Recipe of the Week: Irish Bangers and Mash

A Cozy St. Patrick’s Day Classic! St. Patrick’s Day may be famous for parades, pints, and all things green, but at its heart, the holiday is about celebrating Irish heritage and nothing captures that spirit quite like a plate of true Irish comfort food. Among the country’s most beloved dishes is bangers and mash, a humble, hearty classic that feels just right on a March evening. As the festivities unfold and the air still carries a hint of winter chill, this simple combination of savory sausages, creamy potatoes, and rich onion gravy offers the kind of warmth and welcome that Irish cooking does best.

Bangers and Mash

1 1/4 lbs. Irish bangers or bratwurst
2 lbs. Russet potatoes, peeled, diced
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
7 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided
1/4 cup milk
2 large onions, peeled, thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 Tbsp. cornstarch

Brown bangers or bratwurst in 1 tablespoon of butter in an ovenproof skillet over medium heat, about 5 minutes. Add 1/4 cup water. Transfer to a 325° F preheated oven for 1 hour. Alternatively, cook according to package directions. Keep warm.

Cover potatoes in a large saucepan with water. Add 1/2 tablespoon salt. Bring to a boil; lower the heat to medium and cook until fork-tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well. Return potatoes to the saucepan. Add 4 tablespoons butter, 1/4 cup milk, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Mash with potato masher or electric mixer. Keep warm.

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add onions, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally until nicely browned and caramelized, about 40 minutes. Combine chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch. Add to onions. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until thickened. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper if necessary to correct seasonings.

Serve bangers on mashed potatoes, topped with onion gravy.

Jill Rozier

Lake Tahoe Markets