Sausage Rougail (Rougaille)

Sausage Rougail (also known as rougaille or rougail saucisse) is a rich tomato dish, made with sausages and aromatic spices and simmered on low heat. This dish has a complex and delectable flavor you will fall in love with!

What is Rougail or Rougaille?

Sausage Rougail is a recipe eaten in Mauritius and in Reunion Island (a small island located east of the African continent).

Rougail means “a combination of condiments and spices” used in creole cooking, which is popular in that region. It is referred to as Rougail in Reunion Island and as Rougaille in Mauritius.

Rougail consists of a tomato-based stew flavored with aromatic spices and simmered on low heat for a while, so the flavors can really meld together. The result is an amazingly delicious stew with hints of different spices that just work perfectly!

Though this sausage rougail is similar in appearance to my Nigerian Beef Stew, that is the only thing they have in common. The flavor profile is entirely different, and rougail is more like a fusion of  Indian, French, and African cuisines. There are so many complex flavors in one dish!

Nigerian beef stew is also quite spicy since it is made with habanero peppers, and rougail is not. The only pepper addition to rougail is cayenne pepper, and that is entirely optional.

This stew is great for kids as you can make it mild, and they get to enjoy their sausages another way.

Ingredients Used

• Sausages: This recipe is traditionally made with creole sausage, but you can use any sausage you have on hand.
• Tomatoes and tomato sauce: Why use both? The tomato sauce provides a liquid base as the rougail will simmer for about 20 minutes, and you wouldn’t want it to dry up. The addition of chopped tomatoes introduces richness and fullness to this stew.
• Aromatics: onions, crushed garlic, and ginger. These vegetables cannot be substituted or removed as their distinct flavor is what makes this stew so unique.
• Spices: turmeric, paprika, thyme, cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper is optional and should only be added if you want your rougail spicy.
• Olive oil: to sauté the vegetables.

How to make Sausage Rougail

1. Cut the sausage into one-inch chunks, then chop the onions and tomatoes.
2. Peel and crush the garlic and ginger. My favorite tool is this handy mortar and pestle set. It is so convenient, and clean-up is a breeze!
3. Add olive oil to a pot on medium heat. Add the chopped onions, crushed garlic, and ginger. Saute for a few minutes until fragrant, and then add the chopped sausage. Stir until the sausage browns on each side.
4. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, and spices (turmeric, paprika, thyme, cumin, and salt). Add cayenne pepper only if you want it spicy.
5. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes. Garnish with parsley or cilantro, and serve!

This recipe contains 4 servings, and each serving is 9 net carbs each. Sausage rougail keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days and can be frozen.

What can I eat this recipe with?

You can eat it with any dish that calls for a stew. It is traditionally eaten with rice, but I eat mine with cauliflower rice for a low carb option.

Tips and Variations

• When simmering the stew, if it begins to dry up but is not yet done, add a little chicken broth and keep the heat on low.
• You can make this stew as spicy as you wish or omit the cayenne pepper and make it mild.

Enjoy these other delectable stews!

Nigerian Beef Stew

Mafe – African Peanut Stew

African Fish Stew

Efo Riro – Nigerian Spinach Stew