Mary Berry’s Bubble and Squeak Recipe: A British Favorite

Mary Berry’s Bubble and Squeak is more than just a meal. It celebrates British comfort food passed down through generations. It uses leftovers from a Sunday roast to create something tasty. Mashed potatoes mix with veggies like cabbage and mushrooms. Then, it’s pan-fried until crispy. This dish shows how to use up food and still enjoy a great meal.

Thanks to social media, this classic dish is getting lots of love again. Influencers, for example, the TikTok user @curlyscooking, are putting new spins on it. They’re making it healthier with air fryers. This cooks the dish in 16 minutes at 200°C. Up to eight patties can be made from Mary Berry’s recipe. It’s great for families or as a tasty side dish. Bubble and Squeak can go with many things like meats or eggs. It’s a key part of what makes British food special.

Introduction to Bubble and Squeak

Bubble and Squeak is a beloved British side dish, known for its thrifty use and rich taste. It comes from a tradition of comfort foods in the UK, made from leftover Sunday roast veggies. The dish’s name reflects the sounds it makes when cooking: the bubbling of water and the squeaking on the pan.

It began during war times, when being resourceful was crucial. Families loved it for being cheap and easy to make. It also lets you use whatever vegetables you have, which means you can make it your own.

There are many current recipes for Bubble and Squeak, like those by Mary Berry, that honour its comforting roots. For a great introduction to bubble and squeak, see how it turns leftovers into a delightful dish.

As a prime example of British culinary tradition, Bubble and Squeak shows how to use what’s available. It prevents waste and guarantees a tasty treat with every spoonful.

What is Mary Berry’s Bubble and Squeak?

Mary Berry brings a special touch to this cherished British recipe. The definition of bubble and squeak is a tasty dish made mostly from leftover mashed potatoes and various cooked veggies. It’s a comforting meal, fried until crispy on the outside and soft inside.

She suggests using day-old mashed potatoes for the best texture. It makes the dish easy to cook and delicious. The Mary Berry recipe also allows for extra ingredients like cooked meats or herbs for more creativity.

Bubble and squeak is the epitome of British comfort food when made right. It takes only 10 minutes to prepare and 12 minutes to cook. Each portion is around 280 calories, offering a satisfying meal option.

Ingredients for Bubble and Squeak

Mary Berry’s Bubble and Squeak shows the beauty of traditional British cooking. It turns leftover vegetables into something tasty and smart. It’s a great way to make a meal that celebrates British food traditions.

Essential Ingredients

The key parts of this dish are:

• Mashed Potatoes (500g): They form the base and soak up all the flavours.
• Cooked Vegetables (400g): Leftover cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and carrots add colour and health benefits.
• Butter (2 tablespoons): It’s for frying and gives a delicious, rich flavour.
• Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): It makes the edges crispy and stops the butter from burning.
• Salt and Pepper: They’re necessary for taste, boosting the dish’s flavour.

Optional Additions

Want to make your bubble and squeak unique? Try these extras:

• Cooked Bacon or Ham: They add a robust flavour and meaty texture.
• Cheese: For a cheesy twist, add cheddar or feta.
• Herbs: Fresh parsley or thyme can make the dish more vibrant.
• Spicy Elements: Chili flakes will add some heat.
• Root Vegetables: Sweet potatoes or parsnips can offer a new taste.

This dish is a fantastic way to repurpose leftovers while being creative. For more British cooking inspiration, check out Mary Berry’s Cherry Bakewell Cake recipe.

How to Prepare Mary Berry’s Bubble and Squeak

Making Mary Berry’s Bubble and Squeak is fun and requires creativity and basic cooking skills. Follow these steps to make a tasty dish using leftover ingredients. The recipe gives clear instructions. It helps you learn the right way to fry bubble and squeak for a crispy and enjoyable experience.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Start with room-temperature mashed potatoes (500g) and chop your cooked vegetables (400g) into small, even pieces.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and vegetables. Season with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
4. Add the mixture to the pan, pressing it firmly into a flat cake form.
5. Fry for approximately 5-6 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown.
6. Carefully flip the cake to cook the other side for another 5-6 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Cooking

For perfect bubble and squeak, remember a few tips. Don’t overcrowd your frying pan so everything cooks evenly and gets crispy. Press the mix well in the pan to help form a tasty crust. Use mashed potatoes that are a day old or slightly dry. This helps keep the shape when frying.

