These pork apple skinless sausages are a simple, whole food alternative to store-bought sausages, made with just a handful of real ingredients. The combination of pork, apple, fennel and sage creates a naturally delicious, lightly sweet and savoury flavour, without any fillers or additives. Theyโre quick to prepare, family-friendly and perfect for both meals and…
pork
Lime Caramel Pork Belly
This lime caramel pork belly is one of those surprisingly simple whole food dinners that feels special enough for entertaining but is practical enough for a weekend family meal. Crisp pork belly is paired with a sticky lime caramel sauce and served with rice, coriander and fresh lettuce cups. Itโs a nourishing, satisfying, easy to…
Korean Pork Noodlesย
These Korean pork noodles are one of those fast, versatile meals that hit all the right notes when you want comfort food that still feels nourishing. Theyโre rich, savoury and slightly spicy, with plenty of vegetables and a glossy sauce that clings beautifully to the noodles. This is the kind of dinner that comes together…
Nitrate-free Ham
This nitrate-free ham is such a rewarding project if you love real food made from scratch. Itโs made using a fresh leg of pork rather than a pre-smoked ham, so the final flavour sits somewhere between roast pork and a lightly salted traditional ham. A member actually requested this one, and after a fair bit…
Danish Meatloaf
Danish meatloaf is a protein rich, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the best of beef and pork mince, aromatic herbs, and warming spices, all wrapped in crispy bacon. It’s an easy and delicious way to elevate your family dinner table with minimal effort. There are many meatloaf recipes out there- this one is super flavoursome and…
Pork Sausage Vegetable Soup
Some people donโt count soup as a meal, but this pork sausage vegetable soup is definitely meal-worthy, with dumplings of pork, vegetables and broth creating a delicious nourishing bowl. Using good-quality pork sausages as a shortcut to form the dumplings makes this a quick, convenient and budget friendly meal, while still delivering on flavour and nutrition. Itโs the kind of hearty, whole food soup that works beautifully for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals.
Health benefits
This sausage soup is a well-balanced combination of protein, fibre and micronutrients. The pork sausage provides approximately 25โ30 grams of protein per serve to support satiety and muscle repair, while chickpeas, vegetables and greens contribute around 6โ8 grams of fibre to support gut health and blood sugar balance. Fennel, garlic and herbs support digestion, while cavalo nero adds antioxidants and minerals that support overall wellbeing. Combined, this is a deeply nourishing meal that supports sustained energy.
Ingredients in this Pork Sausage Vegetable Soup
This soup combines pork sausages, extra virgin olive oil, onion, fennel, celery, garlic, dried basil, thyme and oregano with carrot, diced tomatoes, stock or broth and chickpeas, finished with cavalo nero or kale and grated parmesan.
How to make Pork Sausage Vegetable Soup
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven and squeeze the sausage meat from the casings directly into the pan to form small dumplings, cooking until golden before setting aside. In the same pot, gently cook the onion, fennel, celery, garlic and herbs until softened and aromatic. Add the carrot, tomatoes, broth and chickpeas, bring to a simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender. Season to taste, then return the sausage dumplings to the pot and stir through the shredded cavalo nero and parmesan just before serving.
Serving suggestions and how to store
Serve this soup as a complete meal on its own or with crusty sourdough for something more substantial. It stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it ideal for meal prep. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or extra broth if needed to loosen.
Vary this to suit your dietary needs
You can substitute pork sausages with beef or chicken sausages if preferred. For a dairy-free version, simply omit the parmesan. Choose gluten-free sausages if required, omit the onion or replace with extra celery for an onion-free version, and leave out the chickpeas for a legume-free option. You can also replace the kale with spinach or even broccoli if you prefer, it’s a super versatile meal and such a great recipe.
Remember to take a look at the variations (below the main recipe) for suggestions to alter the recipe to suit your specific dietary requirements.
For more delicious, healthy soup recipes, click HERE.
Pork Sausage Vegetable Soup
Ingredients
- 500 g pork sausages – good quality
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion/s – diced
- 1 bulb/s fennel – diced
- 2 stick/s celery
- 4 clove/s garlic – crushed
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ยผ tsp dried thyme
- ยฝ tsp dried oregano
- 2 carrot/s – diced
- 400 g diced tinned tomatoes
- 1 ltr stock or broth
- 400 g canย chickpeas – drained and rinsed
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ยฝ bunch/s cavalo nero – leaves shredded, remove woody stems (Tuscan Kale โ or any kale)
- 50 g parmesan cheese – finely grated
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- When the oil is hot, squeeze the end of the sausage so the meat from the casing drops into the pan, forming little meatballs or dumplings. Repeat this for all the sausage meat, cooking and turning until golden. Set aside.
