Hearty Bubble & Squeak Breakfast Hash
Bubble & Squeak is a beloved traditional British dish that celebrates frugality and resourcefulness, transforming humble leftovers into a delightful hash. Once a staple of working-class households, this dish has found its way into modern British cafes and restaurants, revered for its crispy, golden exterior and soft, flavorful interior. The combination of leftover mashed or boiled potatoes with sautéed greens and onions creates a comforting dish that warms the heart and fills the belly. Enjoy it as a hearty breakfast alongside eggs and bacon, or elevate it with a slice of thick, home-cured ham and a drizzle of Worcestershire sauce for a twist. This dish is not only economical but also a delicious reminder of the culinary heritage of Britain. Remember, steer clear of instant mashed potatoes; the secret to great Bubble & Squeak lies in the real thing!
N/A
Servings
40
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mashed potatoes or boiled potatoes
500 grams (Cooked and drained)
Green cabbage or spring greens
200 grams (Chopped and boiled/steamed)
Onion
1 medium (Chopped)
Salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste
Butter
50 grams (Melted)
Corned beef (optional)
200 grams (Cubed)
Worcestershire sauce (optional)
To taste
Instructions
1
If you're starting with fresh ingredients, begin by boiling the potatoes, cabbage, and onions in salted water until tender. Drain thoroughly, ensuring there’s no excess water.
2
In a large frying pan, melt a generous knob of butter over medium heat. If desired, add freshly cracked black pepper for extra flavor.
3
Add the drained potatoes, cabbage, and onions to the pan. Flatten them down with a spatula to create a crisp base, allowing them to brown without stirring for 5-7 minutes until golden brown on one side.
4
Carefully flip the mixture or stir gently to achieve an even brown on all sides, cooking for another 5-7 minutes. The aim is to achieve a deeply golden and crispy texture, so resist the urge to rush this process.
5
If using leftover mashed potatoes, simply place them in the pan and cook slowly on medium heat until heated through and golden. You can form the mixture into patties for easier serving and freezing if desired.
6
For a twist, mix in some cubed corned beef and a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a hearty corned beef hash variation. Serve it topped with a poached or fried egg for a fulfilling breakfast.
7
Pair your Bubble & Squeak with strong coffee or classic lemon tea to start your day off right. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
4.5g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Bubble & Squeak Breakfast Hash?
Bubble & Squeak is a traditional British dish that transforms leftover mashed potatoes and greens into a crispy, golden-brown hash.
What are the primary ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include 500 grams of potatoes, 200 grams of cabbage or spring greens, one medium onion, and 50 grams of butter.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
No, the recipe specifically advises to steer clear of instant mashed potatoes; the secret to great Bubble & Squeak lies in using real potatoes.
How do I achieve a crispy exterior?
Flatten the mixture down with a spatula in the pan and allow it to cook without stirring for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
What is the historical background of Bubble & Squeak?
Once a staple of working-class British households, it is a dish celebrated for frugality and resourcefulness.
How long should I cook each side of the hash?
You should cook each side for approximately 5-7 minutes to achieve a deeply golden and crispy texture.
Can I add meat to the hash?
Yes, you can mix in 200 grams of cubed corned beef for a hearty corned beef hash variation.
What are the best greens to use?
You can use green cabbage or spring greens, which should be chopped and boiled or steamed before frying.
What seasoning is recommended?
The recipe suggests using salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and an optional splash of Worcestershire sauce.
How should I serve Bubble & Squeak for breakfast?
It is best served alongside eggs and bacon, or topped with a poached or fried egg.
Is this dish economical?
Yes, it is considered highly economical as it primarily uses humble ingredients and kitchen leftovers.
What drinks pair well with this breakfast?
It pairs perfectly with strong coffee or a classic lemon tea to start your day.
Can I make the mixture into patties?
Yes, forming the mixture into patties makes for easier serving and is also convenient for freezing.
What type of fat is used for frying?
The recipe calls for 50 grams of butter to be melted in the pan for frying.
How do I prepare fresh potatoes for this dish?
Boil the potatoes, cabbage, and onions in salted water until tender, then drain them thoroughly before frying.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
The nutritional information lists this dish as having 40 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 2 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 4.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this hash provide?
This recipe provides 1 gram of protein per serving.
What should I do if I am using leftover mashed potatoes?
Place them in the pan and cook slowly on medium heat until they are heated through and golden.
Why is it important to drain the vegetables thoroughly?
Draining ensuring there is no excess water, which helps the hash achieve a better crisp in the frying pan.
What temperature should I use for frying?
Medium heat is recommended for melting the butter and browning the hash.
What is the texture of a perfect Bubble & Squeak?
It should have a crispy, golden exterior and a soft, flavorful interior.
Can I use home-cured ham with this dish?
Yes, elevating the dish with a slice of thick, home-cured ham is a suggested variation.
Is the onion cooked before adding to the potato mixture?
If starting fresh, the onion is boiled with the potatoes and cabbage; otherwise, it is sautéed in the pan.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 total ingredients, including optional items like corned beef and Worcestershire sauce.
Is this recipe part of British culinary heritage?
Yes, it is a beloved traditional dish found in modern British cafes and restaurants.
What is the first step when starting with fresh ingredients?
The first step is boiling the potatoes, cabbage, and onions in salted water until they are tender.
What does the name Bubble & Squeak refer to?
The name refers to the sounds the ingredients make while frying in the pan.
Can I add pepper to the butter?
Yes, adding freshly cracked black pepper to the melting butter can provide extra flavor to the hash.