Gala and La Casera Recipe: How to Make the Classic Nigerian Street Food Combo of Sausage Roll and Apple Drink

Introduction

Gala and La Casera is an iconic street food combination in Nigeria, beloved by commuters and busy professionals alike. This duo features Gala, a soft and savory sausage roll, and La Casera, a refreshing apple-flavored carbonated drink. The convenient packaging of both items makes them perfect for on-the-go consumption, providing a quick and satisfying meal or snack. Whether you are stuck in Lagos traffic or enjoying a break, Gala and La Casera offer comfort, flavor, and energy in every bite and sip.

Ingredients for Gala (Sausage Roll)

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 cup cold butter (cut into small cubes)
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1 large egg (for egg wash)

For the Sausage Filling:

• 4-6 chicken or beef sausages
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 tablespoon ketchup or mustard (optional)

Ingredients for La Casera (Apple Drink)

Homemade Apple Drink:

• 2 cups fresh apple juice (from 4-5 apples)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon sugar or honey (optional)
• 1-2 cups sparkling water or club soda
• Ice cubes (for serving)

Instructions for Making Gala

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
2. Add Butter: Rub in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Form the Dough: Gradually add cold water while mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overworking the dough to maintain a tender texture.
4. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausages

1. Season the Sausages: Mix the sausages with black pepper, garlic powder, and optional ketchup or mustard.
2. Pre-Cook the Sausages: Lightly grill or pan-fry the sausages until partially cooked. This helps to ensure the sausages are fully cooked when baked.

Step 3: Assemble the Gala

1. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Cut and Fill: Cut the dough into strips that are slightly longer than the sausages. Place a sausage on each strip and roll tightly, sealing the edges with water.
3. Brush with Egg Wash: Arrange the sausage rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush with beaten egg for a golden crust.

Step 4: Bake the Gala

1. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown.
2. Cool and Serve: Let them cool slightly before serving with a cold bottle of La Casera.

Instructions for Making Homemade La Casera

1. Juice the Apples: Peel, core, and blend fresh apples with a bit of water. Strain the juice to remove any pulp.
2. Mix Ingredients: Combine apple juice with lemon juice and sugar or honey if needed.
3. Add Sparkle: Just before serving, mix with chilled sparkling water or club soda for a refreshing fizzy effect.
4. Serve Cold: Pour over ice cubes and enjoy with Gala.

Nutritional Elements

Gala (Sausage Roll):

• Carbohydrates: Provides energy from the dough.
• Protein: From the sausage filling, supports muscle function.
• Fats: Healthy fats from butter and sausage enhance satiety.
• Vitamins & Minerals: B vitamins from flour and iron from meat.

La Casera (Apple Drink):

• Vitamins: High in Vitamin C from apples and lemon juice, boosting immunity.
• Antioxidants: Apples contain quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Hydration: Sparkling water helps maintain fluid balance.

Curative Power of Ingredients

• Apples: Rich in fiber and antioxidants, support heart health and improve digestion.
• Lemon Juice: Acts as a natural detoxifier and aids in digestion.
• Black Pepper and Garlic: Enhance metabolism and have antimicrobial properties.
• Carbohydrates: Provide a quick energy boost, ideal for busy or active lifestyles.

Serving Suggestions

• On the Go: Enjoy as a convenient snack while commuting or during a busy day.
• For Lunchboxes: Ideal for school or work as a filling and satisfying meal.
• At Parties: Serve as an appetizer with other Nigerian small chops.

Tips for Enjoying Gala and La Casera

• Serve Cold: La Casera is best enjoyed chilled, especially in hot weather.
• Pair with Peppers: Add a bit of pepper sauce to the sausage roll for an extra kick.
• Storage: Keep the homemade apple drink refrigerated and the Gala in an airtight container for freshness.

This classic Nigerian combo of Gala and La Casera is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a convenient and nutritious choice. Enjoy the authentic taste of Nigeria, wherever you are!