classic dish even more delicious.
The Secret Ingredient Revealed
Mimi Morley, the Senior Recipe Development Manager at HelloFresh, is the professional behind this flavour-enhancing tip. When asked how to improve the traditional dish, she didn't hesitate with her advice. "Add some chopped rosemary to your batter for extra herby flavour," she revealed. This straightforward suggestion uses an ingredient found in most kitchen cupboards or gardens.
The beauty of this method is its flexibility. You can simply mix finely chopped rosemary leaves directly into the batter before cooking. For those wanting a more aromatic result, you can also try placing whole sprigs into the hot oil in your baking tin just before you pour the batter in. Both techniques are effective, allowing home cooks to choose what works best for them.
Why Rosemary Works So Well
Rosemary's robust, fragrant quality is the key to its success. The herb introduces a delightful, aromatic dimension that complements the savoury sausages and rich batter perfectly. Mimi Morley specifically recommends using fresh rosemary over the dried variety, as it provides a much more pleasant and less overpowering aroma.
For the perfect rise, it's crucial not to open the oven door for at least 20 to 25 minutes after the batter goes in. Peeking too early can cause the Yorkshire pudding batter to collapse, preventing it from achieving its characteristic lofty height.
Completing the Perfect Meal
To round off the dish, serving it with a generous helping of onion gravy is highly recommended. For an extra flavour boost, you can even add a little more rosemary to the gravy itself. This creates a cohesive and deeply herby profile throughout the entire meal.
On social media, the tip has been met with enthusiasm. One user commented, "I have never heard of this, but adding to my list to try." Another shared their immediate success, stating, "I am making this right now and it smells incredible!" A third user confirmed the recipe's success, replying, "Making this for the second time, it's so damn good!"
For the uninitiated, toad in the hole is a traditional British dish consisting of sausages baked in a Yorkshire pudding batter. It is traditionally served with onion gravy, mashed potatoes, and vegetables. The dish has a long history, believed to date back to the 18th century as an economical way to stretch affordable ingredients like sausages.
