How to make bubble and squeak from leftover roast
Are you tired of throwing away that leftover roast sitting in your fridge? Don’t worry, we’ve got the perfect solution for you – bubble and squeak! This traditional British dish is not only delicious but also a great way to use up those leftover vegetables and meat.
Bubble and squeak gets its name from the sound it makes while cooking. The dish is made by frying the leftover vegetables and meat together until they are golden brown and crispy. The combination of flavors and textures creates a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
To make bubble and squeak, start by chopping up your leftover roast into small pieces. Then, gather any remaining cooked vegetables from your Sunday dinner – carrots, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage work particularly well. Mix the meat and vegetables together in a bowl, and season generously with salt and pepper.
Heat a frying pan with a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the meat and vegetable mixture to the pan and press it down to form a large cake. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Flip the cake over and cook for another 10 minutes until the other side is crispy as well.
Once your bubble and squeak is cooked through and crispy on both sides, transfer it to a plate and serve it hot. This dish pairs well with a dollop of ketchup or some poached eggs on top. So, next time you have leftover roast, don’t throw it away – transform it into a delicious bubble and squeak!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Bubble and Squeak
Step 1: Gather the leftover roast ingredients
Collect all the leftover roasted vegetables and meat from your previous meal. You can use any combination of vegetables and meat, but popular choices include potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and roast beef. Make sure the ingredients are finely chopped or mashed.
Step 2: Prep the vegetables
If your leftover vegetables are in larger pieces, chop them into smaller, bite-sized chunks. If you have mashed potatoes, skip this step and move on to the next.
Step 3: Heat a frying pan
Place a large frying pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil or a knob of butter. Allow the oil or butter to melt and coat the surface of the pan.
Step 4: Add the vegetables to the pan
Add the prepared vegetables to the frying pan and press them down with a spatula or spoon. Allow them to cook undisturbed for a few minutes until they start to brown on the bottom.
Step 5: Flip the mixture
Using a spatula, gently flip the mixture over and press it down again. This will help brown the other side and create a crispy exterior. You can repeat this step a few times if desired.
Step 6: Add the leftover meat
Once the vegetables are cooked and crispy, add in the leftover roast meat. Break it into smaller pieces if necessary and mix it into the vegetable mixture.
Step 7: Season to taste
Add any additional seasoning or herbs that you like to enhance the flavors. You can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, or any other herbs and spices that complement the ingredients in your bubble and squeak.
Step 8: Cook until heated through
Cook the bubble and squeak mixture for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and well combined.
Step 9: Serve hot
Transfer the bubble and squeak to a serving dish and enjoy it while it’s still hot. You can serve it as a side dish or main course, depending on your preference.
Step 10: Optional toppings
If desired, you can add a poached egg or grated cheese on top of the bubble and squeak for extra flavor and richness.
Step 11: Leftover storage
If you have any leftover bubble and squeak, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat it in a frying pan or microwave until heated through.
Step 12: Enjoy your homemade bubble and squeak!
Savor the delicious flavors of your homemade bubble and squeak and don’t forget to share the recipe with your friends and family!
Preparing the Leftover Roast
Step 1: Start by gathering the leftover roast. This can be any type of roasted meat, such as beef, pork, lamb, or chicken. Make sure the meat has been properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Take the leftover roast out of the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature. This will ensure it cooks evenly when making bubble and squeak.
Step 3: Remove any bones or excess fat from the leftover roast. You can use a knife or your hands to do this, making sure to discard any unwanted parts.
Step 4: Once the roast has been prepared, use a sharp knife to chop the meat into small, bite-sized pieces. This will make it easier to mix with the other ingredients and create a texture that is perfect for bubble and squeak.
Step 5: Place the chopped meat into a mixing bowl and set it aside. It’s now ready to be combined with the other ingredients to make a delicious bubble and squeak.
Boiling the Potatoes
Before you can make bubble and squeak, you’ll need to boil the potatoes. This step is essential to ensure the potatoes are cooked through and easy to mash.
Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into evenly sized chunks. This will help to ensure they cook evenly.
Next, place the potato chunks in a large pan and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the potatoes.
Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender. You can check the tenderness by piercing a potato chunk with a fork. If the fork goes in easily, the potatoes are done.
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them using a colander and return them to the pan.
Variation: Steaming the Potatoes
If you prefer a slightly healthier option, you can also steam the potatoes instead of boiling them. To do this, peel and cut the potatoes as described above, then place them in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Cover with a lid and steam for about 15-20 minutes, or until tender. Steaming helps to retain more of the potato’s natural nutrients.
Whichever method you choose, boiling or steaming, make sure the potatoes are fully cooked before moving on to the next step in making your delicious bubble and squeak.
Making the Bubble and Squeak
Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, follow these steps to make delicious bubble and squeak from leftover roast:
- Remove any excess fat or bones from your leftover roast and roughly chop the meat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped meat with the leftover vegetables, such as roast potatoes and Brussels sprouts. You can also add in any other cooked vegetables you have on hand.
- Mash the mixture together with a fork or potato masher, making sure the ingredients are well combined. Feel free to leave some larger chunks for texture.
- In a large frying pan, heat a generous amount of vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the bubble and squeak mixture to the frying pan, pressing it down gently to form a large pancake shape. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the bottom is crispy and golden brown.
- Using a spatula, carefully flip the bubble and squeak pancake to cook the other side. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the entire pancake is crispy and heated through.
- Serve the bubble and squeak hot, topped with a runny fried egg and a sprinkle of salt and pepper for extra flavor.
Enjoy your homemade bubble and squeak, a classic British dish that transforms leftover roast into a delicious and satisfying meal!
Mashing the Potatoes
To make delicious bubble and squeak, you’ll need mashed potatoes as a base. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to mash the potatoes:
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Start by peeling and cutting the leftover roast potatoes into small chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
Bring the water to a boil and let the potatoes cook for about 15-20 minutes or until they become tender. You can easily test their doneness by inserting a fork or knife into one of the potato pieces – it should go in smoothly.
Step 2: Drain and Dry
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them using a colander. Make sure all the water is removed.
Return the drained potatoes to the empty pot and put it back on the stove over low heat. Allow the excess moisture to evaporate for a minute or two. This will help ensure that your mashed potatoes don’t turn out watery.
Step 3: Mash the Potatoes
Using a potato masher or a fork, start mashing the potatoes. If you prefer creamy mashed potatoes, add a knob of butter or a splash of milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Continue mashing until you achieve the desired consistency. Some people like their bubble and squeak with chunky potatoes, while others prefer a smoother texture.
If you find that your mashed potatoes are still a little lumpy, you can use an electric mixer or hand blender for a smoother result.
Remember not to overwork the potatoes, as this can lead to a gummy texture.
That’s it! Your mashed potatoes are ready to be transformed into flavor-packed bubble and squeak patties.
Mixing in the Leftover Roast
Once you have gathered all of your ingredients and set up your workspace, it’s time to mix in the leftover roast. You will need to chop up the roast into small chunks, making sure to remove any bones or tough pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped roast with the leftover mashed potatoes. The ratio of roast to potatoes can vary based on personal preference, but a 1:2 ratio is a good starting point.
Next, add in any additional leftover vegetables or side dishes that you have on hand. This could include carrots, peas, Brussels sprouts, or even stuffing. Chop these ingredients into small pieces before adding them to the bowl.
- Chop the roast into small chunks
- Combine the chopped roast with mashed potatoes
- Add in any additional leftover vegetables or side dishes
Once all of the ingredients are in the bowl, use your hands or a spatula to mix everything together. Make sure to fully incorporate the roast and vegetables into the mashed potatoes, while also breaking them up slightly to create a chunky texture.
Take a moment to season the mixture with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices of your choice. This will add flavor and enhance the overall taste of the bubble and squeak.
Once everything is well mixed and seasoned, you are ready to start cooking your bubble and squeak. Follow the cooking instructions provided in the recipe to achieve delicious results!