Classic British Bangers and Mash Recipe

Ingredients

8 pork sausages
4 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
1/4 cup of milk
2 tablespoons of butter
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
2 large onions, sliced
1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
1 cup of beef broth
1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce

Steps and instructions

Preheat your grill for high heat.
Place the sausages under the grill for 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly cooked, turning halfway through.
Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well, then add milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until soft and caramelized, about 10 minutes. If they start to brown too quickly, reduce the heat.
Sprinkle the flour over the onions, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, then add the Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 10 more minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
Plate up the mashed potatoes, top with the sausages, and spoon the onion gravy on top. Serve immediately.

Tools for making

Grill - Needed to cook the sausages.
Pot - Used to boil the potatoes.
Masher - Used to mash the potatoes.
Skillet - Used to cook the onions and make the gravy.
Whisk - Used to mix the flour, broth, and Worcestershire sauce for the gravy.
Spoon - Used to spoon the onion gravy over the mashed potatoes and sausages.

Recipe variations

Replace pork sausages with chicken, beef, or vegetarian sausages for different flavor profiles.
Try using sweet potatoes or a combination of sweet and regular potatoes for the mash.
Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the mashed potatoes for added flavor.
Experiment with different types of sausages such as chorizo or Italian sausages.
Include roasted garlic in the mashed potatoes for a savory twist.
Make a vegetarian version by substituting the sausages with grilled or roasted vegetables.
Add a splash of red wine or beer to the onion gravy for extra depth of flavor.
Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free flour or a cornstarch slurry to thicken the gravy.
For a spicier option, add chili flakes or paprika to the mashed potatoes or sprinkle them over the sausages.
Top the dish with caramelized apples or apple chutney for a sweet and tangy contrast.

Recipe overview

"Bangers and Mash, a traditional British dish known for its hearty and comforting flavors, is the perfect meal for those cozy nights in. This recipe features juicy pork sausages (the "bangers") grilled to perfection, served over a bed of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes (the "mash"), and topped off with a rich, savory onion gravy. The end result is a dish that's comforting, satisfying, and packed with layers of flavor. It's a simple, yet delicious meal that's sure to become a family favorite. From prepping your ingredients to taking that first delicious bite, expect a cooking journey that's as fun as it is rewarding. Let's start cooking!"

Common questions

How long should I cook the sausages? - The sausages should be grilled for about 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly cooked, turning halfway through.
How do I make the mashed potatoes smooth? - After boiling the potatoes until tender, drain them well and then add milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash the potatoes until smooth using a potato masher or an electric mixer.
How long does it take to caramelize the onions? - It usually takes about 10 minutes to soften and caramelize the onions over medium-high heat. If they start to brown too quickly, reduce the heat.
How do I thicken the onion gravy? - Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir constantly for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, then add Worcestershire sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for 10 minutes on low heat until it thickens.
Can I use a different type of sausage? - Yes, you can use different types of sausages like beef, chicken, or vegetarian sausages, depending on your preference.
What side dishes can I serve with Bangers and Mash? - Bangers and Mash is often served with peas, steamed vegetables, or a side salad. You can also add some onion rings or gravy on the side.

Serving dishes and utensils

Grill - Needed to cook the sausages.
Pot - Used to boil the potatoes.
Masher - Used to mash the cooked potatoes.
Skillet - Used to cook the onions and make the gravy.
Whisk - Used to mix the flour, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce for the gravy.
Spoon - Used to spoon the onion gravy over the sausages and mashed potatoes.

Origin stories

Bangers and Mash, a hearty and straightforward dish, hails from the United Kingdom, specifically England. Its main ingredients, sausages and mashed potatoes, have earned it the affectionate nickname of "Sausages and Mash". The term "bangers" is believed to have originated during World War I, when meat shortages led to sausages being made with a high water content, causing them to burst or "bang" in the pan while cooking. It's a popular pub staple, accompanied by a rich onion gravy, and is particularly cherished on chilly evenings. The dish's simplicity and comforting quality have propelled its popularity, making it a beloved choice across generations and regions. It stands as a testament to the quintessentially British love for uncomplicated but flavorsome fare.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.