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Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy – A Comforting Classic
Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious – bangers and mash with onion gravy is a dish that epitomizes comfort food. This British classic is a staple in homes and pubs across the UK, known for its hearty and satisfying combination of sausages, creamy mashed potatoes, and rich onion gravy. It’s as perfect as a family dinner as it is for a date night or comforting meal for one. No matter the occasion, it’s sure to make any day become so much better.
What Makes Bangers and Mash So Special?
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and deep, comforting flavors. High-quality sausages ensure a delicious and flavorful experience. The sausage I like to use for this dish is salsiccia, but feel free to use any type of sausage you like.
The mashed potatoes serve as the perfect base, offering a smooth and buttery contrast to the crispy, well-browned sausages. I add butter and mustard in the mashed potatoes and skip the milk. This might seem unusual, but trust me, the flavor is incredible and pairs so well with the sausages. It also gets super smooth and creamy.
Why You Should Use Lard
Although you can use cooking oil for frying the sausages and onions, I highly recommend using lard. It is an incredibly underrated cooking fat that offers amazing flavor, crispiness, and versatility compared to many modern alternatives. Using lard for frying sausages and caramelizing onions enhances the depth of taste, providing a rich, savory quality that is hard to achieve with vegetable oils. It also has a high smoke point, making it ideal for frying without burning or breaking down into unpleasant flavors.
Making your own lard ensures purity and freshness, free from preservatives and unnecessary additives found in store-bought versions. It’s also a sustainable and economical way to use every part of an animal, reducing waste while yielding a high-quality cooking fat that can elevate a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re frying, roasting, or baking, homemade lard brings a level of authenticity and richness that enhances both traditional and modern recipes.
If you want to make your own lard, check out the video below.
The Secret Behind the Onion Gravy
The onion gravy is another component which takes the dish to another level, providing a deep, caramelized sweetness that complements the savory elements beautifully. The secret behind making the most delicious onion gravy? Homemade chicken stock.
Making your own chicken stock is one of the best ways to elevate the flavor of your dishes, including onion gravy. Homemade stock has a depth and richness that store-bought versions simply can’t match, thanks to the slow extraction of natural flavors from bones, meat, and aromatics. It’s also free from preservatives and unnecessary additives, allowing you full control over the seasoning and ingredients.
Plus, it’s an economical way to make use of leftover chicken bones and vegetable scraps, reducing waste while yielding a high-quality, versatile cooking staple. Whether you’re using it for gravies, soups, or sauces, homemade chicken stock brings a level of depth and authenticity that makes every dish taste more homemade and comforting. To make things even better, it’s super easy to make.
To learn how to make your own chicken stock, see the video below.
The Perfect Comfort Meal
Bangers and mash is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of nostalgia and warmth. Whether enjoyed on a rainy evening, at a lively pub, or as a cozy home-cooked dinner, it never fails to deliver satisfaction. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a go-to dish for those craving something hearty and wholesome.
The dish can also be served with green peas or other vegetables to round out the meal, adding a pop of color and freshness.
Whether you’re whipping this up for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s a timeless favorite. Enjoy!
Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious – bangers and mash with onion gravy is a dish that epitomizes comfort food. This British classic is a staple in homes and pubs across the UK, known for its hearty and satisfying combination of sausages, creamy mashed potatoes, and rich onion gravy. It’s as perfect as a family dinner as it is for a date night or comforting meal for one. No matter the occasion, it’s sure to make any day become so much better.
Total Time:1 hour
Yield:3–4 portions 1x
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sausages and Gravy
3 tbsp lard (or cooking oil)
2 medium-sized red onions, thinly sliced lengthwise
600–800 g (1.3–1.8 lbs) sausages (e.g., salsiccia)
1 tsp brown sugar
3 garlic cloves, smashed
2 sprigs rosemary
3 sprigs thyme
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 dl (¾ cup + 1 tbsp) red wine
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 dl (¾ cup + 1 tbsp) reduced chicken stock
1 tbsp capers
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp butter
Salt (to taste)
For the Mashed Potatoes
1 kg (2.2 lbs) floury potatoes, peeled and quartered
50 g (4 tbsp) butter, softened
1 tbsp mustard
Salt (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
For the Sausages and Gravy
Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F).
Heat 2 tbsp lard or cooking oil in a pan. Prick the sausages and sear them with 2 thyme sprigs, 1 rosemary sprig, and 2 smashed garlic cloves until browned on all sides. Transfer to the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
Heat the remaining 1 tbsp lard or cooking oil in a frying pan. Add the onions, brown sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Fry until the onions are soft and caramelized. Add the remaining smashed garlic clove, thyme leaves, and rosemary leaves. Stir.
Add Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, red wine, and soy sauce. Stir and let simmer until reduced by half.
Add the reduced chicken stock, capers, and honey. Simmer until the sauce thickens. Stir in the butter off the heat. Adjust seasoning with salt.
For the Mashed Potatoes
Boil the potatoes in salted water until soft. Drain, then mash with butter until smooth.
Mix in the mustard and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve the sausages with mashed potatoes and gravy. Enjoy!
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