Homemade Chips, Cooked in Beef Dripping with Tomato Sausage, Eggs n Beans by John O
Introduction
Few meals bring the same sense of nostalgia and comfort as a plate of homemade chips cooked in beef dripping, paired with rich tomato sausage, perfectly fried eggs, and hearty baked beans. This classic dish is a staple of traditional British cooking, offering a blend of flavors and textures that satisfy both the stomach and the soul. John O’s version of this dish elevates simple ingredients into something truly special, using time-honored cooking techniques to maximize flavor.
Ingredients
For the Chips:
4 large Maris Piper potatoes
200g beef dripping
Sea salt to taste
For the Tomato Sausage:
6 pork sausages
1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Eggs:
4 large eggs
1 tbsp butter
Pinch of salt
For the Baked Beans:
1 can (400g) baked beans
1 tsp English mustard
1 tbsp brown sugar
Method
1. Preparing the Chips
Peel and cut the potatoes into thick chips.
Rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch, then pat dry.
Heat the beef dripping in a deep pan to 130°C (266°F).
Fry the chips in batches for about 6-8 minutes until soft but not browned.
Remove the chips and drain on kitchen paper, increasing the heat to 180°C (356°F).
Fry the chips a second time until golden and crispy.
Drain on kitchen paper and sprinkle with sea salt.
2. Cooking the Tomato Sausage
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and add sausages.
Brown the sausages evenly, then remove them and set aside.
In the same pan, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
Add the chopped tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Return the sausages to the pan and simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
3. Frying the Eggs
Heat butter in a frying pan over low-medium heat.
Crack in the eggs and cook until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny.
Season with a pinch of salt.
4. Preparing the Baked Beans
Heat the baked beans in a saucepan over medium heat.
Stir in the English mustard and brown sugar, then simmer for a few minutes.
Serving
Plate up the crispy beef dripping chips, alongside the rich tomato sausages, creamy fried eggs, and flavorful baked beans. Serve with a side of buttered bread or a cup of strong Yorkshire tea for a true comfort meal.
Tips for the Best Results
Beef Dripping for Authentic Flavor: Using beef dripping for the chips gives them a traditional, old-fashioned flavor with a crisp, golden exterior.
Double-Frying Technique: Ensures the chips are fluffy on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside.
Slow-Cooked Tomato Sauce: Enhancing the sausage with a well-seasoned tomato sauce creates a depth of flavor that complements the other components.
Variations
Vegetarian Alternative: Swap the pork sausages for vegetarian alternatives and use vegetable oil instead of beef dripping.
Spicy Kick: Add a chopped chili to the tomato sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the baked beans.
Cheesy Chips: Sprinkle some grated mature cheddar over the chips before serving.
Conclusion
John O’s Homemade Chips, Cooked in Beef Dripping with Tomato Sausage, Eggs n Beans is a testament to the beauty of classic British cooking. Simple, hearty, and packed with flavor, this dish is perfect for any meal of the day, offering a nostalgic nod to traditional home-cooked meals.