I have always loved the Le Creuset pots and pans. My parent’s vibrant orange casserole dish always came out for the big family meals, the perfect pot to cook any special dish in. It is testament to the quality of the products that my dad still uses his Le Creuset pot regularly today, decades since it’s arrival to the family kitchen.

Receiving my Le Creuset casserole dish felt like a momentous moment, and I was excited to get in the kitchen to start trying out recipes with it.

Le Creuset first began producing porcelain enamelled cast iron pots in 1925 from its foundry in Fresnoy le Grand, France. For almost 100 years, Le Creuset have been producing its world famous cast iron pots, along with an expansive range of multi-ply stainless steel, toughened non-stick, stoneware, and a collection of wine accessories. Used by leading chefs and keen cooks around the globe, Le Creuset cookware are built to last and offer outstanding performance for years and years.

Last week I tried creating a version of my dad’s simple sausage casserole in my new Le Creuset pot. It was the perfect vessel for this slow-cooked, comforting meal.

Ingredients (for 4):

8 good quality sausages

Tin of chopped tomatoes

1 onion

2 cloves of garlic

2 carrots

2 sticks of celery

1 pepper

Tin of chickpeas or butter beans

Bunch of herbs of your choice – I like parsley, thyme and a few bay leaves.

Glass of wine (white for lighter sauce, red for richer sauce dependant on your preference)

2 cups of vegetable or meat stock

Generous pinch of sea salt and black pepper

(Optional: add lardons or chorizo for a more meaty tasting casserole)

Method:

Finely chop the garlic and onion. Roughly dice all the other vegetables.

Add a splash of olive oil to your Le Creuset. Brown the onions and sausages.

Add in all other ingredients and leave to cook on a low heat for at least an hour. 

Season and serve with chopped fresh herbs.

I usually make a creamy nutmeg mash to accompany the casserole, and treat myself to a glass of red wine.

More information and see the whole range of Le Creuset products here.