Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy Recipe (2024)

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Bangers and Mash is a popular recipe that originated in Britain and has become wildly popular in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

This dish is made up of cooked sausage (Bangers) served with Mashed Potatoes (Mash). And most often it is served with a thick onion gravy coating the entire dish.

Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy Recipe (1)

And for those that would like to add an additional side dish, it is typically served with a side of peas.

But where did the term Bangers and Mash come from?

It is thought that the term originated around the time of World War I. Because there was a huge meat shortage, sausages were often pumped with various fillers, including water.

Once they were put in a pot to cook, they would explode, causing a loud ‘banging’ noise as they were thrown against the side of the pot.

And of course, the ‘mash’ is a simple abbreviation for mashed potatoes.

Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy Recipe (2)

Today’s Bangers and Mash

Bangers and Mash have come a long way since World War I. There is no longer a shortage of meat and this dish is wildly served across pubs and restaurants throughout the U.K.

The sausages that are used now are made with a high quality pork or beef and easily cook without exploding.

The type of sausage that you use in this recipe is totally up to you. With hundreds of different varieties available, each chef has their own preference.

Some prefer to use 100 percent beef or pork. And others prefer to use sausage that have been made with a combination of beef and pork.

Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy Recipe (3)

Although there are sausage made from lamb, chicken and other meats, these tend to be less popular than the traditional varieties.

Once you determine what type of meat to use, the next step is to figure out what spices that you like in your sausage.

There are some flavored with savory spices, and some that have a sweeter taste.

Our personal preference is to use a spicy sausage made with a combination of beef and pork.

Onion Gravy

Bangers and Mash is historically served with a thick onion gravy.

Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy Recipe (4)

It is important to allow the onions to saute until golden brown before adding the stock. The cooking process of the onions will cease once the stock is added.

And speaking of stock, be sure to use beef stock for the best results. Beef stock has a deeper and more rich flavor than chicken or vegetable stock.

Of course, if all you have is chicken stock, you can certainly use it. However, you will gain so much more flavor when using beef stock.

How To Serve Bangers and Mash

Once the gravy has had time to thicken, place the sausages back in the pot to heat up one final time before serving.

Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy Recipe (5)

There are two ways that you can plate the sausages. Either on top or alongside of the cooked mashed potatoes.

Then pour the onion gravy on top of both the Bangers and Mash.

And if you wish, you can add a serving of cooked peas to the plate as well.

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Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy Recipe (6)

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Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy Recipe (7)

Sausage and mashed potatoes served with a thick onion gravy that is traditional and economical meal famous in Britain and Ireland.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 tbsp extra virgin oil, divided
  • 8 sausages
  • 1 large onion, halved and finely sliced
  • 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • Cooked mashed potatoes

Instructions

  1. Heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet pan over medium high heat. One hot, add sausages and cook, turning until browned cooked/heated through.
  2. Remove sausages and set aside.
  3. Turn skillet heat to medium. Add the remaining oil to the skillet.
  4. Add onion and cook for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook and additional 1-2 minutes or until onions turn golden brown.
  5. Add flour and toss with the onions and garlic until absorbed.
  6. Add 3/4 cup of beef broth and mix until a thick mixture develops. Pour the remaining beef broth in the skillet and mix until combined.
  7. Bring to a simmer and stir frequently until the gravy thickens. Toss the sausages back into the pan and coat with the gravy. Note: the gravy will thicken as it stands. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve sausages and gravy with mashed potatoes.

Notes

Recipe provided by Make Your Meals

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size:

1 grams
Amount Per Serving:Unsaturated Fat: 0g

Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are the best sausages for bangers and mash? ›

The Best Sausage for Bangers and Mash

Thick, unaged pork sausages are traditionally used for bangers and mash. A mildly spiced sausage is more common, but feel free to use your favorite sausages when making the dish at home.

How to make James Martin onion gravy? ›

Method. Pop the onions into a pan with lard/fat and cook until deeply coloured. Add the madeira stock, marmite and Bovril. Bring to the boil then simmer for 5 minutes, season, then finish with butter.

