Bangers and mash is a classic British dish that combines sausages and mashed potatoes. It is a hearty and comforting meal that is popular in the UK and around the world. The dish gets its name from the sausages, which are often called “bangers” due to their tendency to explode when cooked improperly. When prepared correctly, however, bangers and mash is a simple yet delicious dish that can be enjoyed by all.
Traditionally, bangers and mash are served with onion gravy, which adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish. The sausages are usually made from pork or beef and may be flavored with herbs or spices. The mashed potatoes are typically made with butter and milk, resulting in a creamy and smooth texture.
For the best bangers and mash, it is important to choose high-quality sausages and potatoes. The sausages should be fresh and flavorful, and the potatoes should be starchy and fluffy. It is also important to cook the sausages thoroughly to ensure they are cooked through and safe to eat. The mashed potatoes should be seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a delicious and satisfying bangers and mash at home. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a classic British dish to impress your guests, bangers and mash is a versatile and delicious option.
Ingredients for bangers and mash
Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make delicious bangers and mash:
Sausages: | 8 pork sausages |
Potatoes: | 4 large potatoes |
Butter: | 4 tablespoons |
Milk: | 1/2 cup |
Onion: | 1 large onion |
Garlic: | 2 cloves |
Flour: | 2 tablespoons |
Beef stock: | 1 cup |
Mustard: | 2 tablespoons |
Worcestershire sauce: | 2 tablespoons |
Salt: | To taste |
Pepper: | To taste |
Make sure to gather all the ingredients before you start cooking to ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience!
Pork Sausages and Mashed Potatoes
One classic and delicious dish that is loved by many is bangers and mash. This traditional British dish consists of pork sausages served with creamy mashed potatoes. It is a simple yet satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Choosing the Perfect Pork Sausages
When making bangers and mash, choosing high-quality pork sausages is crucial for a tasty result. Look for sausages that are made with lean pork meat and have a good balance of seasoning. You can opt for traditional British-style sausages or choose ones with different flavors like apple or caramelized onion.
Cook the sausages by frying them in a pan over medium heat. Turn them occasionally to ensure they are cooked evenly. You can also grill or roast them in the oven if you prefer. Whichever method you choose, make sure the sausages are cooked thoroughly and have a golden brown color.
Preparing Creamy Mashed Potatoes
The mashed potatoes are an essential part of bangers and mash, providing a creamy and comforting base for the sausages. Start by peeling and cutting potatoes into chunks. Boil them in a pot of salted water until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, milk, and a pinch of salt. Using a potato masher or a fork, mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. For extra flavor, you can also add grated cheddar cheese or a dollop of wholegrain mustard.
Serve the mashed potatoes alongside the cooked sausages, and you can also include some gravy for added richness. Bangers and mash is traditionally enjoyed with onion gravy, but you can experiment with different types of gravy according to your taste.
Bangers and mash is a classic British dish that is loved by many. With flavorful pork sausages and creamy mashed potatoes, it is a comforting and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on any occasion. So, gather your ingredients and start cooking this delicious dish today!
Onion gravy and peas
The perfect accompaniments to bangers and mash are onion gravy and peas. These classic British side dishes add extra flavor and texture to the dish.
Onion gravy:
To make the onion gravy, start by thinly slicing two onions. Heat a tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they are caramelized, about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Next, sprinkle a tablespoon of flour over the caramelized onions and stir well to combine. Cook for another minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in 400ml of beef stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes until the gravy has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Peas:
While the gravy is simmering, prepare the peas. Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add 200g of frozen peas and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are tender but still bright green.
Once cooked, drain the peas and return them to the pot. Add a knob of butter, a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Stir well until the butter melts and the peas are coated in a buttery glaze.
Note: For a variation, you can also add mint leaves to the peas for a fresh and herbaceous flavor.
Serving:
To serve, spoon the creamy mashed potatoes onto a plate, top with sausages, and drizzle generously with the onion gravy. Serve a side of buttery peas alongside. The combination of the rich onion gravy and the sweet peas creates a delightful contrast of flavors that perfectly complements the bangers and mash.
