The Ultimate Leftovers Feast
~ Bubble and Squeak ~
By rights I should be posting a decadent King Cake or Twelfth Night cake today, as it is Epiphany…..also known as Twelfth Night ~ although some suggest that Twelfth Night is the 5th January, but I promise not to be a pedant about the subject. And, I do have a wonderful cake to share for this special end of Christmas celebratory period, but I’ll have to post it later as I have not uploaded the photos yet. What I will be sharing today is a classic and ultimate leftovers dish, or feast as I like to call it, Bubble and Squeak ~ not really a recipe but a method of turning cold vegetables into a delicious fried brunch, breakfast or lunch dish.
I LOVE bubble and squeak and have been known to deliberately cook loads more vegetables in order that they be turned into bubble and squeak next day ~ a bit of a cheat maybe, but who dares wins a great fried leftovers meal! As this particular batch made great use of our New Year’s Day luncheon veggie leftovers, and in the manner of frugality and saving pennies.
I served this with a home-made turkey, bacon and leek pie ~ recipe to follow, the pie was also made from leftovers too…..pretty doubly frugal eh? I like my veggies in bubble and squeak to be fairly chunky and not too bashed about, but that is all down to personal preference, so I leave that monumental decision up to you…..along with the choice of leftover veggies too. Serve these with fried eggs for a great breakfast or brunch, or as a vegetable accompaniment as I did with these.
That’s all for today, I am off to help mum and dad take down the Christmas decorations and the tree……we are planning a little Epiphany buffet tea whilst we take them all down, to make it seem a cheerier proposition…..I’ll be back later with that Turkey, Bacon and Leek Pie recipe.
Karen
Bubble and Squeak
(Traditional British Fried Leftovers)
This amusingly named dish is basically traditional British fried leftovers, and probably enjoyed more than the original vegetables were I think. In fact, I have been known to cook the vegetables in order to make Bubble and Squeak. The name is thought to originate from the noise it makes whilst cooking in the frying pan ~ bubbling and squeaking, whatever the reason, this simple dish is delicious and a wonderful way to “fry up” your leftover spuds and greens. I like to season mine with lots of freshly ground black pepper. This is a traditional post-Christmas breakfast dish ~ but don’t wait until then to make this. Excellent if served as part of an English breakfast with bacon and eggs, or as a light supper dish.
Ingredients:
- Leftover mashed potatoes, boiled potatoes or leftover roast potatoes, diced
- Leftover cooked cabbage or leftover cooked Brussels sprouts, finely chopped
- 2 ounces butter
- salt
- black pepper
- carrots, diced (optional)
Method:- Mix the cabbage or sprouts with the mashed or diced cooked potatoes (and carrots if using) and season to taste with salt and black pepper.
- Heat the butter in a large frying pan, add the vegetable and potato mixture.
- Fry over a medium heat for about 8 to 10 minutes or until it is brown, and the bubble and squeak sizzles, bubbles and squeaks…..sorry, could not resist that.
- Serve with eggs and bacon for breakfast, or bread and butter for a light snack or supper dish. This is also wonderful as an accompaniment to stews, pies and casseroles.
Neesie Natters says
Fabulously Frugal Karen….
I'm positively drooling just looking at it!
I need lunch NOW…must dash 😀
Neesie Natters says
Fabulously Frugal Karen….
I'm positively drooling just looking at it!
I need lunch NOW…must dash 😀
A Trifle Rushed says
Mmmm. Real comfort food, have a super day with your parents. Jude x
Elaine says
Frugal, filling and flavoursome, a family favourite!
Marie says
Bubble and Squeak is the best. Back home we called it hash. It's been a mainstay in our home for years and years. It's almost more appealing to me than the roast dinner! xxoo
Dom at Belleau Kitchen says
My favourite! This year I wizzed up my leftovers and put some Yorkshire pudding batter into the mix too and then baked it rather than fried it. It was like a giant risen bubble and squeak. Wish I'd photographed it too!! Heavenly x
Liz says
I love bubble and squeak – especially with a wee drop of HP sauce! Haven't had it for ages! YUM
Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger
Fuss Free Helen says
Thanks for taking part Karen. Nothing like a good plate of bubble and squeak!
Laura@howtocookgoodfood says
Oh this is good, love a bit of bubble myself especially with a good fried egg on top. Enjoy your day of saying goodbye to Christmas today! xx
Kentish Keg-Meg says
Love cooking and eating bubble and squeak. Great dish anytime.
Janice says
We never seem to have any sprouts left over to bubble! Looks really tasty for a cold day.
Lauren says
Everything looks so good! Next time I see Brussels sprouts at the market I'm scooping them up and making enough for leftovers.
shuhan says
hello nice new website (: the bubble and squeak looks brilliant, too good to be called a leftover dish really!
Karen says
THANKS very much Shuhan! I love Bubble and Squeak and often make as a NON leftover recipe!
Noeleen says
Karen wrote: “By rights I should be posting a decadent King Cake or Twelfth Night cake today,…”.
My arse, you should. I’ll take that any day of the week. To die for delicious comfort food at its finest!