Bangers & Mash with Port and Onion Gravy – A Classic Comfort Dish

Introduction
Bangers & Mash is a beloved British dish that combines juicy sausages with creamy mashed potatoes, all smothered in a rich, flavorful port and onion gravy. This dish is the epitome of comfort food—hearty, satisfying, and packed with deep, caramelized flavors. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s easy to make and brings a restaurant-quality meal straight to your home.

Ingredients

For the Gravy:

• 2 yellow onions, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 ½ Tbsp oil (such as vegetable or algae oil)
• 2 Tbsp butter (room temperature)
• 2 ½ cups beef broth
• 1 ½ Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups port wine
• 1 tsp English mustard powder
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Chives for garnish

For the Main Dish:

• 4-6 high-quality sausages
• Mashed potatoes (for serving)

Instructions

1. Sear the Sausages:
   • Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
   • Sear the sausages on both sides until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
   • Reduce heat to medium-low, add butter to the same pan, and let it melt.
   • Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, for about 15 minutes until soft and golden brown.
3. Build the Gravy:
   • Add the sliced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
   • Pour in the port wine, stir, and bring it to a boil.
   • Stir in brown sugar, mustard powder, thyme, and flour, cooking for 3 more minutes.
   • Slowly add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine.
   • Simmer the gravy for 15 minutes, allowing it to reduce and intensify in flavor.
4. Finish the Dish:
   • Return the sausages to the pan and cook for another 10 minutes, ensuring they are fully cooked through.
   • Taste and season the gravy with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve:
   • Plate the creamy mashed potatoes, place the sausages on top, and generously ladle over the rich port and onion gravy.
   • Garnish with chopped chives and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Choose high-quality sausages: The better the sausage, the better the dish. Opt for fresh pork or beef sausages with a good spice blend.
• Slow caramelization is key: Cooking the onions low and slow allows them to develop deep, rich flavors that enhance the gravy.
• Let the flavors meld: Allowing the gravy to simmer properly helps it thicken and develop a robust taste.

Why This Recipe Works

The balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors makes this dish irresistible. The port wine adds a touch of richness, while the mustard powder and Worcestershire sauce provide depth. Paired with buttery mashed potatoes and juicy sausages, every bite is full of indulgence. It’s a dish that’s simple to prepare yet feels gourmet, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.