Bubble and Squeak

An English dish that includes potatoes and vegetables combined and fried either in patties or as an entire dish.

The history of Bubble and Squeak dates back several hundred years.  It originally referred to beef and cabbage left overs that were fried up the next day. The sounds of the frying food made a bubble and squeak and the charming name stuck.  Don’t you just love history!

Around the time of WWII, the meat was replaced by potatoes.  This is likely due to the scarcity of meat at the time.

Bubble and Squeak Recipe

Since Bubble and Squeak is traditionally made from left overs, the variety of recipe choices is endless.I have found that I prefer a ratio of 2 parts mashed potatoes to 1 part veggies.  This makes the patties stick together nicely for frying.

Bubble and Squeak

• 2 cups mashed potatoes

• 1 cup shredded cabbage and green beans

• 1 small onion

• 2 cloves garlic

• salt and pepper

• oil or butter for frying

Saute garlic and onions first then add shredded cabbage and green beans.  Once the veggies are cooked, add them to the mashed potatoes and combine with salt and pepper to taste.  Form into patties and fry.  It is recommended that they be fried in butter because that makes them crispier.

My first patties were a bit too dry so that when I flipped the patties they came apart.  I added a tablespoon of mayonnaise and that took care of it.  Also, it is best to let them sit and fry a bit longer on each side.  I kept trying to flip them too early.  But about 5 minutes on each side made them nice and golden and crispy.  Mmmmmm

*Optional ingredients:  chopped broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, peas, really any veggie….

Garam Masala:  I was first introduced to Garam Masala several years ago through my dad who is a serious spice-aholic.  It has always been my custom when I cook to open my spice cabinet and see what I might be inspired to add to my dish.  Since we are traveling, I currently only have 4 spices:  salt, pepper, chili powder, and garam masala.  So after half the bubble and squeak was fried up, I decided to add some garam masala to the remainder.

Oh, mama!  It was delicious!  We all loved it, even little Luie who can be a bit picky when it comes to spices.  I added about 1/2 t. to the remainder of the mixture.  And I would definitely recommend it!

Low carb Bubble and Squeak recipe

Substitute cauliflower mashed potatoes in place of the real mashed potatoes.

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 1/4 c. sour cream
• 1-2 T. butter
• 1 c. cabbage (also consider beans, carrots, peas, brussel sprouts, asparagus…)
• 1 small onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• butter or olive oil for frying
• Optional:  1 t. Garam Masala.  Or, Curry powder would probably be good too!

Cut and steam a head of cauliflower.  Mash cauliflower and add sour cream and butter.  Then combine with your choice of sauteed veggies.  Shape into patties and fry.