Instant Pot Bangers and Mash: A Quick & Delicious Comfort Food Classic

Bangers and Mash, a quintessential British comfort food, traditionally involves pan-frying sausages and boiling or steaming potatoes. While delicious, it can take a considerable amount of time and involve multiple pots and pans. Enter the Instant Pot! This magical appliance streamlines the process, allowing you to create a creamy, flavorful Bangers and Mash in a fraction of the time, with minimal cleanup. This recipe delivers tender, juicy sausages, fluffy, flavorful mashed potatoes, and a rich, savory onion gravy, all cooked in the Instant Pot. Get ready to ditch the stove and embrace this convenient and delicious Instant Pot Bangers and Mash recipe!

Why Use an Instant Pot for Bangers and Mash?

Several reasons make the Instant Pot an ideal choice for preparing Bangers and Mash:

* **Speed:** The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional methods. The pressure cooking function cooks the potatoes and sausages much faster.
* **One-Pot Wonder:** This recipe minimizes cleanup by cooking the sausages and potatoes in the same pot. The gravy is then easily made in the same pot after removing the cooked ingredients.
* **Flavor Infusion:** Cooking the potatoes in broth and with aromatics infuses them with deeper flavor compared to simply boiling them in water.
* **Tender Sausages:** The Instant Pot cooks sausages evenly and keeps them incredibly tender and juicy, preventing them from drying out.
* **Perfect Potatoes:** The pressure cooking method results in perfectly cooked, fluffy potatoes that mash effortlessly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the necessary ingredients. You’ll likely have many of these on hand already:

* **Sausages:** 1 pound (about 4-6) good quality pork sausages (bangers). Look for sausages with a high meat content for the best flavor and texture. Traditional British bangers are ideal, but any good quality pork sausage will work. Avoid overly lean sausages, as they can dry out in the Instant Pot.
* **Potatoes:** 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered. Yukon Golds offer a naturally creamy texture, while Russets are lighter and fluffier. You can use a combination of both.
* **Onion:** 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced. The onion forms the base of the gravy, so a good quality onion is essential.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic adds depth of flavor to the gravy.
* **Beef Broth:** 1 cup beef broth. Beef broth adds a rich, savory flavor to the potatoes and gravy. Chicken broth can be substituted in a pinch, but beef broth is preferred.
* **Milk or Cream:** ½ cup milk or heavy cream. Adds creaminess to the mashed potatoes. Using cream will result in a richer and more decadent mash.
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided. Butter adds richness and flavor to both the mashed potatoes and the gravy.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon olive oil. Used for browning the sausages.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Adds umami and depth of flavor to the gravy.
* **Cornstarch:** 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Used to thicken the gravy.
* **Cold Water:** 2 tablespoons cold water. Mixed with cornstarch to create a slurry.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish). Adds a touch of freshness and color.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Seasoning is crucial for enhancing the flavors of all the components.
* **Optional Add-ins for Potatoes:** consider adding roasted garlic, shredded cheese, or chives to your potatoes for a customized dish.

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Instant Pot Bangers and Mash

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed steps for perfect Instant Pot Bangers and Mash:

**1. Sear the Sausages (Optional but Recommended):**

* Turn on your Instant Pot to the ‘Saute’ function. Add olive oil.
* Once the oil is hot, add the sausages. Sear them on all sides until they are nicely browned. This step adds flavor and texture to the sausages. Don’t worry about cooking them through completely; they will finish cooking under pressure. Remove the sausages from the Instant Pot and set aside.

**2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:**

* In the same Instant Pot, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced onions and cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The onions should be translucent and starting to brown. This process develops their sweetness and adds depth to the gravy.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**3. Deglaze the Pot:**

* Pour in the beef broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These browned bits, known as fond, are packed with flavor and will add richness to the gravy.

**4. Add Potatoes and Sausages:**

* Add the quartered potatoes to the Instant Pot. Place the seared sausages on top of the potatoes. This layering helps the potatoes cook evenly without becoming mushy.

