new comfort classics

October is for curling up with something hearty and warming to eat. Our autumnal ideas will satisfy your cravings, from our sausage-and-bean cover star, to a rich coq au vin pie and a chocolate sponge pudding with homemade custard. It’s time to welcome in the colder evenings

Double sausage & bean casserole with cheese-on-toast crumbs

While simple to make, this one-pot still feels special enough for celebrating occasions like Halloween and Bonfire Night. Or, if you’re simply in a rut when it comes to cooking family meals, even the fussiest of eaters will enjoy this. It combines several favourites that are all simmered together with added smokiness from chorizo, plus it reheats well if your family has a busy schedule and everyone eats at different times.

SERVES 4-6 PREP 20 mins

COOK 1 hr EASY

3 tbsp olive oil

8 pork sausages

2 small cooking chorizo (about100g), sliced

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 bay leaves

1 tbsp tomato purée

½ tsp light brown muscovado sugar

1 tbsp red wine vinegar

400g can chopped tomatoes

2 x 400g cans cannellini beans or any other white beans, drained but not rinsed

For the cheese-on-toast crumbs

50g crustless white bread, torn into chunks

15g parmesan, finely grated

2 tbsp thyme leaves