Welsh Culture: Food

Traditional Food of the 1800s

A Look at the Food That Shapes Welsh Culture

Table of Contents

Welsh Cakes

Traditional Welsh cakes are a type of flatbread that is traditionally cooked on a bakestone, a type of griddle. They are made with flour, sugar, butter, currants, and spices, and are often served with butter and sugar.

Welsh cakes are a popular snack or breakfast food in Wales, and they are also enjoyed by people in other parts of the world. They are typically about the size of a cookie, and they have a golden brown crust and a soft, chewy interior.

Welsh cakes are said to have originated in the 18th century, and they were originally made with oatmeal. However, over time, the recipe has evolved to use flour instead. Welsh cakes are often served on special occasions, such as St. David's Day, which is the national day of Wales.

Recipe

To make Welsh cakes, you will need the following ingredients:

225g self-raising flour
1 pinch of salt
100g of butter
50g of caster sugar
50g of currants (raisins)
1 egg, beaten with 3 tbsp milk

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. (400 Fahrenheit)
Sift the flour and salt into a bowl.
Stir in the butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Mix in the sugar and currants.
Add the beaten egg and mix to form a dough.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 5mm.
Cut out the cakes with a 6cm cutter.
Place the cakes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
Serve hot with butter and sugar, jam, or honey.

Welsh Cawl

Traditional Welsh Cawl is a hearty stew made of meat and any vegetables available. It is often eaten on cold winter days. The stew is typically cooked in a large pot or cauldron over an open fire. There are many recipes often handed down through families and vary from town to town throughout Wales. Cawl is often served with crackers or crusty bread and a dollop of butter. It is also a popular dish to serve on St. David's Day, which is the national day of Wales. Here is a traditional-style recipe to try out.

Recipe

Ingredients:

1kg lamb shoulder, boned and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 leeks, chopped
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 cups chicken broth
1 potato, peeled and diced
1 parsnip, peeled and diced
1 swede, peeled and diced

Instructions:

1. 1. In a large pot, brown the lamb over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion, carrots, celery, leeks, bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, or until the lamb is tender.
  6. Add the potatoes, parsnip, and swede.
  7. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  8. Serve hot.

Welsh Rarebit

Welsh rarebit, also called Welsh rabbit, is a dish consisting of a hot cheese-based sauce served over slices of toasted bread. It is often served as a snack or appetizer, but it can also be served as a main course. The dish is thought to have originated in Wales in the 18th century, and it is believed to have been created as a way to use up leftover cheese. The name "rarebit" is thought to be a corruption of the word "Welsh rabbit," which was a common name for cheese in Wales at the time.

Welsh rarebit is typically made with cheddar cheese, but it can also be made with other types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Swiss cheese. The cheese is melted over low heat, and then other ingredients are added to create a smooth sauce. The sauce is then poured over slices of toasted bread, and the dish is served hot.

Welsh rarebit can be served with a variety of toppings, such as bacon, ham, or sausage. It can also be served with a variety of vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers, or mushrooms.

There are many different variations of Welsh Rarebit, but the most common ingredients are cheese, beer, mustard, butter, and flour. The cheese is typically melted over low heat, and the beer, mustard, and butter are added to create a smooth sauce. The flour is then added to thicken the sauce. It can be seasoned with salt, pepper, and mustard. It is a popular dish to serve for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

There are many recipes for Welsh Rarebit that do not include alcohol. One option is to use non-alcoholic beer or cider in place of the traditional alcoholic beverage. Another option is to omit the beer altogether and use milk or water instead.

Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup beer (omit or substitute cider)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. 1. In a medium saucepan, melt the cheese over low heat.
  2. Add the milk, beer, mustard, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  4. Remove from the heat and add the butter and flour.
  5. Stir until the butter is melted and the flour is incorporated.
  6. Spread the rarebit on toast or crackers and serve immediately.