Boxing Day Bubble and Squeak
Boxing Day Bubble and Squeak is a delightful dish that turns leftover festive fare into a scrumptious meal. It’s a fantastic way to utilize those excess vegetables and meats from your holiday feast, making it a true comfort food for January’s cold days.
This traditional British dish has its origins rooted in the post-Christmas tradition of using leftovers, transforming them into something new and delicious. The name "Bubble and Squeak" is derived from the sound the ingredients make while cooking, a comforting reminder of home-cooked meals. What makes this dish so appealing is not only its flavor but also the nostalgia it brings. You can have fun experimenting with what leftovers you use, allowing each preparation of Bubble and Squeak to be unique.
Why make this recipe
Making Boxing Day Bubble and Squeak is not just about reducing food waste; it’s about celebrating the cozy, warm flavors of the holiday season. The melding of ingredients, from rich roasted potatoes to hearty turkey, creates a comforting meal that highlights the joys of togetherness and family festivities. Additionally, the process of bringing everything together is quite simple yet satisfying, inviting everyone to gather around the stove and share stories of the season. It’s a great way to keep the festive spirit alive even after the holiday celebrations have concluded.
Furthermore, Bubble and Squeak is incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt the recipe to fit whatever leftovers you have on hand. Whether you’ve got a few stray Brussels sprouts, some extra carrots, or even other roasted vegetables, they can easily find their way into this dish. This versatility means you can indulge in a warm, hearty meal while reflecting the flavors of your festive dinner.
How to make Boxing Day Bubble and Squeak
To prepare this delightful dish, start off by gathering all your leftover ingredients together. The key to a satisfying Bubble and Squeak is to have a good combination of vegetables and proteins, resulting in a lively flavor profile. The ingredients come together easily, meaning you won’t have to spend too much time in the kitchen. It’s all about the simplicity that makes it a beloved dish across generations.
The cooking process is straightforward and ebbs and flows naturally, moving from prep to the cooking stage quickly. The careful handling of the ingredients ensures that the final product yields everything from crispy edges to a soft and flavorful core. Even those who are less experienced in the kitchen will find this recipe truly approachable.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 20 g butter
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 8 to 10 pieces cooked roast potatoes, roughly broken up
- 5 to 6 pieces cooked roast parsnips, roughly broken up
- A few slices of cooked turkey, torn into shreds
- A small amount of crispy smoked bacon, or 1 thick slice of gammon or ham, shredded
- 1 generous handful cooked carrot slices
- 8 cooked Brussels sprouts, cut into quarters
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cranberry sauce, for serving
Directions
- Warm the olive oil and butter in a large non-stick frying pan over low to medium heat until the butter melts.
- Add the sliced onion and cook gently for 5 to 10 minutes, until very soft.
- Add the roast potatoes and parsnips. Turn off the heat briefly and crush them in the pan with a potato masher until you have a chunky mash.
- Stir in the shredded turkey, bacon, carrots, and Brussels sprouts. Season with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Mix everything well, then press the mixture down into one large compact cake.
- Return the pan to the heat and cook for about 6 minutes, until the underside is crisp and golden.
- Carefully flip it by turning it out onto a plate, then slide it back into the pan.
- Cook the second side for another 6 minutes, or until golden brown and fully heated through.
- Serve immediately with cranberry sauce on the side.
Time Breakdown
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Servings: 4
How to serve Boxing Day Bubble and Squeak
Boxing Day Bubble and Squeak is best served immediately while it’s fresh and hot. The crispy exterior contrasts beautifully with the soft, savory interior, making each bite a treat. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of cranberry sauce, adding a sweet and tangy element that intensifies the flavors—creating a balance between savory and sweet on the plate. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad to refresh the palate.
This dish is also perfect for brunch, bringing a little festive spirit back in the mornings following the holidays. Simply warm it through in the pan, serve it on a plate, and watch it disappear before your eyes. It’s a pleasing and fulfilling way to make the most of those holiday leftovers.
How to store Boxing Day Bubble and Squeak
If you find you have leftovers after enjoying this delicious dish, storing them is simple. Allow the Bubble and Squeak to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days, ensuring you keep it well sealed to maintain its texture and flavor. When you’re ready to eat it again, simply reheat it in a frying pan over medium heat until it’s thoroughly warmed through and crisp on the outside.
It’s not recommended to freeze Bubble and Squeak, as the texture can become undesirable upon thawing. However, if you prefer to freeze it, be ready to accept that it may not have the same crunchy appeal once reheated.
Tips to make Boxing Day Bubble and Squeak
For the best results, opt for roasted vegetables rather than boiled ones. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and adds a delightful depth of flavor that simply can’t be replicated with boiling. Also, don’t hesitate to experiment with spices and herbs; adding a hint of thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder can enrich the flavor profile even further.
Ensure the heat isn’t too high when cooking; this allows the ingredients to warm through without burning the outside. Additionally, having patience while flipping the cake will ensure your Bubble and Squeak remains intact, showcasing that golden crispy crust you desire.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative! If you have different leftover vegetables or proteins, they are likely to work well in this dish. Just keep in mind that the balance between starches and vegetables is key to achieving a satisfying texture.
Variation
No major variations, but you can adjust seasonings to taste.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fat: 15 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh vegetables instead of leftovers?
A: Yes, you can use fresh vegetables, but you’ll need to precook them before adding them to the mixture.
Q: What can I serve with this dish?
A: Besides cranberry sauce, you can serve it with a light salad, fried egg, or even some pickles for extra zing.
Q: Is it necessary to include bacon or ham?
A: No, you can certainly make it vegetarian by omitting the bacon or ham or replacing it with a plant-based alternative.
Boxing Day Bubble and Squeak
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 20 g butter
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 8 to 10 pieces cooked roast potatoes, roughly broken up
- 5 to 6 pieces cooked roast parsnips, roughly broken up
- A few slices cooked turkey, torn into shreds
- A small amount crispy smoked bacon or 1 thick slice of gammon or ham, shredded
- 1 generous handful cooked carrot slices
- 8 pieces cooked Brussels sprouts, cut into quarters
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cranberry sauce, for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Warm the olive oil and butter in a large non-stick frying pan over low to medium heat until the butter melts.
- Add the sliced onion and cook gently for 5 to 10 minutes, until very soft.
- Add the roast potatoes and parsnips. Turn off the heat briefly and crush them in the pan with a potato masher until you have a chunky mash.
- Stir in the shredded turkey, bacon, carrots, and Brussels sprouts. Season with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Mix everything well, then press the mixture down into one large compact cake.
Cooking
- Return the pan to the heat and cook for about 6 minutes, until the underside is crisp and golden.
- Carefully flip it by turning it out onto a plate, then slide it back into the pan.
- Cook the second side for another 6 minutes, or until golden brown and fully heated through.
- Serve immediately with cranberry sauce on the side.
