Bubble and Squeak (Pan-Fried Mashed Potato and Cabbage Cake)
Bubble and squeak is a British kitchen staple that combines mashed boiled potatoes with blanched, chopped cabbage, presses the mixture flat in a hot pan, and fries both sides until a golden-brown crust forms. The name comes from the sound the cabbage moisture makes when it hits the hot fat. Sauteing diced onion in butter before folding it into the potato-cabbage mix adds a caramelized sweetness that lifts the otherwise plain ingredients. Pressing firmly with a spatula while cooking is essential for building a crisp shell, and adding a tablespoon of flour helps bind the mixture if the potatoes are too wet. This dish has been a staple of British households for generations, traditionally made from leftover Sunday roast vegetables.
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Instructions
- 1
Boil and mash potatoes; blanch chopped cabbage and drain well.
- 2
Finely chop onion and saute in butter until sweet.
- 3
Mix potato, cabbage, and onion; season with salt and pepper.
- 4
Press mixture in an oiled pan and cook over medium-low heat.
- 5
Flip when crisp and brown the other side.
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