Bubble And Squeak
Ingredients
&w=3840&q=75){kind=small}
- 2 pounds potatoes – peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks (~6 medium potatos)
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt – for boiling water
- 12 ounces savoy cabbage – cored and finely shredded
- 1 cup onion – finely chopped (~1 medium onion)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil – for sautéing
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – divided
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt – for seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground
Instructions
1. Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water by about 1 inch, and add the 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce to a gentle boil, and cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced, 12–15 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes thoroughly, return them to the hot pot, and let steam-dry for 2–3 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, heat the vegetable oil in a 10–12 inch nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened and lightly golden, 5–7 minutes.
4. Add the shredded savoy cabbage to the skillet and season lightly with a pinch of the kosher salt for seasoning. Cook, stirring, until wilted and tender with a few browned spots, 5–7 minutes. Transfer the cabbage-onion mixture to a bowl.
5. Roughly mash the hot potatoes with 1 tablespoon of the unsalted butter until coarsely smashed. Season with the remaining kosher salt for seasoning and the black pepper. Fold in the cabbage-onion mixture until evenly combined.
6. Melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add the potato mixture and press it into an even, compact cake about 1 inch thick. Cook without moving until the bottom is deeply browned and crisp, 8–12 minutes.
7. Slide the cake onto a plate. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon unsalted butter to the skillet, then invert the cake back into the skillet to brown the second side. Cook until crisp and heated through, 6–10 minutes, adjusting the heat to prevent scorching.
8. Let rest 5 minutes, then cut into wedges and serve hot. Traditionally it pairs well with fried eggs, leftover roast meats, or brown sauce.
Bubble and squeak is a comforting British fry-up of potatoes and greens cooked into a golden, crusty cake with a fluffy interior. The flavor is savory and lightly sweet from caramelized onion and cabbage, with a buttery richness and plenty of crispy bits. It’s versatile enough to serve as a breakfast centerpiece or as a hearty side alongside roasted meats, sausages, or a simple fried egg.
The dish grew out of thrifty home cooking, using leftovers from the Sunday roast—especially potatoes and cabbage—and its name is said to come from the sound the ingredients make as they sizzle in the pan. References date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, with countless regional and family variations evolving over time. While many versions now include brussels sprouts or bits of leftover meat, the enduring core remains potatoes and greens fried until they bubble and squeak in the pan.