Bangers & Mash: A St. Patrick's Day Tradition
Bangers and mash is a traditional British dish consisting of sausages (bangers) and mashed potatoes (mash), often served with onion gravy. While the dish is a popular comfort food throughout the year in the UK, it has a special significance on St. Patrick's Day. Follow along for a brief history of the dish and for a list of our st. patrick's day restaurant specials!
History
The history of bangers and mash dates back to the early 20th century, when sausages became a popular food item in Britain. During World War I, meat was scarce and sausages were made with a high proportion of water, which caused them to pop and hiss when cooked over a high heat. This led to them being called "bangers," a name that stuck even after the war ended and sausages returned to their normal recipe.
Mashed potatoes, on the other hand, have been a staple food in Britain since the 18th century. They were originally introduced to the country by Sir Walter Raleigh, who brought them back from his travels to the Americas. Mashed potatoes quickly became a popular food item, as they were cheap, filling, and easy to make.
The combination of bangers and mash became popular in the early 1900s, and it has been a beloved comfort food in Britain ever since. Today, there are countless variations of the dish, with different types of sausages and seasonings, as well as creative takes on the classic onion gravy.
Tradition
But why do we eat bangers and mash on St. Patrick's Day? After all, the dish is not traditionally Irish.
The answer lies in the fact that St. Patrick's Day is celebrated not just in Ireland, but also in many other parts of the world, including Britain. In fact, the holiday has been celebrated in Britain since the 17th century, when Irish soldiers serving in the British army would hold parades and celebrations to mark the occasion. As St. Patrick's Day became more popular in Britain, bangers and mash became a popular dish to serve on the holiday. This is likely due to the fact that it is a simple, comforting dish that can be made in large quantities and served to a crowd.
In addition to its popularity on St. Patrick's Day, bangers and mash has also played a role in British culture and history. During World War II, when food was scarce and rationing was in effect, bangers and mash became a common meal for British families. The dish was cheap, filling, and easy to make, making it an ideal choice for families struggling to put food on the table.
give it a try, you won't regret it!
Today, bangers and mash continues to be a beloved comfort food in Britain, as well as in many other parts of the world. While the dish has evolved over time, with new variations and creative twists on the classic recipe, its basic components remain the same: sausages, mashed potatoes, and onion gravy.
If you're looking to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a hearty and comforting meal, bangers and mash is a great choice. Whether you're Irish or not, this classic dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul.
If you don't feel like making it yourself, head over to The Wildflower and we'll do it for you!
St. Patrick's Day Specials at The Wildflower Restaurant:
Locally-made Bangers & Mash with house-made onion gravy
Guinness on special
SPECIALS ARE MONDAY-FRIDAY ONLY.