What goes well with bangers and mash? ›

What To Serve With Bangers And Mash - 45 Tasty Sides
  • Meat. • 1 portion Garlic mushrooms and bacon, creamy.
  • Produce. • 1 portion Braised leeks. • 1 portion British baked beans.
  • Bread & Baked Goods. • 1 portion Yorkshire pudding.
  • Dairy. • 1 portion Cauliflower cheese.
  • Deli. • 1 portion Coleslaw.

Is bangers and mash Irish or British? ›

Bangers and mash is a quintessential British dish of sausage and mashed potatoes, typically served with onion gravy. It's roots extend to Ireland where you'll find the dish in many local pubs. I found “Irish Style Banger Sausages” at my whole foods and knew I had to try them out.

What American sausage is closest to bangers? ›

Just a regular lightly-seasoned fresh pork sausage. Plain breakfast sausage would probably be the closest.

Can I use kielbasa for bangers and mash? ›

You can really use any sausage of choice. Normally bangers and mash are made using thick pork sausages, but you can use anything from bratwurst or mild Italian sausages to a sausage made of beef, pork, lamb or whatever else you think would taste great.

What is the secret to good gravy? ›

Here are my principles for making great gravy without fear:
  • Make it ahead. This is the most important one. ...
  • Make a really good homemade turkey stock first. Don't skimp on this crucial first step. ...
  • Reinforce the stock's flavor. ...
  • Simmer, simmer, simmer. ...
  • Strain and cool. ...
  • Reduce. ...
  • Hot liquids only.
Nov 5, 2021

How do you make Trisha Yearwood gravy? ›

Directions. Add the butter and flour to a skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring, until melted together and well combined, 2 to 3 minutes. Slowly stream in the stock while whisking and continue to cook until thickened, 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and stir in a little shredded turkey.

What do Americans call bangers and mash? ›

Bangers and mash, also known as sausages and mash, is a traditional British dish consisting of sausages and mashed potato. It may consist of one of a variety of flavoured sausages made of pork, lamb, beef, or a meat alternative.

Do Americans have bangers and mash? ›

Bangers and mash is not a thing in the USA, except in very rare locations.

What alcohol goes with bangers and mash? ›

A Primitivo, an Italian red wine made from the grape of the same name, would be a good match for Bangers and Mash. This wine is known for its bold, fruity flavors, which would complement the richness of the sausages.

What is the American equivalent to British bangers? ›

Sausage or Banger

Sausage, a staple in sit-down breakfasts in the U.S. and essential element in a full English breakfast, evolved from the French saucisse and the Latin salsicus.

What do they call sausage in Ireland? ›

"Irish sausage" generally refers to a type of pork sausage that is commonly eaten in Ireland. It is also known as "Irish bangers" or simply "bangers".

Do Irish people eat bangers and mash? ›

Today, bangers and mash with onion gravy is a typical pub dish in Great Britain and Ireland, with the Irish sometimes including a side of cabbage as well.

What are the best type of sausages? ›

5 Types Of Sausage For Any Occasion
  1. Kielbasa. “Kiełbasa” is the Polish word for sausage, and in Poland it can mean any kind of sausage. ...
  2. Andouille. ...
  3. Bratwurst. ...
  4. Italian sausage. ...
  5. Chorizo.

What is a good substitute for Irish sausage? ›

Any good soft pork sausage will do. Bratwurst is a good substitute, or even a mild Italian. You want links of soft sausage in casing, not a harder product like kielbasa or smoked sausage.

Why are Cumberland sausages so good? ›

Its very high meat content, rough-cut texture, and high seasoning make it one of the truly great pork products of Great Britain.

What is the best cut of meat for sausages? ›

Pork. Butt/Shoulder: Boneless pork butt is very common for making sausages. It contains 20-30% fat so is perfect for sausages as this is the perfect fat to meat ratio (or you can add another 5% fat for extra tenderness and juiciness). If buying from the butcher, request 'boneless shoulder/butt'.

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