How-to: A Twist on Tradition: Creative Bangers and Mash Variations
Introduction:
Bangers and Mash is a classic British dish that combines juicy sausages with creamy mashed potatoes, creating a comforting and hearty meal. While the traditional recipe is delicious on its own, why not experiment with some creative variations to add new flavors to this beloved dish? In this article, we will explore three exciting twists on Bangers and Mash recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends.
I. Recipe 1: Spicy Chorizo Bangers and Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 4 spicy chorizo sausages
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese
- ½ cup of milk or cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the chorizo sausages on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake the sausages in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, cook the potatoes in a large pot of salted boiling water until tender.
5. Drain the water from the pot and return it to low heat.
6. Add milk/cream gradually while mashing the potatoes until creamy.
7. Stir in grated cheddar cheese until melted into smooth mashed potatoes.
8. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
9.Remove chorizo sausages from oven using tongs carefully; they will be hot!
10.Serve by placing a generous spoonful of cheesy mashed potatoes onto each plate followed by one cooked spicy chorizo sausage per person.
11.Garnish with fresh parsley leaves.
II.Recipe 2: Guinness Braised Onion Bangers over Sweet Potato Mash
Ingredients:
- 4 onion sausages
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- ¼ cup of milk or cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup of Guinness beer (or beef broth for a non-alcoholic version)
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the onion sausages on all sides.
2. Remove the browned sausages from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add Guinness beer (or beef broth) and bring to a simmer.
4. Return the onion sausages to the skillet, cover with a lid, and let them braise in low heat for about 15 minutes or until fully cooked.
5. Meanwhile, cook sweet potatoes in salted boiling water until tender.
6. Drain off water from pot; return pot to low heat.
7.Add butter gradually while mashing sweet potatoes until smooth consistency achieved.
8.Stir in milk/cream until desired texture is reached; season with salt and pepper accordingly.
9.To serve: place a generous serving of sweet potato mash on each plate followed by one braised onion sausage per person.
10.Garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
III.Recipe 3: Veggie Bangers with Caramelized Onion Gravy over Herb-infused Mashed Cauliflower
Ingredients:
- 4 vegetarian/vegan bangers (such as plant-based sausage)
- 1 large cauliflower head, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Caramelized Onion Gravy:
-1 large onion, thinly sliced
-2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
-1 tablespoon of brown sugar
-2 cups vegetable stock
Instructions:
1.Prepare caramelized onion gravy by heating olive oil over medium heat in a skillet.
2.Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté until they are soft and golden brown (about 10 minutes).
3.Stir in balsamic vinegar and brown sugar, allowing the mixture to caramelize for additional 5 minutes.
4.Pour vegetable stock into the skillet, bring to a simmer, and let it simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning if needed.
5.Meanwhile, steam or boil cauliflower florets until tender.
6.Drain excess water from cooked cauliflower before returning pot to low heat.
7.Use a hand blender or food processor to blend cauliflower florets into smooth consistency; season with salt and pepper according to taste preference.
8.In another pan, cook vegetarian/vegan bangers according to package instructions (usually by grilling or frying).
9.To serve: place a generous dollop of herb-infused mashed cauliflower on each plate along with one veggie banger per person. Drizzle caramelized onion gravy over the bangers.
Summary:
Bangers and Mash can be much more than just sausages served with mashed potatoes. By incorporating different ingredients and flavors, you can create exciting variations that still pay homage to this traditional British dish. Whether you prefer spice-filled chorizo sausages with cheesy mash or veggie bangers smothered in caramelized onion gravy atop herb-infused mashed cauliflower, these creative twists on Bangers and Mash will surely become new favorites at your dining table!