Welsh Rarebit

Welsh Rarebit Recipe from Wales with Cheddar, Mustard Powder and More | Delicious Vegetarian Dish

Region / culture: Wales | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Welsh Rarebit is a classic British dish that consists of a savory cheese sauce served over toast. It is a simple yet delicious dish that is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

History

The origins of Welsh Rarebit can be traced back to the 18th century in Wales. Originally known as "Welsh Rabbit," the dish was made with a cheese sauce poured over bread and then grilled. The name "Welsh Rabbit" is believed to be a playful jab at the Welsh, who were known for their love of cheese but were not known for eating rabbit. Over time, the name evolved to "Welsh Rarebit" to reflect the dish's true ingredients.

Ingredients

6 to 7 oz (198 g) of cheddar cheese or strong cheese
0.5 cup of milk
1 tsp of mustard powder
1 heaped tbsp of cornflour
1 egg
salt
pepper
8 to 10 slices of bread

How to prepare

Grate the cheese.
Beat the egg.
Put the milk and mustard in a small saucepan and heat slowly, stirring all the time.
Mix the cornflour together with a small amount of extra milk and add it to the hot saucepan (not boiling), stirring continuously.
Add the grated cheese and continue stirring on low heat until it boils and thickens.
Slowly add the beaten egg while stirring.
Allow it to cool.
For Welsh rarebit, toast the bread on one side and spread a liberal amount of the Welsh rarebit on the untoasted side.
Grill it and serve immediately.
Alternatively, for serving over vegetables, pour the hot sauce over the vegetables and serve immediately.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or ham to the cheese sauce for a meaty twist.
Top the Welsh Rarebit with sliced tomatoes or caramelized onions for added flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or blue cheese, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use a sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor in your Welsh Rarebit.

- Be sure to continuously stir the cheese sauce to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pan.

- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.

- Serve the Welsh Rarebit immediately after grilling to ensure that it is hot and gooey.

Serving Suggestions

Welsh Rarebit can be served on its own as a hearty snack or light meal. It pairs well with a side salad or a bowl of soup.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the Welsh Rarebit gives it a crispy texture and enhances the flavors of the cheese sauce. Be sure to watch it carefully to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have mustard powder, you can use Dijon mustard or prepared mustard instead. You can also use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version of Welsh Rarebit.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cheese sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and pour it over the toast.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Welsh Rarebit on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Welsh Rarebit pairs well with a crisp white wine or a cold beer. It also goes well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Welsh Rarebit in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place the Welsh Rarebit under the broiler for a few minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Welsh Rarebit contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Welsh Rarebit contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Welsh Rarebit contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Welsh Rarebit contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Welsh Rarebit is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

Welsh Rarebit contains dairy and gluten.

Summary

Welsh Rarebit is a rich and indulgent dish that is high in fat and calories. It is best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat.

Summary

Welsh Rarebit is a classic British dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. Whether served as a snack or a light meal, it is sure to satisfy your cravings for cheesy goodness. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Welsh Rarebit. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my Aunt Margaret in her cozy little cottage in the countryside. Aunt Margaret was a fabulous cook and always had the most delicious recipes up her sleeve. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, the aroma of melted cheese and toasted bread filled the room, making my stomach rumble in anticipation.

Aunt Margaret welcomed me with a warm hug and a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "I have a special treat for you today, dear," she said, leading me to the table where a bubbling dish of Welsh Rarebit awaited us. She explained that Welsh Rarebit was a traditional Welsh dish made with a savory cheese sauce poured over toasted bread. It was simple yet incredibly flavorful, and I couldn't wait to learn how to make it myself.

As Aunt Margaret began to show me the steps to make Welsh Rarebit, I listened intently, taking mental notes of each ingredient and technique she used. She started by melting butter in a saucepan, then adding flour to make a roux. Next, she poured in milk and whisked until the mixture thickened into a creamy sauce. Then came the star of the show – a generous amount of sharp cheddar cheese, which melted into the sauce and created a rich and tangy flavor.

After the cheese sauce was ready, Aunt Margaret added a splash of Worcestershire sauce, a dash of mustard, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the dish an extra kick. She poured the sauce over slices of toasted bread and popped the whole thing under the broiler until the cheese was bubbly and golden brown. The smell that wafted from the oven was absolutely mouthwatering, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

As we sat down to enjoy our Welsh Rarebit, Aunt Margaret shared with me the story of how she learned to make this dish. She told me that she had first tried Welsh Rarebit when she was a young girl visiting her grandmother in Wales. Her grandmother, who was an excellent cook, had taught her how to make the dish using a secret family recipe that had been passed down for generations.

Aunt Margaret's eyes sparkled with nostalgia as she recalled the memories of her grandmother's kitchen – the warm hearth, the smell of freshly baked bread, and the laughter that filled the air as they cooked together. She said that making Welsh Rarebit always brought back those cherished moments and reminded her of the love and tradition that had been passed down through her family.

As I savored each bite of the creamy cheese sauce and crispy toast, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of connection to my own family's culinary heritage. I realized that recipes like Welsh Rarebit were not just about ingredients and cooking techniques – they were a way to preserve and celebrate the stories and memories of those who came before us.

After finishing our meal, Aunt Margaret handed me a handwritten recipe card for Welsh Rarebit, complete with all the ingredients and instructions I would need to recreate the dish at home. She smiled and said, "Now you can carry on the tradition, dear. Make sure to pass this recipe down to your children and grandchildren, so that they can enjoy the taste of our family's history too."

I left Aunt Margaret's cottage that day with a full belly and a heart filled with gratitude for the gift of her culinary wisdom. As I walked home, I knew that I would always treasure the memory of learning to make Welsh Rarebit from my beloved aunt, and that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own family's culinary repertoire for years to come.