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Sage and Onion "Roast"

This savoury sage and onion roast is a fantastic vegetarian alternative to a traditional joint, offering a deep, earthy flavour and satisfying texture. Combining toasted pine nuts, walnuts and chestnuts with fragrant fresh sage, it provides a sophisticated balance of crunch and herbs. The addition of crumbled veggie burgers and golden breadcrumbs ensures the roast remains hearty and moist, making it a reliable centrepiece that will appeal to vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Ideal for a Sunday roast or a festive Christmas dinner, this versatile dish is best served with all the classic trimmings, such as crisp roast potatoes, seasonal greens and a rich onion gravy. It is easily prepared in advance and holds its shape beautifully when sliced. Packed with protein and healthy fats from the nuts, it is a nourishing choice for any celebratory meal or a comforting family weekend lunch.

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Ingredients for Sage and Onion "Roast"

  • 3 tablespoons light olive oil

  • 2 medium onions, finely chopped

  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped

  • 80ml pine nuts, lightly toasted in a frying pan (no oil needed)

  • 80ml walnut halves, chopped

  • 110g chestnuts, peeled, cooked, and chopped

  • 3 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped

  • 3 veggie burgers, cooked and crumbled

  • 300ml dried breadcrumbs

  • 180ml vegetable stock

  • 3 large, free-range eggs, beaten

  • sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Preheat the oven to 191°C. Line a 9 inch loaf pan (about 4 inches deep) with parchment paper.

In a large frying pan over medium heat, heat the olive oil and gently saute the chopped onions and celery for about 5-10 minutes. Stir in the pine nuts, walnuts, chestnuts, chopped sage, and the crumbled veggie burgers. Saute for a minute or two until heated through. Now add the breadcrumbs and cook for another 8-10 minutes.

Stir in the vegetable stock and cook for a couple of minutes. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and let cool for a couple of minutes. Then stir in the beaten eggs, season with salt and plenty of black pepper, and mix together well.

Spoon the mixture into the lined loaf pan and press it down evenly. Bake the terrine in the middle of the oven for 30 minutes. Remove it from the oven and turn it upside down onto a non-stick baking sheet, peeling away the parchment. Put it back in the oven to bake for 30 more minutes, until the outside is crisp and golden. Slice and serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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