Bubble and Squeak
Bubble and squeak is a British dish made from cooked potatoes and cabbage, mixed together and fried. The food writer Howard Hillman classes it as one of the "great peasant dishes of the world". The dish has been known since at least the 18th century, and in its early versions it contained cooked beef. By the mid-20th century the two vegetables had become the principal ingredients. Today, Bubble and Squeak is made from leftover mashed potatoes and vegetables like cooked cabbage and served with a fried egg or burger.
Ingredients
Patties:
- 2/3 cup of bacon chopped
- 1 shallot peeled and sliced
- 1 garlic clove finely chopped
- 1 cup leftover roast or mashed potatoes
- 1 cup leftover cooked vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips or cabbage, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp parsley chopped
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- Oil for frying
Accompaniments:
- Egg Fried or Poached
- Tomato Wedge
- Feta Crumbled
Instructions
- Place a frying pan over a medium heat and add the pancetta. Cook for a few minutes until crispy then add the shallot and garlic and cook for a further 4-5 minutes until softened and lightly colored. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl to cool slightly.
- Add the chopped potatoes, vegetables and parsley, season well and mash together – you can make this as chunky or smooth as you like.
- Mix in the egg until it just starts to come together then shape the mixture into 8 small cakes with wet hands. You could also make 1 large cake.
- Add a splash of oil to the pan and fry the cakes for 3-4 minutes each side, or until golden brown all over. You may need to cook in batches, keep cooked cakes warm in a low oven while frying the rest.
- Serve two per person with fried eggs and bacon for breakfast or brunch, or as part of a Boxing Day buffet with leftover cold cuts and chutneys.
Video
Notes
Swap the pancetta for leftover chopped ham, smoked fish or other meats. if you have any, mixing it in with the potatoes and veg. Alternatively, leave out completely for a vegetarian option – you could add in some chunks of feta or sundried tomatoes for a change.
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