Bangers and Mash is a popular dish readily found in all areas of the United Kingdom. Although the dish is believed to have originated in Britain in the 18th century it has since become a popular meal in Ireland as well.
The Irish meal consists of pork sausages and mashed potatoes served with onion gravy drizzled on top. And it is quite common that you may find a side of peas on the plate as well, although this is optional.
However you can often find some popular recipe variations that make the dish even more flavorful and interesting. Mashed potatoes may include a mixture of herbs or cheese and the gravy might include beer or whiskey.
It is easy to see why this dish is popular in Irish pubs and restaurants and why it is often served as a hearty and comforting meal during the cold winter months.
However, the meal has now become one that is often enjoyed all year round. There are several reasons why people love making Bangers and Mash.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
1. Pure Comfort Food
Bangers and mash is a classic comfort food dish. The combination of hearty sausages, creamy mashed potatoes, and savory onion gravy can be very satisfying and filling.
2. Easy to Make
This is a simple dish to prepare with just a few basic ingredients. Therefore this makes this recipe a great option for people who don’t have a lot of extra time to spend in the kitchen.
3. Budget Friendly Meal
Bangers and mash is made with inexpensive ingredients yet it will keep you feeling full for hours. Therefore it is a great meal option for those on a tight budget.
4. Versatile Recipe
This recipe can easily be customized to suit different tastes and dietary requirements. For instance, instead of pork sausages you can use chicken, beef and even plant based sausages.
In addition, as mentioned above you can add various spices or cheese to the mashed potatoes for more flavor. And then you can pair the dish with a vegetable to make it a complete and tasty meal.
Why Is It Called Bangers and Mash
It is thought that the term originated around the time of World War I. Because there was a huge meat shortage at the time, sausage was often pumped with various fillers, including water.
Once they are put in a pot to cook, the sausage links would explode causing a loud ‘banging’ noise as they were thrown against the side of the pot. Thus the term ‘bangers’ was developed.
And of course, the ‘mash’ in this recipe is a simple abbreviation for mashed potatoes.
What Type of Sausage To Use
Traditionally, you make this dish with pork sausages. However you can also use other types of sausages depending on your personal preference and dietary needs.
Here are some of the most common types of sausages that you can use to make bangers and mash.
Pork sausage: This is the classic type of sausage used in this recipe. The pork sausages are flavorful, juicy, and they pair well with the creamy mashed potatoes and onion gravy.
Beef sausage: For those who can’t eat pork, beef sausages are another great option. They have a more intense taste providing the dish with a more complex flavor profile. However, be cautious for those who can’t eat pork as some beef sausages are enclosed in a pork casing.
Chicken sausage: Chicken sausages are a delicious and flavorful option that can add a unique twist to bangers and mash. They are often include various seasonings and can add a unique flavor to the dish.
Plant Based Sausage: If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can use plant based sausages made from soy, vegetables, or grains. With the onion gravy on top you will not be able to tell that they aren’t actually meat.
Bangers and Mash Recipe
*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tbsp oil
- 4 sausages
- 1 tbsp. butter
- 1/2 large onion, finely sliced
- 1 garlic cloves , minced
- 1 1/2 tbsp all purpose flour
- 1 cup beef stock/broth, low sodium
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Serving Ingredients
- Mashed potatoes
- Cooked Peas (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
The first step in making Bangers and Mash is to cook the sausages. Start by placing a skillet over medium high heat and then add the oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot place the sausages in the skillet and cook until brown on all sides and cooked through, approximately 7-10 minutes.
Remove the sausages from the skillet and then decrease the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet with the residual oil that is still in the pan.
Once the butter melts add the slices of onion and cook until they begin to turn brown on the edges, approximately 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds or until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Whisk the flour into the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, whisking constantly. Then add half of the beef broth and mix until a thick but even texture paste forms.
Add the remaining beef broth and then whisk until no clumps of flour are visible. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes stirring frequently until the gravy thickens slightly. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve sausages warm with a side of mashed potatoes and then pour the onion gravy over top. Feel free to add a helping of cooked peas as well.
How To Store and Reheat Bangers and Mash
Allow the dish to cool to room temperature and place it in a closed container. Then refrigerate the leftovers for up to 4 days.
To reheat bangers and mash place the ingredients in an oven safe dish. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
To reheat in a microwave place the contents on a microwaveable safe plate. Then place a damp paper towel over top and reheat for 1-2 minutes. *Hint – I find it best to cut the sausages in bite size pieces before reheating.
Other Popular Irish Inspired Recipes
- Easy Shepherd’s Pie For Two
- Colcannon
- Quick and Easy Boxty
- Fried Corned Beef & Cabbage
- Air Fryer Corned Beef
- Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage
- Irish Beef Stew
Enjoy! Mary
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Bangers and Mash
Bangers and Mash is a traditional British comfort food meal made with cooked sausages served with mashed potatoes with an onion gravy poured on top. Add cooked peas and you have a complete meal made that will keep you feeling full for hours!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp oil
- 4 sausages
- 1 tbsp. butter
- 1/2 large onion, finely sliced
- 1 garlic cloves , minced
- 1 1/2 tbsp all purpose flour
- 1 cup beef stock/broth, low sodium
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Serving Ingredients
- Mashed potatoes
- Cooked Peas
Instructions
- Place a skillet over medium high heat. Add the oil. Once hot place the sausages in the skillet and cook until brown on all sides and cooked through, approximately 7-10 minutes.
- Remove the sausages from the skillet and decrease the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet with the residual oil. Once the butter melts add the slices of onion and cook until they begin to turn brown on the edges, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds or until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Whisk the flour into the skillet and cook, whisking constantly for 2 minutes.
- Add half of the beef broth and mix until a thick but even texture paste forms. Then add remaining beef broth and whisk until no clumps of flour are visible. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes stirring frequently until the gravy thickens slightly. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve sausages warm with a side of mashed potatoes and pour the onion gravy over top. This dish is commonly served with a side of cooked peas.
Notes
Although traditionally made with pork sausage, any type of sausage can be used to make Bangers and Mash.
To give the gravy a little spice add in a little cayenne pepper.
Low Carb Option - serve with Cauliflower Mash instead of mashed potatoes.
Gluten Free Option - Make sure the sausages are gluten free and substitute gluten free flour to make the gravy.
Vegetarian Option - Use plant based sausages
Recipe provided by iCookfortwo.com
Nutrition Information
Yield 2Amount Per Serving Calories 816Total Fat 57gSaturated Fat 18gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 32gCholesterol 103mgSodium 2073mgCarbohydrates 46gFiber 7gSugar 12gProtein 29g
Nutritional Information is to be used as a general guideline only . Nutritional calculations will vary from the types and brands of the products used.