Bubble and Squeak Recipe- A Fantastic Use of Leftovers

The other day I posted a recipe for loaded potato skins and mentioned ways that you can then use up the leftover potato. Next, I posted a recipe for tuna fishcakes that I made using my own leftover potatoes. My next recipe for ways to use up leftover mashed potatoes or the insides of baked potatoes is a simple bubble and squeak recipe.

It is possible that some readers have not heard of this dish before. Bubble and squeak is a British dish that is traditionally made using leftover mashed potatoes and cabbage. However, you can make it using any leftover vegetables and will taste different depending on which vegetables you use.

I have written this differently to my other recipes in the sense that it does not have specific quantities, it is just what you have leftover. It is really easy to make and ideal for those on a budget. It is also suitable for vegetarians.

Here is a recipe for bubble and squeak.

Preparation time: 5 minutes if using leftover, 20 minutes if making fresh mashed potatoes in advance.
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4
Vegetarian/ Vegan: YES
Dairy-free: If you do not use milk or butter in your mashed potatoes
Gluten-free: YES

Ingredients for Bubble and Squeak

• Leftover mashed potatoes
• Leftover cabbage and any other leftover vegetables
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper

How to Make This Bubble and Squeak Recipe

1. Combine the mashed potatoes and leftover vegetables in a mixing bowl.
2. Season with salt and black pepper.
3. Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
4. Fry the onions for five minutes until softened.
5. Spoon the onions from the pan into the mixing bowl with the vegetables and stir in well.
6. Transfer the mixture to the frying pan, then press down with the back of a spoon.
7. Cook for 7-10 minutes until the bubble and squeak is golden brown and crispy.
8. Flip it over in the pan using a flatfish lift and repeat so both sides are golden.
9. Transfer to a plate and cut into slices to serve.

Additional Tips

• Individual portions- Although this recipe is for a large bubble and squeak cooked in a pan and then served in slices, it is just as easy to make individual portions. You can do this by shaping the potato and vegetable mix into patties.
• Experiment- You can try adapting this bubble and squeak recipe to use different leftover vegetables, and you will get a new flavour each time.
• If you make fresh mashed potatoes for this recipe, then chill the mashed potatoes first. This will stiffen the mixture and stop it from falling apart in the pan.