Sausages and Onion Gravy: Bangers and Mash! [Recipe with Video] (2024)

FAQs

What kind of sausage is used in bangers and mash? ›

Bangers and mash consists of sausages ("bangers") served with mashed potatoes ("mash") and onion gravy. While lamb or beef sausages can be used, the most traditional choice is pork – specifically the Cumberland variety, a type of pork sausage seasoned with pepper, thyme, sage, nutmeg and cayenne.

British sausages being called bangers seems to be a historical legacy, a colloquial term left over from war time when sausages sometimes exploded in the pan when you cooked them. We started calling sausages bangers sometime during the first World War, it was a slang name for a sausage at the time.

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. But use your own judgment.

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.

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.

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.

Sausage or Banger

According to the Daily Mail, Britain adopted the term banger during World War I when sausages were stuffed with more accessible ingredients like cereal and made more noise while cooking.

A Primitivo, an Italian red wine made from the grape of the same name, would be a good match for Bangers and Mash. This wine is known for its bold, fruity flavors, which would complement the richness of the sausages.

Try serving accompanied by some extra green vegetables, such as cabbage, kale or broccoli.

One of the healthiest ways to cook sausages is in the oven. It's super easy to do, and unlike frying or grilling, baking sausages doesn't require any extra oil.

How to make onion gravy Gordon Ramsay? ›

Meanwhile, to make the gravy, place the roasting tray over a low heat on the hob, add the onions to the juices in the tray and cook gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until really soft and caramelised. Stir in the flour until combined, then whisk in the red wine, making sure there are no lumps.

To add a bit more flavour, try boiling the sausages in chicken or vegetable stock or even water mixed with wine. Boiling may not be the ideal cooking method for all sausages. Instead, boiling is best for sausages that contain very finely ground meat.

Any good soft pork sausage will do. Bratwurst is a good substitute, or even a mild Italian. You want links of soft sausage in casing, not a harder product like kielbasa or smoked sausage.

As an alternative, Large Black, Gloucestershire Old Spots, and Welsh breeds can be used.

Traditional Cumberland Sausage is the signature dish of Cumbria and Lakeland. It is a traditional food that is completely grounded in this region and is identified with Cumbria in the same way that pasties are to Cornwall and haggis is to Scotland. In fact it could be called 'the chieftain of the sausage race'.

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.