Hey there, I’m Samantha Kim and I’m excited to share with you my love for Bubble and Squeak, a recipe that holds a special place in my heart. I was born and raised in South Korea, but moved to the United States for college. During my time here, I’ve had the opportunity to explore different cultures and cuisines, but I always find myself coming back to this classic British dish. It’s a great way to use up leftover veggies and create a delicious and hearty meal that’s perfect for any time of the day.
Samantha is a software engineer with a passion for exploring the outdoors. She enjoys hiking, camping, and kayaking in her free time. Samantha also has a love for cooking and experimenting with new recipes from different cultures. When she’s not coding or adventuring, you can find her in the kitchen whipping up a tasty meal.
Samantha currently resides in the United States and grew up in South Korea.
Bubble and Squeak is a traditional British dish that dates back to the 1800s. It’s made by frying together mashed potatoes and cooked vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and peas. The name comes from the sound the dish makes while cooking in the pan. The origin of the name is still up for debate, but one theory suggests that it was coined during World War II when the sound of the dish cooking would alert people to nearby soldiers. Another theory suggests that the name comes from the sound of the cabbage squeaking against the potatoes as it cooks. Whatever the origin, one thing is for sure – this dish is a British classic that has stood the test of time.
In today’s world, where food waste and sustainability are becoming increasingly important, Bubble and Squeak is more relevant than ever. This dish was originally created as a way to use up leftover vegetables from a roast dinner, and it’s a great example of how we can reduce food waste and make the most out of the ingredients we have on hand. Plus, it’s a delicious and comforting meal that can be enjoyed by vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike. So why not give it a try and see how you can turn your leftovers into a tasty new meal? Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
What you need
Bubble and Squeak is a classic British recipe that’s perfect for using up leftover veggies in a fun and delicious way. The star of this dish is the mashed potatoes, which give it a creamy texture and act as the perfect base for mixing in all the other ingredients. Speaking of which, this recipe is highly customizable – you can use any leftover vegetables you have on hand, from Brussels sprouts to green beans to broccoli. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is what makes it truly special – from the crispy edges to the savory onions and garlic to the tender and flavorful veggies. And with just a few simple steps, you’ll have a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for any meal of the day. So why not give Bubble and Squeak a try and impress your family and friends with this classic British favorite?
Ingredients:
- Potatoes – The star ingredient of Bubble and Squeak, mashed potatoes give this dish its creamy texture and act as the perfect base for mixing in all the leftover veggies. If you’re short on potatoes, you can substitute some sweet potato or butternut squash to add a little sweetness to the dish.
- Butter – Butter adds richness and flavor to the dish while also helping to crisp up the edges of the Bubble and Squeak. If you’re vegan or dairy-free, you can use vegan butter or olive oil instead.
- Onion – Onion provides a savory base note and adds depth of flavor to the dish. You can also use shallots or leeks if you prefer.
- Garlic – Garlic gives a pungent and slightly sweet flavor to the dish, complementing the other ingredients. If you don’t like garlic, you can leave it out or substitute it with a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Cooked Vegetables – The beauty of Bubble and Squeak is that you can use any leftover vegetables you have on hand. Traditionally, cabbage, carrots, and peas are used, but you can also use Brussels sprouts, green beans, or even broccoli. The only rule is to make sure they’re cooked before adding them to the dish.
- Salt – Salt enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients in the dish. Use more or less to taste.
- Black Pepper – Black pepper adds a bit of heat and a sharp flavor to the dish, balancing out the creaminess of the potatoes. Use more or less to taste.
Utensils:
- Large pot – To boil the potatoes until tender. A colander will also be needed to drain the potatoes.
- Potato masher or fork – To mash the cooked potatoes.
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon
- Spatula – To flip the Bubble and Squeak in the pan.
- Dinner plate – To use as a lid for the skillet while cooking the Bubble and Squeak.
Potatoes, the perfect base for Bubble and Squeak
Potatoes are a staple ingredient in many cultures, and for good reason. They’re versatile, delicious, and packed with nutrients. In the case of Bubble and Squeak, they’re the perfect base for mixing in all the leftover vegetables. As a Korean-American, I grew up eating potatoes in all kinds of dishes, from stews to soups to stir-fries. But I have to say, Bubble and Squeak might be my new favorite way to enjoy them! Did you know that potatoes are a great source of potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber? Just make sure to eat them in moderation, as they can be high in carbs.
