Reunion Island Sausage Rougail – Authentic and Easy Recipe
Craving a dish that warms both the heart and taste buds? Rougail Saucisses is the answer! This traditional, simple, and flavorful recipe takes you straight to the island of Réunion. Get ready for a festival of flavors!
What is Rougail Saucisses?
Rougail Saucisses is practically the national dish of Réunion. It’s a sausage stew made with smoked sausages, tomatoes, onions, and spices. Simple, comforting, and incredibly delicious! It’s often served with rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Why is it so popular?
- Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
- Beginner-friendly and easy to prepare.
- Bursting with bold flavors that transport your taste buds.
Authenticity First
This version is closer to the traditional flavors of Réunion than my previous takes on the dish. Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey!
Essential Ingredients
To make a great Rougail Saucisses, you’ll need:
- Smoked sausages: The star of the dish!
- Aromatics: Onions, tomatoes, and garlic for a flavorful base.
- Chili peppers: To add heat and spice.
- Oil: To sauté and enhance flavors.

Ingredients List (Serves 4)
- 300g smoked sausages, sliced
- 150g chili peppers (or less, to taste), deseeded and finely chopped
- A few grams of fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 small onions (or 1 large), sliced
- 4 tomatoes, peeled, deseeded, and chopped
- 3 tbsp neutral oil (sunflower, canola, etc.)
- 15g turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 500g basmati rice, to serve
Pre-Cooking the Sausages: A Crucial Step
The first and most important step is pre-cooking the sausages.
- Place the sausages in a saucepan with water.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Let it boil for about 10 minutes.
Why is this important?
- Removes excess fat for a lighter dish.
- Balances flavors by reducing excess salt.
- Ensures perfect sausage texture.
Preparing the Ingredients
While the sausages pre-cook, let’s prepare the rest:
Chopping the Onions
- Cut the onion in half.
- Make vertical and horizontal cuts.
- Slice into evenly sized pieces.
Prepping the Tomatoes
- Remove the pedicles of the tomatoes, then dice the tomatoes into small cubes
Handling Chili Peppers (Careful!)
- Cut in half and remove seeds for milder heat (or leave them in for extra spice!).
- Finely chop.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling!
Prepping Ginger
- Peel and finely chop the ginger for maximum aroma release.

Cooking the Rougail Saucisses
Sautéing the Sausages
- Heat oil in a large pan or pot over high heat.
- Add the sausage slices and fry until golden brown.
Adding the Onions
Once the sausages are golden:
- Add sliced onions.
- Cook until they soften and turn translucent.
Incorporating Spices
- Stir in chili, turmeric, and ginger.
- Cook for a minute or two until fragrant (be careful not to burn the spices!).
Adding the Tomatoes
- Stir in chopped tomatoes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes until the tomatoes break down into a thick sauce.
Cooking the Rice (These instructions can vary based on what type of rice you have.)
While the rougail simmers, prepare the rice:
- Rinse basmati rice under cold water until it runs clear.
- Bring water to a boil in a pot.
- Add the rice with a pinch of salt.
- Reduce heat, cover, and cook for about 10-12 minutes until done.
- Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes for perfect fluffiness.

Time to Serve!
After 20-25 minutes, the rougail should have a rich, stew-like consistency.
Plating Tips
- Serve hot over white rice.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
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Ingredient Substitutions
- Smoked sausages: Toulouse or Montbéliard sausages work well.
- Chili peppers: Use Espelette pepper or cayenne powder.
- Ginger: Swap with ground ginger.
- Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are a great alternative.
FAQ
How do I store Rougail Saucisses?
- Keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Can I freeze it?
- Yes! It freezes well for 2-3 months.
How do I reheat it?
- Use a microwave or heat on the stovetop.
Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think! Bon appétit!

Rougail Saucisses: A Traditional Reunionese Delight
Ingredients
- 300 g smoked sausages sliced
- 150 g chili peppers deseeded and chopped
- 2 small onions sliced
- 4 tomatoes peeled and diced
- 3 tbsp neutral oil
- 15 g turmeric
- 2 garlic cloves chopped
- A few grams of fresh ginger chopped
- 500 g basmati rice
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Boil sausages for 10 min to remove excess fat and salt.
- Meanwhile, slice onions, chop chili and ginger, and prep tomatoes.
- Heat oil in a pan and brown the sausage slices.
- Add onions and cook until softened.
- Stir in chili, turmeric, and ginger.
- Add tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Cook rice according to package instructions.
- Serve hot with rice and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
- Smoked sausages: Toulouse or Montbéliard sausages work well.
- Chili peppers: Use Espelette pepper or cayenne powder.
- Ginger: Swap with ground ginger.
- Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are a great alternative.
FAQ
How do I store Rougail Saucisses?- Keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Yes! It freezes well for 2-3 months.
- Use a microwave or heat on the stovetop.
Suggested Recipes
Looking for more delicious dishes? Here are some suggestions:
- Crispy Beef: Easy Recipe in 30 Minutes – Delicious and Quick
A fast and tasty option for a weeknight dinner. - Salmon Pasta – Easy, Creamy, and Delicious Recipe
Creamy salmon tagliatelle that’s simple to make. - Cheesy Beef & Macaroni Casserole – Easy and Comforting Recipe
A hearty and comforting casserole perfect for family meals.