- To the oil and fat from the sausage, add the chopped onion, fennel, celery, garlic and dried herbs. Turn the heat down to low, add a lid (ajar) on top and gently cook to sweat the vegetables for about 10 minutes.
- Add the carrots, tomatoes, broth and chickpeas. Bring up to a simmer and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Season and taste.
- Just before serving, stir in the cavalo nero/ kale, parmesan and the sausage pieces.
Serve
- As is or with crusty sourdough.
Store
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Make-ahead
- Reheat in a pot over a low heat. You may like to add more broth or a splash of water.
Notes
Different sausage
Yes, absolutely feel free to choose beef or chicken sausages instead.Dairy-free
Omit the parmesan.Gluten-free
Choose a gluten-free sausage.Onion-free
Omit the onion or replace with an extra stick of celery.Legume-free
Omit the chickpeas. ย ย ยย
What did you think of this soup as a hearty meal? Let me know in the comments below…
Zurich Pork
This Zurich Pork (Zรผrich Geschnetzeltes) is a Swiss dish that is traditionally made with veal however I’ve made it with pork loin (or you could also choose chicken tenders) to make it more budget friendly and accessible. This meal has a creamy sauce flavoured with white wine, filled with mushrooms, onions and pork. It’s a beautiful…
Smoky Pork Stew
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Pork Sage Schnitzels with Coleslaw
These Pork Sage Schnitzels with Coleslaw is such a beautiful meal. The flavours of the pork pair so well with the coleslaw and the crunchy, herby crust on the pork is divine. I especially love this kind of meal in the warmer weather- a basic protein with fresh vegetables as a slaw is the essence…
Tuscan Sausage Bean Ragu
This simple, budget friendly one pan Tuscan Sausage Bean Ragu is sure to become a winner. It’s a one pot (or pan) meal that my whole family loves. If you have leftover sausages, this is a perfect way to repurpose them too. Health benefits The combination of quality sausages, cannellini beans and cavolo nero provides…
Asian Pork Nourish Bowl
The Asian Pork Nourish Bowl is a beautiful combination of the flavours of Asia in a nutritious and wholesome meal. This recipe combines sticky pork, crisp and colourful vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a delectable dressing. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing lunch or a satisfying dinner option, this bowl is a perfect balance of taste…
Vietnamese Pork Salad
This delicious Vietnamese Pork Salad is based on a green papaya salad we made at a cooking school in Vietnam recently. I’ve adapted it so it only includes easy to find ingredients, but the flavour is still very authentic and the dish is super easy to make too. Health benefits With lean pork for protein,…
Chinese BBQ Pork
This simple Chinese BBQ Pork with a fresh, zesty salad is a lovely summer meal. Pork tenderloin is a lean and tender cut: long, narrow and boneless that once cooked, is sliced across the length to give wonderful slices of tasty meat. The marinade has sweetness balanced with umami, saltiness and spice. The fresh, herby…
Pulled Pork Tacos
These Pulled Pork Tacos are another great set and forget style of slow cooked meal. Served with chipotle cashew cream and zesty salad, it makes for a delicious meal that you can easily make ahead. Health benefits Slow-cooked pork shoulder delivers protein and essential minerals for muscle repair and energy, while the citrus, garlic and…
Baked Lime Pork Spring Rolls
These Baked Lime Pork Spring Rolls are like a traditional Vietnamese spring roll…wrapped in a lettuce cup with a zesty sauce. I think itโs the best way to enjoy spring rolls. They’re fresh and crunchy and filled with delicious Asian flavours- perfect for any time of the year. Health benefits These spring rolls are high in…
Smoky Pork Ribs
These Smoky Pork Ribs are a member’s request and my family have very much enjoyed the testing phase!! I’ve used pork ribs as that was requested but you could easily sub with beef or lamb. Whenever I’ve eaten ribs in the past, I’ve often found them sickly sweet. To get the classic BBQ style southern…
Pork Cutlet Tray Bake
As requested by a member, this Pork Cutlet Tray Bake is another easy to make tray bake style meal, that certainly doesn’t scrimp on flavour. The pork is marinaded with a classic honey and mustard combination and a splash of vinegar and spices. The vegetables and apple are roasted with the pork cutlets to create…
Pork Shiitake Sausages
These tasty Pork Shiitake Sausages are super simple to make and a great go-to for any meal, from breakfast to dinner. These could also be known as ‘skinless sausages’ or along the lines of cevapcici, the south-eastern European sausages. Whatever you call them, these are tasty, delicious, free from any additives and are super versatile….