**5. Pressure Cook:**

* Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the valve is set to ‘Sealing’.
* Select the ‘Pressure Cook’ or ‘Manual’ setting and set the timer for 8 minutes. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your Instant Pot model and the size of your potatoes. Generally, 8 minutes is sufficient for quartered potatoes. For larger potato chunks you may need to increase the pressure cooking time to 10 minutes.
* Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally pressure release for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully quick release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to the ‘Venting’ position. Be cautious of the steam.

**6. Remove Sausages and Mash Potatoes:**

* Open the Instant Pot lid carefully. Remove the sausages from the pot and set aside, covering them to keep them warm. If you leave them in the pot, they may overcook while you mash the potatoes.
* Use a potato masher or an electric mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the milk or cream. Continue mashing until the desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For extra-smooth mashed potatoes, you can use a ricer.

**7. Make the Gravy:**

* Turn the Instant Pot back to the ‘Saute’ function.
* In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. This slurry will help thicken the gravy.
* Pour the cornstarch slurry into the Instant Pot and stir continuously. Add the Worcestershire sauce. Cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. If the gravy is too thick, add a little more beef broth or water. If it’s too thin, cook it for a bit longer to allow the sauce to thicken or add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch slurry. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding salt and pepper as needed. Avoid over-salting, as the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce already contain salt.

**8. Serve:**

* Serve the mashed potatoes topped with the sausages and generously drizzle with the onion gravy. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

Here are some helpful tips and variations to customize your Instant Pot Bangers and Mash:

* **Sausage Selection:** Experiment with different types of sausages. Cumberland sausages, Lincolnshire sausages, or even Italian sausages can be used. Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the size and thickness of the sausages.
* **Potato Variety:** Use different types of potatoes for varying textures. Red potatoes will result in a denser, slightly waxy mash.
* **Vegetable Additions:** Add other vegetables to the potatoes, such as roasted garlic, caramelized onions, or sautéed leeks.
* **Herb Infusion:** Infuse the potatoes with herbs by adding a sprig of rosemary or thyme to the Instant Pot during pressure cooking. Remove the herbs before mashing.
* **Spicy Kick:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy for a spicy kick.
* **Gravy Enhancement:** For a richer gravy, add a splash of red wine or a dollop of Dijon mustard. You could also add a teaspoon of Marmite for an extra savory flavor boost.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute vegetarian sausages for the pork sausages and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
* **Browning Sausages in the Oven:** If you don’t want to sear the sausages in the Instant Pot (or prefer a more even browning), you can brown them under the broiler in your oven for a few minutes on each side before adding them to the Instant Pot.
* **Keeping Sausages Warm:** To keep the sausages warm while you’re making the gravy, place them in a preheated oven at a low temperature (around 200°F or 95°C).
* **Using an Immersion Blender for Gravy:** For an ultra-smooth gravy, use an immersion blender to blend the onions after pressure cooking, before adding the cornstarch slurry.

## Serving Suggestions

Bangers and Mash is a complete meal in itself, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

* **Peas:** Serve with a side of mushy peas or garden peas for a classic British accompaniment.
* **Green Beans:** Steamed or sauteed green beans provide a healthy and colorful side dish.
* **Coleslaw:** A creamy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the Bangers and Mash.
* **Yorkshire Pudding:** For a truly indulgent meal, serve with Yorkshire pudding.
* **Bread:** Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

Bangers and Mash can be made ahead of time. The mashed potatoes and gravy can be prepared separately and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently before serving. The sausages are best cooked fresh, but they can also be cooked ahead of time and reheated. Be careful not to overcook them when reheating.

## Storage Instructions

Leftover Bangers and Mash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 600-800 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 40-50g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g

## Conclusion

This Instant Pot Bangers and Mash recipe is a game-changer! It’s a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy this classic comfort food. The Instant Pot simplifies the cooking process, minimizes cleanup, and delivers consistently tender sausages and flavorful mashed potatoes. So, ditch the stove and embrace the convenience of the Instant Pot for your next Bangers and Mash feast! Enjoy!