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 is 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 do you 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 sausage is closest to a banger? ›

If, after much searching, you find yourself without bangers (and without the proper equipment to make a batch yourself), then in a pinch substitute any sort of plain, fatty pork sausage. Bratwurst always seems closer to a proper banger than a mild Italian sausage in my mind.

Why is my onion gravy too bitter? ›

How to Fix Bitter Gravy. Gravy can turn bitter if you accidentally burn the flour in the roux, or if you added any burnt drippings to the mix. Fat and sweet flavors mask bitter flavors, so add a pinch of sugar, a splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter.

Why does my onion gravy taste sweet? ›

By cooking them a long time you are causing a lot of the pungent oils to evaporate leaving behind the sweetness. Onions become sweet when cooked in a large amount because the extended cooking time allows the natural sugars in the onions to caramelize, creating a sweet flavor.

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. The dish is usually served with onion gravy, but may also include fried onions and peas.

Are bangers just brats? ›

Sausages, brats, bangers, and dogs are terms that are often used when referring to any of the fresh sausage links we adore for their ability to pair well with ball games and beer.

What makes Irish bangers different? ›

Bangers have two distinct characteristics – they have a much softer texture and are much less salty than their American and continental counterparts. Indeed, our sausages are 45% less salty than typical American sausages.

What is a substitute for onion gravy mix? ›

ingredients
  1. 14 cup dried onion flakes.
  2. 2 tablespoons low-sodium beef bouillon granules.
  3. 14 teaspoon onion powder.
  4. 14 teaspoon parsley flakes.
  5. 18 teaspoon celery seed.
  6. 18 teaspoon paprika.
  7. 18 teaspoon pepper.

How do you thicken onion gravy? ›

If your gravy is on the skimpy side, you can thicken it quickly with flour or cornstarch. But don't add your thickener directly to the gravy, which will create lumps. Instead, try stirring in three or four tablespoons of flour or cornstarch into a small amount of cold water until you have a smooth paste.

What are bangers called in America? ›

Irish Sausage is also commonly known as “English Sausage”, “British Sausage, and as “Bangers” outside of the UK; the terms are used interchangeably. The traditional recipe consists of ground pork, a rusk bread filler, eggs, seasonings and a natural pork or beef casing.

What do they call hot dogs in England? ›

Strangely enough us Brits call frankfurters, frankfurters. What as a slang name we call 'bangers' are one of the many varieties of British style sausage. It's not a term that is used that much really these days. About the only time we will use it is to refer to that good old fashioned British dish 'bangers & mash'.

What is the British slang for sausage? ›

The term “bangers” is British slang for sausages but is used almost exclusively for the sausages in the dish bangers and mash.

Can you buy ready made onion gravy? ›

Sainsbury's Onion Gravy, Inspired to Cook 300g (Serves 3) | Sainsbury's.

What is onion sauce made of? ›

Many various ingredients may be used in preparations of onion sauce, such as cream, milk, butter, chicken broth, wine, port wine, beer, lemon juice, flour, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, dry mustard, sage and other herbs, mushroom ketchup, bread crumbs, bacon and others.

What is gravy usually made of? ›

Gravy is a sauce often made from the juices of meats that run naturally during cooking and often thickened with corn starch or other thickeners for added texture.

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