Proper Full English Breakfast

Method

1. 1

   Step 1

   Heat the oven to 200°F (95°C / Gas ¼) and put an ovenproof serving platter inside to warm. Set out a 12-inch (30 cm) heavy frying pan, a second 10-inch (25 cm) frying pan and a small saucepan; have two serving plates ready.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Heat 2 tsp of the oil in the larger frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the sausages and cook for 18–22 minutes, turning every 3–4 minutes, until evenly browned and the centres reach 160°F (71°C). Do not prick them; transfer to the warm platter and keep in the oven.

3. 3

   Step 3

   About 8 minutes before the sausages are ready, heat 1 tbsp of the butter in the second frying pan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook for 7–9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until their moisture has evaporated and they are golden. Season with half the salt and pepper, then transfer to the warm platter.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Add the remaining 1 tsp oil to the mushroom pan and place the tomatoes in it cut-side down. Cook over medium heat for 4–5 minutes until the cut surfaces are browned, then turn and cook for another 3–4 minutes until tender but still holding their shape. Season with the remaining salt and pepper and transfer to the oven.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Meanwhile, once the sausages are out of the larger pan, increase its heat to medium and add the bacon in a single layer. Fry for 2–3 minutes on each side, until the fat is golden and the meat is cooked through; allow another minute if the rashers are thick. Transfer to the warm platter, keeping everything in a single layer where possible.

6. 6

   Step 6

   While the bacon and tomatoes cook, tip the baked beans into the saucepan and warm over medium-low heat for 6–8 minutes, stirring frequently. They should be steaming hot with a gentle bubble, not boiling hard; add 1 tbsp water if the sauce becomes too thick. Reduce the heat to its lowest setting and cover until serving.

7. 7

   Step 7

   Once the tomatoes are out, wipe the second frying pan carefully with paper towels / kitchen paper held in tongs. Add ½ tbsp of the butter over medium-low heat, crack in the eggs and fry for 3–4 minutes until the whites are opaque and set but the yolks remain soft. For firm yolks, cover and cook for another 1–2 minutes.

8. 8

   Step 8

   As soon as the eggs go into the pan, toast the bread for 2–3 minutes, or until golden, and spread with the remaining ½ tbsp butter. Divide the sausages, bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms and beans between the two plates, adding one egg and one slice of toast to each. Serve immediately so everything arrives hot.