When I think of comfort food, there’s one dish that always brings back warm memories: bangers and mash. Growing up, we had it often-whether it was a quick weeknight dinner or something a bit more special on a Sunday. I can still remember the way the savory sausages would sizzle in the pan and the creamy mashed potatoes would come together. It was the kind of meal that felt like a hug on a plate.
That’s why when I first discovered Jamie Oliver’s take on bangers and mash, I knew I had to try it. His version felt like an upgrade on a classic but still captured that rustic, cozy charm. So, I decided to make it one evening and share the experience. Let’s dive into how to make Jamie’s version of this timeless dish, from gathering the ingredients to mastering the cooking techniques.
Jamie Oliver’s Bangers And Mash Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s bangers and mash recipe is one of those dishes that doesn’t just satisfy your hunger-it really hits the spot. With the sausages perfectly browned and the mash so smooth and creamy, it’s comfort food done right.
I love how Jamie uses flavorful sausages and creates a rich gravy to complement the dish. There’s a real art to pairing the right ingredients and cooking them just right, and that’s exactly what Jamie delivers here. The best part? The recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner, yet indulgent enough to serve when you want to impress.
Ingredients Needed
Before diving in, here’s what you’ll need to create this hearty meal:
- Sausages: Traditional pork sausages work best for this recipe. Jamie often recommends good-quality butcher sausages-something with a bit of flavor and fat. You want that delicious crisp on the outside and a juicy interior.
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal here. Their starchy nature creates the creamiest mash with that perfect texture.
- Butter and Cream: These are the keys to creamy mashed potatoes. Butter adds richness, while cream smooths everything out.
- Onions: For the gravy, onions are sautéed and slowly caramelized, creating a deep, sweet flavor that balances the savory sausages.
- Garlic: A touch of garlic enhances the flavor of the gravy without overpowering the other elements.
- Chicken Stock: This is the base for the gravy. It helps add depth and richness.
- Fresh Herbs: Rosemary and thyme bring an aromatic touch to the dish and add a bit of earthiness to the sausage and mash combo.
- Flour: Used for thickening the gravy, a bit of flour gives it that perfect consistency.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Bangers And Mash
Making Jamie Oliver’s bangers and mash isn’t difficult, but it’s all about paying attention to the details. Here’s how to go about it:
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Start With The Potatoes
Peel and chop the potatoes into chunks. Put them in a pot, cover them with water, and bring them to a boil. Let them cook for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re soft enough to mash.
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Cook The Sausages
While the potatoes are boiling, heat a little oil in a large pan. Add the sausages and cook them on medium heat, turning them occasionally until they’re browned and cooked through (around 15-20 minutes). Once done, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
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Make The Gravy
In the same pan, add finely chopped onions and garlic. Cook on low heat until they become soft and golden. Sprinkle in some flour to make a roux, and cook it for about a minute. Gradually add chicken stock, stirring constantly. Let the gravy simmer until it thickens, around 5-10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
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Mash The Potatoes
Once the potatoes are done, drain them and return them to the pot. Add butter, cream, salt, and pepper. Mash everything until it’s smooth and creamy.
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Assemble
Serve the sausages on top of the mashed potatoes, then pour the gravy over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs for that extra pop of flavor.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s take a closer look at the science behind some of the key ingredients that make this recipe shine:
- Sausages: The key to a great sausage is fat. Fat carries flavor, and when the sausage cooks, the fat helps to brown and crisp the exterior, creating a delicious contrast to the tender inside. The spices and herbs mixed into the sausage blend also release their flavor during cooking, making each bite savory and satisfying.
- Potatoes: Potatoes contain starch, and when boiled, this starch breaks down into sugar. When mashed, that starch creates the smooth, creamy texture we crave in mashed potatoes. Russet potatoes, in particular, have a high starch content, which makes them perfect for creating that velvety texture.
- Gravy: The flour in the gravy helps to thicken the stock into a silky-smooth sauce. The process of cooking the flour with the onions creates a deep, nutty flavor that adds richness to the dish. The fat from the sausages also gets incorporated into the gravy, giving it a savory undertone.
Expert Tips
- Sausage Choice: The better the sausage, the better the overall dish. Look for sausages with quality meat and a good balance of seasoning.
- Mashed Potatoes Texture: For an extra silky mash, try using a potato ricer. It ensures a lump-free texture and helps eliminate any graininess.
- Resting the Gravy: Allow the gravy to simmer and reduce a bit. This concentrates the flavors and makes it richer.
- Herb Variations: If rosemary and thyme aren’t your thing, you can swap them out for sage or even a bit of parsley.
Recipe Variations
While Jamie’s recipe is excellent on its own, here are a few variations to suit different tastes or dietary preferences:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the sausages for a veggie sausage or a mixture of roasted mushrooms. These can provide a meaty texture without the meat.
- Spicy Twist: Use spicy sausages like chorizo or add chili flakes to the gravy for an extra kick.
- Healthier Mash: If you want a lighter mash, substitute half the cream with Greek yogurt or use olive oil instead of butter.
- Onion-Free Gravy: If you’re not a fan of onions, make a simple brown gravy using just stock, butter, and herbs.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s bangers and mash is one of those timeless dishes that’s perfect for just about any occasion. It’s simple, flavorful, and a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish will always feel like a treat. The key is in the quality of ingredients, and Jamie’s method takes all the guesswork out of it.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Bangers And Mash Recipe Unique?
Jamie Oliver’s recipe stands out for its rich, homemade onion gravy and the use of high-quality sausages paired with creamy mashed potatoes.
Can I Use Different Sausages For Jamie Oliver’s Bangers And Mash?
Yes! You can swap in your preferred sausages like pork, beef, or chicken. Just make sure they’re full of flavor.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Bangers And Mash Gluten-free?
Use gluten-free sausages and substitute the flour in the gravy with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch.