A Warm Taste of Home
Imagine waking up on a chilly, rain-soaked morning in Ireland. You decide to go to your favorite pub, where you are greeted with laughter and the inviting crackle of the fireplace. You are thinking about what could make this day even more perfect, and you decide there is nothing better than a steaming plate of bangers and mash along with your favorite beer. If you can't go to your local favorite pub, it's okay because you can bring that cozy feeling home by following the recipe below
All About Bangers and Mash
Bangers and Mash is a classic Irish and British dish with sausages (bangers), mashed potatoes (mash) and smothered in onion gravy to bring the flavor home. You can also pair this dish with carrots and peas to include vegetables. You'll find this popular comfort food on pub menus up and down Ireland but don't stress about booking your flight to the Emerald Isle—you can enjoy this delicious dish from the comfort of your home.
What is a Banger?
A banger is a pork sausage commonly used in traditional Irish dishes like Bangers and Mash. These sausages are made from minced or ground pork, mixed with various seasonings and sometimes breadcrumbs or other fillers. Irish bangers are known for their distinctive flavor and can be somewhat different from other sausages because they contain "rusk" and eggs
Why Are Sausages Called Bangers?
You might be curious about the origin of the term “bangers”, but rest easy, we have the answer! Sausages have been around since the 1600s but weren't called "bangers" until World War II. During the war, meat supplies were scarce in Europe and had to be filled with more water than usual to keep the production going. The high water content caused the sausage to make a "bang" sound or to pop while cooking. Although modern sausages are of a higher quality than in the 1940s, they still might pop in the pan when cooking if there is extra fat.
What is Mash?
"Mash" refers to mashed potatoes. This smooth, buttery way to prepare potatoes is a fundamental part of the dish, providing a comforting base that complements the flavors of the sausages and gravy. The mashed potatoes in the Irish version of Banger's and Mash are often prepared traditionally, using locally sourced ingredients such as Irish potatoes, which can give them a distinct nutty flavor with a little bit of sweetness.
Bangers and Mash Ingredients
- 1 pack of Tommy Moloney’s Jumbo Sausages or "Bangers"
- 2 large onions
- 1 glass of red wine
- 1 pack of frozen mashed potatoes
- 2 tablespoons of plain flour
- A few sprigs of Thyme
- 500 ml of beef stock
Preparation
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake the Tommy Moloney’s sausages in the oven for 20 minutes, turning them over once halfway through.
Step 2:
While the sausages are in the oven, begin preparing the mashed potatoes by following the instructions on the pack.
Step 3:
Slice the onions and fry them in a little bit of olive oil over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Turn the pan’s heat up and cook for 2 more minutes and do not stir.
Add one glass of red wine and simmer for about 5 minutes.
Step 4:
Turn the heat down to medium, stirring in 2 tablespoons of plain flour. Cook this for one more minute. Add a few sprigs of thyme and pour the beef stock gradually. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 5:
Place the sausages into the mash and pour over the onion gravy. Serve immediately.
Tip: You may want to grate some white cheddar cheese on top.
Bring the Best of Ireland to Your Table
There is nothing like being homesick and missing the taste and quality of Irish food to fix at your next feast. We have you covered at Tommy Moloney's, whether you are fixing breakfast, lunch, or dinner. If you are thinking about making Bangers and Mash at your next gathering, don't forget to grab a pack of Irish beer to go with it!
