The Universal Appeal of the English Breakfast
Ingredients:
– For the Fry-up:
– 2-3 pork sausages (Cumberland or any good-quality British sausage)
– 2-3 rashers of bacon (streaky or back bacon)
– 1-2 eggs (fried or scrambled)
– 1 tomato, halved
– 100g mushrooms, sliced
– 1 slice of black pudding (optional)
– 1 slice of white bread, toasted
– Baked beans (optional)
– Hash browns or fried potatoes (optional)
– For Serving:
– Fresh parsley (for garnish)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Ketchup or brown sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
– Preheat your oven to keep cooked items warm.
– Prepare the sausages, bacon, tomatoes, and mushrooms.
2. Cook the Sausages:
– Heat a large frying pan over medium heat with a little oil.
– Cook the sausages for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are evenly browned and cooked through.
3. Cook the Bacon:
– Add the bacon rashers to the pan with the sausages, or use a separate pan.
– Fry for 3-5 minutes, depending on your preference for crispy or soft bacon.
4. Cook the Tomatoes and Mushrooms:
– In the same pan (or a separate one if needed), cook the halved tomatoes cut-side down until lightly charred.
– Add the mushrooms and fry until golden and tender.
5. Fry the Eggs:
– Use a small frying pan and add a little oil or butter.
– Crack in the eggs and fry them to your liking (sunny-side up or over-easy).
6. Toast the Bread:
– Toast the bread to your liking and optionally butter it.
– If you prefer, fry the bread in the pan with bacon drippings.
7. Optional Items:
– If using black pudding or baked beans, fry the black pudding in the same pan for about 2-3 minutes on each side.
– Warm the baked beans in a small saucepan or in the microwave.
– Fry the hash browns or potatoes until crispy.
8. Assemble the Breakfast:
– On a large plate, arrange the cooked sausages, bacon, eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, and any optional items.
– Garnish with fresh parsley.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve this hearty meal hot, with optional ketchup or brown sauce on the side.
This classic English breakfast is a hearty, savory start to the day!
