How to Make Irish Brown Onion Gravy

Pub

One of the favorite traditional suppers served up in Irish and English pubs is the entree, bangers and mash covered with a delicious brown onion gravy. For those who have never ordered this favorite, it is sausages, mashed potatoes and a hearty gravy. The name seems to have originated during World War 2 when the sausages were boiled for the military and would explode in the moist heat. The tasty gravy can easily be replicated at home if you want to recreate a traditional Irish/English supper.

Things You'll Need

• 1 tbs. butter
• 6 onions
• 1 Guinness
• 2 cups beef or chicken stock
• 1 tbs. flour
• Salt/pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 

   Onions

   Slice up all the onions into thin slices. You cannot skip the onions in this recipe, as they are the key ingredient. When the gravy is finished, the onions will be imperceptible and even folks who do not usually like onions will probably like this gravy.

2. 

   Caramelize Onions

   Melt the butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat and add the onions. You want them to slowly cook and caramelize until they are tender and a deep golden brown. Allow about 10 to 15 minutes for the caramelizing time, stirring every few minutes to prevent them from burning.

3. 

   Guinness Beer

   Pour in the Guinness and the first cup of stock. Reduce the heat to low and allow the liquid to reduce to half, stirring every few minutes. During this time, prepare the sausages and mashed potatoes, keeping an eye on your gravy as it cooks. Add the second cup of stock and stir. Turn the heat off.

4. 

   Blender

   Pour the hot mixture of onions and broth into a blender. Mix the flour with 1/4 cup of cold water and add it to the blender. Blend at a medium-high speed until the onions are completely smooth and velvety.

5. 

   Sausages

   Return the mixture to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add your cooked sausages to the gravy and serve hot over mashed potatoes. Of course, you will need to serve Guinness as an appropriate drink to accompany this traditional dish.

References

• ACS International School: Dispelling the myths about British food, while still remembering old favorites!