Rougail Saucisse is the quintessential comfort dish of Réunion Island. Smoked sausages are par-boiled to remove excess fat, then braised in a vibrant tomato and ginger sauce spiked with turmeric and chilli. Served over steamed rice with lentils, it embodies the Creole soul of the island.
Serves 4
Cover sausage chunks with cold water, bring to a boil for 5 minutes, then drain.
This removes excess salt and fat.
Heat oil in a wide pan. Fry garlic and ginger for 1 minute, then add turmeric.
Stir in tomatoes, season with salt, and cook 10 minutes until broken down into a sauce.
Add drained sausages to the sauce, stir well, cover and simmer 20 minutes.
Serve hot over steamed white rice with lentils or beans on the side.
Use Bourbon sausages if available.
Add a whole chilli for more heat.
Taste and adjust salt at the very end — flavors concentrate as liquids reduce, and a final pinch of flaky salt sharpens the whole dish.
Mise en place pays for itself: chop, measure and pre-mix everything before the heat goes on, especially for any step that moves fast.
Rougail morue (salt cod)
Rougail bringelles (aubergine)
Vegetarian: swap the protein for roasted king oyster mushrooms, smoked tofu or cooked chickpeas — adjust seasoning slightly upward to compensate.
Spicier: add a finely chopped fresh chile or a teaspoon of crushed Aleppo/Urfa pepper to the aromatics for warm, layered heat instead of a single sharp hit.
Refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water.
Rougail is a term for Réunion's signature spiced condiment and sauce tradition brought by African and Malagasy enslaved people and later enriched by Indian and Chinese immigrants.
Yes, but smoked sausages give the authentic flavour.
Moderately — adjust chilli to taste.
Yes — most of the components can be prepared up to a day in advance and refrigerated separately. Reheat gently and assemble just before serving so textures stay distinct.
Stay close to the role each ingredient plays: swap aromatics for similar ones (shallot for onion, lime for lemon), and keep the fat-acid-salt balance intact. Spice blends can usually be approximated with what's in the cupboard.
Per serving · 4 servings total
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