Flip the mix gently. If unsure, you might want to divide it into smaller sections. For extra taste, add grated cheese or fresh herbs before you serve. These tips will give you the right mix of soft inside and crispy outside, just like the traditional dish.

Serving Suggestions for Bubble and Squeak

Bubble and Squeak is a versatile and delightful dish. It fits well in various meals. It pairs wonderfully with several foods, enhancing its taste and look. This British classic can make any meal stand out.

Ideal Pairings

For a cozy bubble and squeak breakfast, try it with:

• Fried or poached eggs for added richness
• Grilled sausages for a hearty touch
• Pickles and chutney for a tangy twist
• A drizzle of gravy for extra depth

Its flexibility makes it great for any meal, especially as a British side. It adds satisfaction to your dining experience.

Serving as Part of a Full English Breakfast

Adding bubble and squeak to a full English breakfast enhances the meal. Its crispy edges offer a nice contrast with these usual items:

This mix is not just comforting. It’s a feast that looks and tastes good. It highlights British cuisine’s best, making bubble and squeak a top choice for breakfast.

Why Bubble and Squeak is a British Favourite

Bubble and Squeak is a key part of British food history. It is made by creatively using leftover vegetables. This dish is not just about saving money. It also teaches us to reduce food waste, which is very important today.

It turns leftovers from earlier meals into a tasty dish. This way, home cooks promote sustainable cooking. They also show how to be resourceful with what they have.

A Tradition of Reducing Food Waste

The creation of Bubble and Squeak shows we should value food highly. With around 200g of leftover veggies like potatoes, people can be creative. They make delicious meals without wasting anything.

This encourages people to be imaginative in the kitchen. It fits well with efforts to live more sustainably. It inspires us to change how we cook.

Versatility in Recipes

Bubble and Squeak is flexible, perfect for any cook. Mixing a pound of Savoy cabbage with potatoes can create various tasty dishes. The way it’s cooked is simple. You sauté the cabbage until it’s soft, then brown the potatoes.

This cooking method gives the dish exciting textures and tastes. It’s why people from all generations love it.

The real magic of Bubble and Squeak is its ability to change. It can easily include different seasonal veggies. This means it can always taste fresh and new. It ensures Bubble and Squeak remains a fixed favourite at British tables.

Variations on Bubble and Squeak Mary Berry

Bubble and squeak offers many variations for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Its flexibility makes it a creative choice for all diets.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Vegetarian bubble and squeak can be both delicious and easy to make. By skipping the meat and using plant-based butter or oil, it stays tasty. Adding veggies like kale or Brussels sprouts keeps it nutritious and full of flavour.

Adding Meats for Extra Flavour

Adding meat can make bubble and squeak even richer in taste. Cooked bacon, ham, or chicken makes the meal hearty. These additions please different tastes, especially in cold months.

These inclusive recipes make bubble and squeak a joyful choice for any meal. Experimenting with flavours lets cooks celebrate its heritage while making it their own.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Bubble and Squeak

Having leftover bubble and squeak means you get to enjoy your meals more than once. It’s a smart way to ensure you waste nothing. Good storage and reheating methods keep the dish delicious. By doing this, you can have a tasty meal again without any worry.

Refrigeration Tips

Keep bubble and squeak in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps it safe to eat for up to two days. Make sure it’s cool before you seal it. This stops moisture build-up, which can ruin the taste and texture. Remember, it might not be as crispy, but it will still taste great.

Freezing and Reheating Methods

Freezing bubble and squeak makes it last even longer. Use freezer-safe containers to make reheating easy. To enjoy it again, heat it properly. Cooking it in a frying pan over medium heat gets it crispy. Or you can reheat it in an oven at 180°C for 10 minutes. Just reheat once for the best quality. A bit of oil can make it even crispier and more delicious.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Bubble and Squeak isn’t just a recipe. It’s a celebrated British comfort food that cleverly balances easy cooking and innovative ideas. This dish not only tastes great but also teaches us to cook sustainably. By using leftover vegetables, it turns potential waste into a delightful meal, celebrating Britain’s food heritage.

This versatile dish can be part of many meals, from breakfast to dinner. It allows cooks to use different ingredients, making it their own. It’s a dish with a long history but is still very much loved today. It reminds us of the value in using everything we have in the kitchen.

The mix of tastes and textures keeps it a family favourite across generations. When thinking of what to cook next, consider Mary Berry’s cooking philosophy. Her recipes, like Bubble and Squeak, are all about hearty, comforting meals that hold deep traditions. If you’re looking to try more of her recipes, the Cherry and Almond Cake is also a treat.