Entrée: United Kingdom – Sausages and Mashed Potatoes with Onion Gravy

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 30 min

Cook 20 min

Total 50 min

Ingredients

8 British-style pork sausages (bangers), about 1 1 / 3 to 1 1 / 2 lb / 600–700 g
1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil
For the mash:
2 1 / 2 lb / 1.2 kg floury potatoes (e.g., Maris Piper or Russet), peeled and cut into chunks
1 / 4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter
1 / 2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, warmed
1 / 4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream, warmed (optional)
1 tsp fine salt, plus more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp Dijon or English mustard (optional)
For the onion gravy:
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter
1 tbsp (8 g) plain (all-purpose) flour
1 2 / 3 cup (400 ml) low-sodium beef stock
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or 1 / 4 tsp dried (optional)
1 tsp balsamic or red wine vinegar (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
To serve (optional): buttered peas or green vegetables

Instructions

Put the potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold salted water by 2–3 cm, bring to a boil, then simmer until very tender, 15–18 minutes.
While the potatoes cook, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausages and brown on all sides, 6–8 minutes total. Lower heat to medium-low and continue cooking until just cooked through, 6–8 minutes more, or transfer to a 180°C oven to finish. Set sausages aside on a warm plate; keep the pan for gravy.
Make the onion gravy: Add butter to the same pan. Stir in onions and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until soft and deep golden, 12–15 minutes. If fond threatens to burn, add a splash of water to deglaze.
Sprinkle flour over the onions and cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw taste.
Gradually whisk in the beef stock until smooth. Add Worcestershire sauce and thyme (if using). Simmer gently, stirring, until glossy and slightly thickened, 5–8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste; add a splash of vinegar to brighten if desired. Return sausages to the gravy to warm through for 2–3 minutes.
Drain the potatoes well and let steam-dry in the pot for 1–2 minutes. Mash until smooth. Add butter, then gradually mix in warmed milk (and cream, if using) until creamy. Season with salt and plenty of black pepper; stir in mustard if using.
Serve a generous scoop of mash on each plate, top with sausages, and spoon over onion gravy. Add peas or greens on the side if you like.