Ingredients:
- 1 lb (500 g) Ground Pork Shoulder (mince), ideally 20% fat content
- 7 oz (200 g) Black Pudding, skin removed and finely crumbled
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) Fresh Sage, finely chopped
- 1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon Mustard
- 1 tsp (5 g) Salt
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) Black Pepper, freshly ground
- 1/4 tsp (1 ml) Nutmeg, freshly grated
- 1 large Egg, lightly beaten (for filling)
- 13 oz block (375 g block) All-Butter Puff Pastry
- 1 large Egg, beaten well (for egg wash)
- Flaky Sea Salt, as needed for sprinkling
- 1 tsp Black or White Sesame Seeds (Optional)
Instructions:
- Prep Ingredients: Remove the outer casing from the black pudding and crumble the filling into the large mixing bowl.
- Combine: Add the ground pork, Panko breadcrumbs, sage, Dijon mustard, the beaten egg (from the filling list), salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the bowl.
- Mix Gently: Using your hands, mix the ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the sausage rolls tough.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This is essential to firm up the fat and make the mixture easier to handle and shape.
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C / Gas Mark 6). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll the puff pastry block into a large rectangle approximately 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick. Trim the edges neatly to form a 16 x 10 inch (40 x 25 cm) rectangle.
- Divide: Cut the pastry rectangle in half lengthwise, yielding two strips of 16 x 5 inches (40 x 12.5 cm).
- Form the Log: Split the chilled filling mixture into two equal portions. Shape one portion of the filling into a long cylinder along the centre edge of one pastry strip, ensuring the log is about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick and leaves a clear 1-inch border on all sides. Repeat with the second strip.
- Egg Wash Edges: Lightly brush the border of the pastry (around the filling log) with the second beaten egg (the egg wash).
- Fold and Seal: Fold the pastry strip over the filling log, bringing the long edges together to meet. Press the edges firmly to seal the pastry, then crimp with a fork for texture and a secure seal.
- Cut the Rolls: Cut each long roll into six even pieces, approximately 2.5 inches (6 cm) long, using a sharp knife.
- Final Prep: Place the rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Prick the top of each roll 2-3 times with a fork (venting is crucial).
- Glaze and Season: Brush the entire surface of the rolls generously with the remaining egg wash. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and optional sesame seeds.
- Bake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through, until the pastry is deeply golden brown, puffed up, and the filling is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
- Cool: Allow to cool on the tray for 10 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.