Singapore Noodles
I know this Singapore Noodles recipe looks like a really complicated recipe but I promise, though it has a long list of ingredients, it is super simple to make. Most of the ingredients listed make up the sauce so that you don’t need to buy additive and sugar laden store bought sauces. The flavour result…
Pork Ragu
This pork ragu is a deeply satisfying, rich, and hearty sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes. Made with pork mince, tomatoes, red wine, and a touch of cinnamon, it delivers layers of flavour that develop beautifully as it simmers. Serve it over pasta, spoon it onto baked potatoes, or enjoy it with a fresh salad for a comforting and versatile meal.
Variety for health
This Pork Ragu is a delicious variation to the typical spaghetti bolognese. This flavour combination is lovely with turkey mince too. I try to rotate the various types of protein we eat each week as each protein source is unique nutritionally. Because protein is comprised of up to 20 different amino acids, each source contains a different amino acid profile (which either has some or all of those amino acids in different proportions). When we digest protein, our body absorbs the amino acids and uses them to build and repair tissue, support a healthy immune system and metabolism and regulate gene expression. So by rotating our sources of protein, we ensure our bodies are able to function optimally.
Health benefits
Pork is a great source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which support energy levels and immune function. Tomatoes provide a powerful dose of lycopene, a potent antioxidant that promotes heart health, while fennel and carrots add fibre and gut-friendly nutrients. The olive oil and fresh herbs contribute healthy fats and anti-inflammatory properties, making this dish as nourishing as it is delicious.
Ingredients
This ragu is built on a delicious base of pork mince, onion, cloves garlic, sprigs of thyme, balanced with the sweetness of carrots and fennel. Tomatoes, broth, and a splash of red wine create a rich and luscious sauce, while fresh thyme and a hint of cinnamon add warmth and depth. Served with pasta and finished with fresh parsley and parmesan, this dish is pure comfort food.
How to make Pork Ragu
Start by sautรฉing onion in olive oil until softened, then add the pork mince and garlic, cooking until browned. Stir in diced carrots, fennel, thyme, and chilli, then deglaze the pan with red wine. Add stock, tomatoes, tomato paste, and cinnamon, and let it braise until thickened. Meanwhile, cook the pasta until al dente, then toss it through the sauce. Finish with fresh parsley and parmesan for extra flavour.
Serving suggestions and how to store
This pork ragu is best served over tagliatelle, pappardelle pasta, or your favourite pasta, but itโs equally delicious spooned over baked potatoes or vegetable noodles or even polenta. Pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for longer, making it a great option for meal prep.
Vary this to suit your dietary needs
For a gluten-free option, serve with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. If youโre dairy-free, simply skip the parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. To make it alcohol-free, replace the wine with extra broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar. For a grain-free version, serve over roasted potatoes or wedges instead of pasta.
Pork Ragu
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion/s โ finely diced
- 600 g free-range pork mince
- 3 clove/s garlic โ finely diced
- 2 carrot/s โ finely diced
- 1 bulb/s fennel โ small & finely diced (optional if in season)
- 1 red chilli/s โ seeds removed & finely diced
- ยผ bunch/s fresh thyme leaves – leaves stripped from stems and chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 120 ml red wine (ยฝ cup)
- 250 ml stock or broth (1 cup)
- 400 g diced tinned tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ยฝ tsp ground cinnamon
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
- 300 g pasta – of your choice, Iโve used tagliatelle
To Serve
- ยผ bunch/s fresh parsley leaves – chopped
- 50 g parmesan cheese โ grated & optional
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large stainless steel pan over a medium high heat.
- Add the onion and saute until it starts to soften (but not brown).
- Add the pork mince and garlic and saute until it is cooked through.
- Add the carrots, fennel, chilli, thyme, wine, broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, cinnamon and seasoning and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to the boil and add a pinch of sea salt. Cook the pasta to al dente.
- Once the pasta and sauce is cooked, drain the pasta and add to the sauce.
- Serve with the parsley and optional parmesan cheese.
Serve
- With salad
Make-ahead
- Make the sauce ahead and toss through the pasta to serve.
- Re-heat in a pot over a low heat until just hot.
