Cooking With Beer, Whiskey and Spirits

Bangers and Mash with Guinness Onion Gravy: A Hearty Classic with an Irish Twist

Bangers and mash is one of the most iconic comfort foods to emerge from British and Irish cuisine. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish featuring juicy sausages, creamy mashed potatoes, and a rich, flavorful gravy. In this elevated version, we add a special ingredient: Guinness stout. The dark, malty beer enhances the gravy with deep flavors, taking this beloved classic to a whole new level.

This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, or anytime you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug. Let’s dive into the ultimate recipe for Bangers and Mash with Guinness Onion Gravy.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich Flavor Depth: The addition of Guinness stout adds a malty, slightly bitter flavor to the onion gravy, perfectly complementing the savory sausages.
2. Comfort Food Perfection: Creamy mashed potatoes and succulent sausages make this dish a go-to for those cold, rainy nights.
3. Easy to Prepare: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, this dish comes together in under an hour.
4. Perfect for Entertaining: Impress your friends and family with a pub-inspired meal right at home.

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Ingredients

For the Bangers (Sausages)

• 8 high-quality pork sausages (Cumberland, Irish, or thick pork sausages work best)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup water

For the Mash (Mashed Potatoes)

• 2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Guinness Onion Gravy

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup Guinness stout
• 1 1/2 cups beef stock (low-sodium)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Mash

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the peeled and cubed potatoes.
2. Cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Allow them to sit for 1-2 minutes to release excess moisture.
4. Add the butter, milk, and sour cream (if using) to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy.
5. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cover and set aside to keep warm.

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2. Cook the Bangers

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
2. Reduce the heat to low and add 1/2 cup of water to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the sausages are fully cooked.
3. Remove the sausages from the skillet and set aside, keeping them warm.

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3. Make the Guinness Onion Gravy

1. In the same skillet used for the sausages, add the butter and olive oil. Heat over medium heat until melted.
2. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Slowly pour in the Guinness stout, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze it.
5. Add the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
6. Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.

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4. Assemble the Dish

1. Divide the mashed potatoes among serving plates.
2. Place 2 sausages on top of each serving of mashed potatoes.
3. Generously ladle the Guinness onion gravy over the sausages and potatoes.
4. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

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Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Sausages: For an authentic experience, opt for Cumberland or Irish-style sausages. Avoid overly seasoned or spicy varieties that may overpower the gravy.
2. Perfect Mash: Yukon Gold potatoes yield a creamier mash, while Russets create a fluffier texture. Adjust the butter and milk to reach your preferred consistency.
3. Caramelizing Onions: Take your time with the onions. Slow caramelization brings out their natural sweetness, balancing the bitterness of the Guinness.
4. Deglaze Properly: Scrape up all the browned bits from the skillet when adding the Guinness. These bits pack a ton of flavor!
5. Thicken the Gravy: If your gravy is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef stock or Guinness to thin it out.

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Pairing Suggestions

1. Drinks: A pint of Guinness or a glass of robust red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon) complements the dish beautifully.
2. Side Dishes: Serve with roasted vegetables, buttered peas, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
3. Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the extra gravy.

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Why Guinness Works in the Gravy

Guinness is a dark stout beer with a distinct roasted malt flavor. Its slightly bitter, chocolatey undertones pair wonderfully with the caramelized onions and rich beef stock. The beer adds depth to the gravy, making it robust without being overpowering. If you’re hesitant about cooking with beer, rest assured that the alcohol cooks off, leaving only its rich flavor behind.

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Variations

1. Vegetarian Option: Replace the sausages with vegetarian or plant-based alternatives and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock in the gravy.
2. Cheesy Mash: Stir in grated sharp cheddar or Parmesan into the mashed potatoes for an extra indulgent side.
3. Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the gravy for a kick of heat.

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FAQs

1. Can I use a different beer?
Yes! While Guinness is ideal for its rich flavor, you can substitute with any stout or porter. Avoid using light beers as they lack the depth needed for the gravy.

2. How do I store leftovers?
Store the sausages, mashed potatoes, and gravy separately in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of stock to the gravy if needed.

3. Can I freeze this dish?
Mashed potatoes don’t freeze well due to their high dairy content, but the sausages and gravy can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

4. What’s the best way to caramelize onions?
Cook the onions low and slow, stirring occasionally. If they start sticking, add a splash of water or beef stock to loosen them up.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 680
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 42g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Sodium: 1050mg

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

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Conclusion

Bangers and Mash with Guinness Onion Gravy is a soul-warming dish that combines simple ingredients to create something truly special. The sausages provide a savory bite, the mashed potatoes offer creamy comfort, and the Guinness gravy ties everything together with its rich, complex flavors. Whether you’re celebrating Irish heritage or simply indulging in some hearty comfort food, this recipe is sure to impress.

So grab your favorite sausages, a bottle of Guinness, and get cooking! Don’t forget to share your culinary creation with us in the comments below and tag us on social media. Cheers to hearty meals and happy memories!