Easy, Traditional British Bubble and Squeak Recipe

Suitable from six months old
 

Table of Contents

    Two plates with serving of bubble and squeak with cabbage

    Bubble and Squeak: A Festive Delight!

    When the Christmas season is in full swing, nothing brings comfort and joy to the table quite like the Traditional British dish of Bubble and Squeak.

    This beloved culinary delight, with its quirky name and mouthwatering flavour, has become a classic with festive celebrations on Boxing Day, and a great way, the next day, to use up the leftover vegetables from the roast dinner!

    Bubble and Squeak is a delightful concoction made from the simple yet flavourful combination of leftover roasted potatoes and leftover vegetables, typically from a hearty Sunday roast.

    The name of this indulgent dish originated from the sound the ingredients make when they sizzle and bubble in the pan, while the vegetables squeak as they're mashed and fried to perfection.

    What Is Bubble And Squeak?

    The magic of Bubble and Squeak lies in its versatility. There are countless variations of this dish, depending on the leftovers you have at hand.

    Traditional recipes often include ingredients like Brussels sprouts, carrots, cabbage, and onions, which beautifully complement the crispy and golden-brown edges of the potatoes.
    What makes Bubble and Squeak especially festive is its ability to bring people together.

    The process of making it embraces the spirit of togetherness by transforming the remnants of a previous feast into a delicious new creation. Families and friends gather in the kitchen, eagerly chopping, mixing, and sharing stories, as the tempting aroma of sizzling vegetables and potatoes fills the air.
    Served as a main dish or a scrumptious side, Bubble and Squeak adds a delightful touch to any festive table.

    Its golden crust encases a medley of rich flavours, reminiscent of cherished Christmas ]memories. With each heavenly bite, you can taste the warmth and merriment that this delectable dish embodies.

    So, this festive season, gather your loved ones, don your aprons, and embark on a culinary journey together. Let the sizzling symphony of Bubble and Squeak transport you to a world of festive cheer, where traditions are cherished, and the joy of sharing good food is truly celebrated.

    The Perfect Baby Led Weaning Choice!

    Introducing solid foods to your little one is an exhilarating milestone, but it can also be a perplexing journey.

    As a loving parent, you want to provide your baby with nutritious and delicious foods that will help them thrive. Look no further than the delightful dish known as Bubble and Squeak - the ideal choice for baby led weaning!

    Bubble and Squeak is a traditional British dish that combines the goodness of mashed potatoes and cooked vegetables, allowing your baby to explore a variety of flavours and textures.

    Packed with vital nutrients and bursting with taste, it is the perfect food to support your baby's overall growth and development.

    But what makes Bubble and Squeak such a fantastic option for baby led weaning? First and foremost, it's incredibly versatile. You can tailor the ingredients to suit your baby's preferences and dietary needs.

    Whether you choose to include carrots, peas, broccoli, or other vegetables, each bite is packed with vitamins and minerals essential for your baby's growing body.

    The Benefits Of Bubble And Squeak

    One of the key benefits of Bubble and Squeak is its soft and mushy texture. It's ideal for your baby's developing motor skills, as they can easily grasp and explore the food at their own pace.

    As they navigate through the dish, they'll discover a symphony of flavours, encouraging them to become adventurous eaters from an early age.
    Furthermore, Bubble and Squeak is a great way to reduce food waste and make use of leftovers.

    By incorporating cooked vegetables and mashed potatoes from the previous day's meal, you're not only creating a healthy and sustainable meal for your baby but also teaching them valuable lessons about resourcefulness and appreciating food.

    A Great Recipe Adapting For Dietaries

    Another remarkable aspect of Bubble and Squeak is its ability to be customised to accommodate various dietary requirements.

    For babies with special dietary needs, you can easily substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes, or use gluten-free ingredients.

    This ensures that no matter your baby's unique palate or restrictions, they can savour the deliciousness of Bubble and Squeak alongside their peers.

    Lastly, Bubble and Squeak allows for a shared dining experience. As your baby indulges in this vibrant dish, you can join them by savouring your own version of this classic meal.

    Bonding over food not only strengthens the parent-child relationship but also sets the foundation for a healthy relationship with food throughout your baby's life.