Preparing the sausages and mashed potatoes
Before you start cooking bangers and mash, you need to prepare the sausages and mashed potatoes. Here’s how:
Sausages:
1. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a little oil.
2. Add the sausages to the pan and cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned and cooked through.
3. Remove the sausages from the pan and set them aside.
Mashed potatoes:
1. Peel and chop the potatoes into small pieces.
2. Put the potatoes into a large saucepan and cover them with cold water.
3. Place the pan on the stove over high heat and bring the water to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are soft and cooked through.
5. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pan.
6. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash the potatoes until they are creamy and smooth.
Final steps:
1. Serve the cooked sausages on a plate.
2. Spoon the mashed potatoes next to the sausages.
3. Optionally, you can add some gravy or onion gravy on top.
4. Enjoy your delicious bangers and mash!
Ingredients: | Instructions: |
---|---|
– Sausages | – Heat a frying pan and cook sausages until browned and cooked through. |
– Potatoes | – Peel, chop, and boil potatoes until soft. Mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. |
Cooking the sausages
Start by heating a tablespoon of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. You want the pan to be hot, but not smoking.
Place the sausages in the pan, making sure they are evenly spaced apart. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides.
While the sausages are cooking, you can prepare the mash potatoes. Peel and chop the potatoes into small chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender.
Once the sausages are cooked, remove them from the pan and set aside. You can keep them warm by covering them with aluminum foil.
Now it’s time to make the onion gravy. In the same frying pan, add a tablespoon of butter. When the butter has melted, add thinly sliced onions and cook until they are soft and caramelized.
Add a tablespoon of flour to the pan and stir well to combine with the onions. Gradually pour in beef stock, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Place the sausages back into the pan with the gravy and let them simmer for a few minutes, until they are heated through.
Serve the sausages and onion gravy over the mashed potatoes, and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Making the creamy mashed potatoes
To make the creamy mashed potatoes for your bangers and mash dish, follow these simple steps:
- Start by peeling and chopping 4-6 large potatoes into evenly sized chunks.
- Place the potato chunks into a large pot and cover them with cold water.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
- While the potatoes are cooking, warm 1 cup of milk and 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over low heat until the butter has melted.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them well and return them to the pot.
- Pour the warm milk and melted butter mixture over the potatoes.
- Use a potato masher or a fork to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the potatoes gummy.
- Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
Optional additions:
- For extra richness, you can add a handful of grated cheddar cheese to the mashed potatoes and mix until melted.
- For a burst of flavor, you can also stir in some finely chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives.
Once your mashed potatoes are ready, you can serve them alongside the bangers and onion gravy for a delicious and comforting meal. Enjoy!
Q&A
What are bangers and mash?
Bangers and mash is a traditional British dish consisting of sausages and mashed potatoes. The sausages, or “bangers,” are typically pork or beef and have a distinctive popping sound when cooked. The mash refers to the mashed potatoes that are served alongside the sausages.
How do I cook bangers and mash?
To cook bangers and mash, start by boiling potatoes until they are soft enough to mash. While the potatoes are boiling, cook the sausages in a frying pan until they are golden brown. Once the sausages are cooked, remove them from the pan and keep them warm. Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the mashed potatoes with the sausages on top and a side of vegetables or gravy.
Can I use any type of sausages for bangers and mash?
While traditional bangers and mash typically use pork or beef sausages, you can use any type of sausages you like. You can experiment with different flavors such as chicken, lamb, or vegetarian sausages to suit your taste preferences. Just make sure to cook the sausages thoroughly before serving.
What are some variations of bangers and mash?
There are several variations of bangers and mash that you can try. One popular variation is onion gravy, where caramelized onions are cooked in a saucepan with butter, flour, and beef broth, and then poured over the sausages and mashed potatoes. Another variation is using different types of sausages, such as Cumberland sausages or Lincolnshire sausages, which have their own unique flavors. You can also add herbs or spices to the mashed potatoes for added flavor.