Bangers and Mash! I’m making this Brit-styled comfort-food supper primarily because of its explosive, light-hearted name. “Bangers” is said to be derived from the sound of sausages bursting in the pan if cooked too quickly; the “mash” refers to mashed potatoes.

After perusing various cookbooks and several web site recipes, I quickly realized any nutritional gains I’ve made this month would explode with a bang, indeed, if I followed these recipes.

I’ve decided to create my own version with reduced-fat mashed potatoes topped with caramelized onion gravy. I sizzled the sausage in water, instead of oil, and steamed healthy kale to serve on the side.

Granted, you still won't find this on a weight watcher menu. But I’m craving comfort food and I’ve made enough fat-slashing concessions.

Yield: 2-3 servings Time: 40 minutes Cost: apx. $9.50

ingredients

2 thick and meaty uncooked sausages 1 medium onion, peeled and thinly sliced (2 cups) 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teapsoon corn starch 2 russet potatoes (3 cups), peeled and cut into 1 1/2” pieces 4 tablespoons milk 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Directions

1. Heat dry, large, heavy-bottomed skillet to medium-heat, brown sausages on all sides. Add 1/4 cup water to pan, reduce heat and cover. Simmer sausages 10 minutes. Remove top, rotate sausages, add onion to pan. Cover and simmer an additional 10 minutes or until sausages are cooked. 2. Remove sausage from pan, tent with foil, reserve. In the same pan, add balsamic vinegar and sugar and raise heat to medium high. Cook onions until golden brown, about 15 minutes. To make a gravy, combine the corn starch with 1/2 cup water and add to pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook onion mixture until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. 3. Meanwhile place potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook about 7-8 minutes, until soft. Drain, and mash with milk and butter. Season to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. 4. Serve sausages and mashed potatoes with onion gravy.