    So, if you're looking for a wholesome, nutritious, and exciting introduction to solid foods, look no further than this vegetarian dish: Bubble and Squeak.

    This British treasure will pave the way for your baby's culinary adventures, ensuring they embark on a lifelong journey of diverse flavours and nutritious choices.

    Let your baby explore the joy of food, one delightful bite of Bubble and Squeak at a time!

    Ingredient information

    Onion - I have used a white onion, but you could use a shallot, red onion or a leek. You could even use spring onions (green onions) too!

    Olive oil - You could use unsalted butter, or avocado oil if you prefer.

    Potato - I have used leftover spuds, but you can use any leftover vegetables you have that can mash easily!

    Cabbage - I have used leftover cabbage but you can use brussel sprouts if you prefer from the Sunday roast or from the festive, Christmas day! A great Boxing day brunch recipe!

    Single serving of bubble and squeak with cabbage

    Serving suggestion

    This leftover bubble and squeak recipe is great served with a fried egg. Fried eggs are ok to give your baby, if they have the red lion stamp on them, which means the yolk is ok for your baby.

    You could also serve with spinach and egg fingers or courgette fries.

    Two plates with serving of bubble and squeak with cabbage

    Storage instructions

    The best way to store the bubble and squeak is in the fridge for up to 3 days, stored in an airtight container.

    If you wanted to freeze the bubble and squeak you will need to make sure that the bubble and squeak have cooled down before transferring to either a freezer bag or airtight container.

    Ensure that the bag/airtight container is labelled with the item and the date. I use masking tape to label the airtight container.

    To defrost the bubble and squeak, leave in the fridge overnight and make sure that they are fully defrosted, before re heating.

    To reheat, place the bubble and squeak in an oven proof dish on a baking tray in your preheated oven and reheat on 180C/350F for 10 minutes. Check they’re not too hot before serving.

    Once the bubble and squeak have been defrosted you will not be able to reheat or refreeze.

    Equipment used to help with this recipe

    Frying pan - I love the non-stick surface of this particular frying pan and it’s suitable for all types of hob.

    Mixing bowl - I like to use a stainless steel mixing bowl - they are usually lightweight and easy to clean.

    Airtight container - I much prefer the click-shut lids on these containers compared to others. They are also dishwasher and freezer safe and BPA free, so very suitable for food use.

    Recipe | Bubble and Squeak

    Two plates with serving of bubble and squeak with cabbage

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    Ingredients

    Makes 6-8

    • 2 tablespoon olive oil

    • 90g onion (approx 1/2 onion)

    • 210g cooked leftover potatoes or leftover mashed potatoes

    • 130g cooked leftover cabbage

    Instructions

    • Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a frying pan and heat, add in the onion and cook for 10 -12 minutes until soft and cooked through, set aside.

    • Add the leftover potato into a large mixing bowl and mash using a fork.

    • Add the cooked leftover cabbage to the mashed potatoes, use scissors to chop the cabbage into smaller pieces.

    • Add the cooked onion to the potatoes and cabbage and stir together.

    • Bring the potato mixture together into a ball using your hands.

    • You can make one large bubble and squeak patty or split the potato mixture into 6-8 smaller patties.

    • For the smaller patties, heat the remaining olive oil in the frying pan and add up to 3 of the balls and press down using a spatula. Cook on each side for 4 minutes on a medium heat, until golden brown.

    • For the large bubble and squeak patty, cook for a little longer 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.

    Hope you and your family enjoy!

    Recipe notes

    This recipe is so versatile, you can use mashable veggies of choice that are leftover from your Christmas dinner or Sunday roast! Some good mashable veggies include carrot, green beans, green veg, sweet potato, parsnip, broccoli, cauliflower, sprouts (instead of cabbage, or both)

    You can make one large bubble and squeak and cut into triangles or strips or shape into smaller rounds.


    Two plates with serving of bubble and squeak with cabbage

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    Lindsay

    This article was written by Lindsay, the creator and owner of The Petit Spoon, who is on a mission to provide quick and easy to follow, affordable baby-led weaning recipes. With a background in child nutrition and hospitality, Lindsay understands the importance of nourishing little ones with wholesome foods that support their growth and development.

    https://www.thepetitspoon.com/
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