Welsh Rarebit Day 3rd September
Summary
Welsh Rarebit is a meal of cheese on toast, In reality it is much, much more than that. Welsh rarebit is cheese on toast but with added extras of some beer, Worcester sauce and mustard, and that's why it tastes so good - a winning combination on any day!!! Welsh Rarebit Day is celebrated every 3rd September.
What is Welsh Rarebit?
Saying Welsh rarebit is "cheese on toast" is like saying a supercar is just "a car." While the description isn't wrong, it completely misses the point. Welsh rarebit is a truly iconic Welsh dish with a history that stretches back centuries. Basically, it’s a combination of hot melted cheese on toast with a few additions. Some still call it posh Cheese on Toast which let’s face it, doesn’t sound half as good as Welsh Rarebit, does it?
Welsh rarebit is more than cheese on toast - it needs some beer, Worcester sauce and mustard, and that's why it tastes so good - a winning combination on any day!!! See the recipe below. Despite its somewhat peculiar name, Welsh Rarebit has stood the test of time, evolving into a beloved culinary creation enjoyed around the world.
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What Is Welsh Rarebit?
Let's clear the air right away: There are no "rarebits" involved in making Welsh rarebit. It's not a verb, it's not an animal, and the word exists only in the name of this famous, delectable dish.
Every year on September 3rd, people around the world celebrate National Welsh Rarebit Day, with the greatest enthusiasm found, of course, in Wales itself. So what exactly is this dish and where does it come from?
A Little History
The roots of Welsh rarebit go back centuries to Wales, where it was originally called "caws wedi ei bobi," which translates to "cheese that has been toasted." The name "Welsh rarebit" is believed to be a playful corruption of "Welsh rabbit," first appearing in cookbooks as early as 1725.
The dish is completely meatless. So why "rabbit"? The theory is that it was attributed to the Welsh as a humorous jab, implying that they would eat toasted cheese as a substitute for meat. This was likely because of the Welsh people's historic love for cheese, which was a common protein source for the poor. Some have even called it "posh cheese on toast."
A Classic Welsh Rarebit Recipe
There are countless variations of Welsh rarebit, but this traditional recipe is a great place to start.
Ingredients
- 50g/2oz salted butter
- 50g/2oz all-purpose flour
- 250ml/9oz strong bitter beer (warmed)
- 250g/9oz strong cheddar cheese (grated)
- 2 tsp mustard of your choice
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Black pepper to taste
- 4 large slices of bread (brown granary bread works well)
Method
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for a couple of minutes until it forms a thick paste, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Gradually whisk in the warm beer until you have a smooth, thick sauce.
- Remove the pan from the heat and add the grated cheese, stirring until it has completely melted into the sauce.
- Mix in the mustard and Worcestershire sauce, then season with black pepper to taste.
- Lightly toast the bread, butter it, and then generously spread the cheesy mixture on each slice.
- Place the rarebit under a hot grill for a few minutes until it's browned and bubbling.
Shake Things Up!
Once you've mastered the classic recipe, feel free to get creative. Many popular variations include adding chopped ham, mushrooms, or even smoked salmon on top. You can also mix in finely chopped vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or peas for a heartier meal.
In the end, Welsh rarebit is a rich and savoury dish that has been loved for generations. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or a late-night snack, it’s a timeless classic that’s sure to hit the spot.
Enjoy your Welsh rarebit! What's your favourite way to eat it?