Store
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Notes
Gluten-free
Serve with a gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables.Dairy-free
Omit the cheese to serve.Alcohol free
Replace with more broth and a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.Grain-free
This is also lovely served over baked potatoes or wedges.Onion-free
Leave out but include the fennel.Garlic-free
Omit or replace with garlic oil if itโs tolerated.Make your own pasta
If you have the time, making your own pasta is fun and gives an extra special level of deliciousness! Click HERE for the recipe! ย ย ยI love this quick and easy pasta sauce and I hope you enjoy too, let me know in the comments below.
Farmhouse Lasagne
This Farmhouse Lasagne is not a quick meal to make but it does my family two good sized serves so that means I get a night off coking which is always a good thing! It’s is a hearty, nourishing meal perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for easy weeknight dinners. Packed with layers of rich, delicious meat and vegetable sauce and creamy bรฉchamel, itโs a comforting classic thatโs sure to be a family favourite.
Using the Thermomix or a food processor to do the grating and chopping is a huge time saver for this recipe. This is very versatile so feel free to switch up any of the veggies, or you could even sub the mince for chicken or turkey.
Health benefits
Unlike store-bought versions, this homemade lasagne is free from preservatives, additives and damaging vegetable oils. By using high-quality meats, veggies, and homemade sauces, youโre getting a really nutrient-dense meal filled with protein, vitamins, and healthy fats. Plus, by swapping out processed sauces with homemade options, you avoid unnecessary sugars and artificial ingredients, making it a much healthier alternative.
Ingredients
This easy lasagne combines simple, wholesome ingredients like ground beef mince, pork mince, a variety of fresh veggies, rich tomato passata, and a creamy bรฉchamel made with wholemeal spelt flour. Itโs a recipe that sticks to whole foods while delivering incredible flavour and texture. You only need to check out the comments below to see this is the best lasagna recipe!
How to make this farmhouse lasagne
To make this classic lasagne recipe, in a large pot or large skillet, saute the garlic, onion, and celery until soft, then add the pork and beef mince and cook until browned. Add the herbs, wine, veggies, stock, and tomato passata, and let it simmer to develop rich flavours. While the meat sauce is simmering, prepare your creamy bรฉchamel sauce. Once both are ready, take a baking dish and layer the lasagna noodles with the meat sauce and bรฉchamel, topping it off with extra cheese (cheddar or parmesan cheese). Bake until golden and bubbly, and enjoy! If you own a Thermomix, we’ve also included Thermomix instructions for this recipe.
Serving suggestions and how to store
Serve your lasagne with a fresh side salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal. This dish is perfect for meal preppingโit can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or store in the freezer for a quick and easy dinner later. Just reheat in the oven until heated through. If I’m cooking this for two separate meals I assemble the lasagne in two dishes – one casserole dish to eat that night, and a rectangular pyrex or glass lock that I can cook it in, allow to cool, pop the lid on and freeze for another day. Thaw in the fridge, remove the lid and reheat in a moderate oven. If the top browns too much you can cover with baking paper then aluminum foil.
Vary this farmhouse lasagne to suit your dietary needs
You can easily adapt this farmhouse lasagne to suit different dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, swap the lasagne sheets for gluten-free ones and use a mix of buckwheat and rice flour in the bรฉchamel. For a dairy-free option, try a cauliflower-based sauce with nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavour. You can also reduce the meat by substituting pork with cooked lentils for a plant-based boost.
Take a look at the variations below the main recipes to adjust the recipe to suit your dietary requirements and taste.
For more delicious, easy to make healthy lasagne recipes, click HERE.
Farmhouse Lasagne
Ingredients
- 60 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 4 clove/s garlic โ minced
- 2 onion/s โ diced
- 3 stick/s celery โ finely diced
- 500 g free-range pork mince
- 1000 g beef mince
- 1 tsp dried thyme – or (1 tbsp) fresh
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves – or (1 tsp) dried
- 2 bay leaves
- 125 ml red wine
- 150 g mushrooms – roughly diced
- 2 carrot/s – large, finely diced
- 1 zucchini/s – large, finely diced
- 250 ml chicken broth or stock (can also use beef)
- 680 g tomato passata (puree)
- 1 tsp sea salt – or to taste
- ground black pepper – to taste
- 700 g lasagne sheets – approx.
Bรฉchamel
- 150 g cheddar cheese โ or parmesan
- 40 g butter
- 50 g wholemealย speltย flour
- 200 ml chicken broth or stock
- 200 ml milk (of choice)
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper โ to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pan and add the garlic, onion and celery. Saute over a moderated heat with the lid on for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want to sweat the veggies, not brown them.
