Rumbledethumps

Rumbledethumps is a classic Scottish dish originating from the Scottish Borders. Imagine it as Scotland's counterpart to Irish colcannon or English bubble and squeak. The dish primarily features potatoes, cabbage, and onions, making it a comforting and hearty option suitable as either a side or a main course.

If you have leftovers from a roast, rumbledethumps is an excellent way to make use of them. However, if you're preparing it from scratch, here’s how to do it: Start by lightly sautéing shredded onions and cabbage in butter until they become translucent and tender. Then, take some mashed potatoes—seasoned with butter, salt, and pepper—and mix them thoroughly with the sautéed vegetables. Transfer this mixture into an ovenproof dish. For an added layer of deliciousness, sprinkle some cheddar cheese on top before baking it until the cheese turns golden brown.

There’s a similar variation of this dish from Aberdeenshire called "kailkenny."

Rumbledethumps has even found its way into popular culture. Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown once shared his recipe for this dish in a cookbook for Donaldson's School for the Deaf, describing it as his favorite food. Additionally, Celebrity Chef Tom Kitchin featured rumbledethumps on his Scottish menu during the fourth series of the BBC’s "Great British Menu" in 2009.