Garlic, a flavor-packed addition to Bubble and Squeak
Garlic is one of those ingredients that can take a dish from bland to delicious with just a few cloves. In Bubble and Squeak, it adds a pungent and slightly sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. As someone who loves to cook, I use garlic in almost everything I make – from pasta sauces to marinades to roasted vegetables. Did you know that garlic has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties? It’s said to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and can even help reduce the risk of heart disease. Plus, it adds so much flavor to dishes that you don’t need to use as much salt, making it a great ingredient for those watching their sodium intake.
What to serve it with?
Personally, I love serving Bubble and Squeak as a side dish to a hearty breakfast or brunch. There’s something so satisfying about pairing it with some crispy bacon, a fried egg, and a slice of toast. The combination of savory and salty flavors in the Bubble and Squeak really complements the richness of the bacon and the creaminess of the egg yolk. Plus, the potatoes in the Bubble and Squeak make it a filling and satisfying addition to any breakfast plate. As someone who loves to cook and experiment in the kitchen, I enjoy exploring different flavor combinations and textures in my meals. And I have to say, the combination of Bubble and Squeak with a classic breakfast plate is definitely one of my all-time favorites.
Summary
And there you have it – a delicious and satisfying recipe for Bubble and Squeak that’s perfect for using up any leftover veggies you have on hand. I hope you’ve enjoyed cooking along with me and exploring the flavors and textures of this classic British dish.
Now, it’s your turn to get creative – I’d love to hear how you’ve customized this recipe to make it your own! Do you have a favorite combination of veggies you like to use? Have you tried any different seasonings or garnishes? Let me know in the comments below – I’m always excited to hear from fellow foodies and recipe enthusiasts.
Thanks for reading, and happy cooking!
Here’s the recipe:
Bubble and Squeak: A Delicious British Classic Made Easy
Equipment
- large pot
- potato masher or fork
- large skillet or frying pan
- wooden spoon
- spatula
- Dinner plate
Ingredients
- 2 pounds, peeled and diced into small pieces Potatoes
- 4 tablespoons Butter
- 1 medium, chopped Onion
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 4 cups, roughly chopped Cooked Vegetables
- 1 teaspoon, plus more to taste Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon, plus more to taste Black Pepper
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes – Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let the potatoes simmer until they’re tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the potatoes in a colander, then return them to the pot. Be sure to keep an eye on the potatoes while they’re cooking so they don’t overcook and become mushy.
- Mash the potatoes – Using a potato masher or fork, mash the potatoes until they’re mostly smooth but still a bit chunky. Set aside. If you don’t have a potato masher, you can use a fork or a hand mixer to mash the potatoes. Just be careful not to overmix, as you don’t want the potatoes to become gluey.
- Cook the vegetables – In a large skillet or frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Add the cooked vegetables and stir to combine. Cook the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, until they’re heated through and starting to brown. Make sure the vegetables are well-drained before adding them to the pan, as any excess water can make the Bubble and Squeak soggy.
- Mix in the mashed potatoes – Add the mashed potatoes to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables. Use a spatula to press the mixture down into the pan and smooth out the top. Let the mixture cook for 5-7 minutes, until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Don’t be afraid to press the mixture down firmly into the pan – this will help it get crispy and golden brown.
- Flip the Bubble and Squeak – Place a dinner plate upside down over the skillet and use oven mitts to carefully flip the skillet over so that the Bubble and Squeak is now on the plate. Slide the Bubble and Squeak back into the skillet, uncooked side down. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the other side is golden brown and crispy. If you’re nervous about flipping the Bubble and Squeak, you can also use a spatula to flip it in sections. Just be careful not to break the mixture apart while flipping.
- Serve and enjoy! – Once the Bubble and Squeak is golden brown and crispy on both sides, remove it from the skillet and slice into wedges. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs and a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, if desired. Bubble and Squeak is a great dish to customize based on your preferences. You can add in any leftover vegetables you have on hand, or even swap out the potatoes for sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a twist on the classic recipe.