- Add the pork and beef mince and continue to cook, stirring until cooked through and most of the liquid has gone.
- Add the herbs.
- Turn the heat to high and add the red wine so it sizzles and reduces.
- Add the mushrooms, carrot, zucchini, broth, passata and seasoning.
- Reduce to a simmer for 1 hour with the lid slightly ajar.
- Meanwhile grate the cheese and make the bechemel.
- Melt the butter in a small pot. Add the flour and mix to combine to a paste.
- Now gradually add the milk and stock or broth, stirring as you go. I usually add about a ยผ cup at a time and once it heats and thickens, add more. Be patient here. Mix in about quarter of the cheese once the sauce has thickened nicely.
- Set aside until the meat sauce has cooked. When meat has approximately 10 minutes to go, preheat your oven to 180ยฐC/350ยฐF (fan-forced).
- To assemble, alternate layers of the meat and lasagne sheets finishing with a layer of the bechamel and the remaining cheese.
- I always assemble this into two baking dishes, bake and then keep one for another night or to freeze.
- Bake for 20 – 40 minutes or until the lasagne is cooked through. Fresh pasta cooks quickly, dried sheets will take longer (and the time will vary a lot between brands so check your sheets feel soft when cut before serving).
Thermomix
- Chop the garlic, 5 seconds, speed 5. Next chop the celery and onion, 10 seconds, speed 4.
- Heat the oil in a large pan and add the garlic, celery and onion. Saute over a moderated heat with the lid on for 10 mins, stirring occasionally. You want to sweat the veggies, not brown them.
- Add the pork and beef mince and continue to cook, stirring until almost cooked through and most of the liquid has gone.
- Add the herbs.
- Turn the heat to high and add the red wine so it sizzles and reduces.
- Chop the mushrooms, 3 seconds, speed 4. Chop the carrot and zucchini, 5 seconds speed 4.
- Then add the rest of the ingredients to the pan, stir and reduce to a simmer for 1 hour with the lid ajar. When meat has approximately 10 minutes to go, preheat your oven to 180ยฐC/350ยฐF (fan-forced).
- Rinse the Thermomix, dry with a paper towel, and make the bechemel.
- Grate the cheese, 10 seconds, speed 6 and set aside.
- Add the butter, flour, broth and milk into the bowl and cook, 10 minutes, 90, speed 4, MC on.
- Once the bechamel has thickened, season with a pinch of salt and a grind of black pepper and mix in a quarter of the cheese. Thermomix, 10 seconds, speed 5.
- To assemble, alternate layers of the meat and lasagne sheets finishing with a layer of the bechamel and the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 30 – 45 minutes or until the lasagne is cooked through.
Notes
Reduce the meat
Replace the pork with one can (or cup) of cooked brown lentils.Gluten-free
Chose gluten-free lasagne sheets. replace the spelt flour in the bechamel with gluten-free flour (I like a mix of buckwheat and rice flours 50/50).Dairy-free cheese sauce
Steam half a large head of cauliflower, then puree with a tablespoon of nutritional yeast, a generous pinch of sea salt and pepper and a splash of almond milk to achieve a Bรฉchamel consistency (thick sauce). Top with grated vegan cheese. Another option is this Dairy-free Bรฉchamel Sauceโ increase the servings to match the volume of milk and stock required for your meal.Onion and Garlic-free
Replace both with finely diced fennel sautรฉed with a pinch of cumin and chilli powder.Make your own pasta sheets
If you have the time, making your own pasta sheets is fun and gives an extra special level of deliciousness! Click HERE for the recipe! You will need to reduce the liquid a little since this is fresh pasta. ย ย ยย
A great meal to make ahead for those evenings where you don’t feel like cooking.ย Let me know how you enjoyed this recipe in the comments below.
‘Leftover’ Tacos (in 20 minutes)
These ‘Leftover’ Tacos are a really quick and easy way to enjoy Christmas leftover turkey, pork, chicken, tofu or tempeh. This recipe is so light and delicious, I think itโs the perfect meal in the days following a Christmas feast. Of course, if you don’t have leftovers but want to make this meal, then cook up…
Roast Pork with Raspberry Sauce
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Pork Shiitake Gyoza
These delicious Pork Shiitake Gyoza are like a little flavour bomb. I love the contrast of the crisp, caramelised base and the soft steamed tops and the dipping sauce makes this a heavenly meal or starter. Gyoza is a traditional Japanese cuisine, often served as part of a banquet. They are incredibly moreish so this…



