Food and culture go hand in hand. International famous cuisines are recognized due to their unique ingredients. Food is a part of every occasion, festival, religious ceremonies and it gives an expression of cultural identity. French, Italian, Indian, Turkish, Pakistani, Chinese, and British foods are not only famous but have been evolved because of immigrants. Pastries originated in France and are well-recognized all around the world.
Similarly, Italy is famous for recipes of spaghetti, ravioli, etc., Turkey is famous for its coffee, Doner kebab, Kunafa and Pakistan is famous for Dum pukht, Mutton Biryani, Siri Payee and Halwa puri. Traditional foods are transferred from one generation to another. Food and culture are identities of any country and the traditional recipes need to be preserved. Food and culture is a specialty of England and is famous for many delicious foods.
Traditional British Food
British food is an amalgamation of different cultures of Scotland, Wales, and England. The diversity occurs because of various food ingredients and recipes brought from these country folks. Food and culture are interrelated; Romans bought peas, cabbages, cherries, and wine. Vikings and Dane bought the technique of BBQ dry fish.
Traditional British foods are Fish and Chips, Sunday Roast, Bangers and Mash, Steak and Kidney pie, Yorkshire pudding, English breakfast, Scones, and Cornish pasty. All these foods are available in pubs, 5-star restaurants, and open-air cafes.
Importance of food in Britain
Chronically food is an important part of Britain. In the Victorian and Georgian eras, food was a crucial part of social gatherings. Seven courses were introduced by Queen Victoria. In the 18th and 19th century healthy food was a top trend in British history.
In the 20th century, British food was improvised by other cuisines and inclined by the Middle East, South East Asia, and Mediterranean recipes. Food and culture act like a trademark for many British recipes.
Famous foods of England
England is recognized for its famous foods. Examples are given below:
Fish and Chips:
this meal is simple and famous in British history. Fish like Haddock, cod is used. It is marinated in flour with salt and black pepper and then fried in oil. Crispy fish is served with golden chips. White meat is healthy and rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. The fish tender texture is a preferred choice for all types of eaters either meat lovers or vegetarians. A famous British author Charles Dickens also mentioned this dish in his famous novel Oliver Twist.
Sunday Roast: Beef is roasted on Sunday with steamed veggies.
Gravy is sprinkled on the top to make it more mouth watery. The traditional dish is evolved and people also use chicken, turkey, lamb, pork, and nuts. The roast is made by using dry heat so that meat is cooked from all sides. The Sunday roast is served with other toppings also like; caramelized onions, sage, mustard sauce, mint, and a slice of lemon. This recipe was intended to be eaten after Sunday prayers in Church.
Bangers and Mash:
Sausages were made from intestines because of the shortage of meat after World War I. Beef or pork was used and the sausages were served traditionally with creamy mashed potatoes. Nowadays the recipe is renovated and is served with rice, veggies, and onion gravy. For vegetarians, a Quorn-based meat-free product is used to deliver a healthy meal to diet-conscious people.
Steak and Kidney Pie:
this traditional food was famous in the 19th century and it was used as a staple meal. It is still a favorite dish in Britain as it is packed with rich nutrients. Meat is cut into cubes and is cooked in onion, mushroom, and tomato gravy. The meat and gravy are poured into a large oven bowl.
Pastry dough is made from white flour which is then covered on the top of the steak and kidney gravy mixture. The endings of the circular bowl are given a design from the fork. It is baked in an oven and is dish out when the pastry turns into golden-brown crust. Simple steak is also offered in English restaurants served with steamed vegetables.
Yorkshire Pudding:
this savory dish was originated from the Northern country of Yorkshire. They are made from 3 ingredients (milk, eggs, and flour) the mixture is poured into baking trays and the cake mixture is baked in an oven for 15 minutes. The cooked golden pudding is a trademark that is traditionally baked along with Sunday roast.
English Breakfast:
Breakfast is an important meal of the whole day. This is a quite heavy English breakfast and in past, only the rich families could afford it. The meal gain popularity in the 1950s when all of Britain was used to eating this breakfast. It comprises fried eggs, black pudding (made from pork blood), bacon, and cooked sausages. The dish is improvised now with an addition of a bread slice, hot baked beans, and 2 pieces of hash brown. This recipe is largely served in most of the pubs and cafes in Britain. This breakfast has been shown in many movies as a traditional dish of British people.
Cornish Pasty:
From the 17th and 18th centuries, this recipe has been adopted by farmworkers and miners. The dough is kneaded with water and lard (nowadays butter is used) and is rested for a few minutes so that elasticity is produced. In the meantime, a filling is produced from beef cubes and gravy.
Traditionally the pastry was made into circles but nowadays many shapes are given to this delicious Cornish pastry with many different fillings. The recipe involves a technical folding of pastry that must be followed so that all layers get separated during the baking process. The name of this crunchy and flaky pastry originated from farmworkers in Cornwall.
Scones:
It is a sweet dish that is served with afternoon tea. Its process is similar to baking biscuits. This traditional recipe has been originated in Scotland and from there it has been improvised in Britain with dry fruits, glazed cherries, and raisins.
BOTTOMLINE
Britain now has a desirable culinary status. The food culture has evolved with the addition of exotic ingredients. The bond between food and culture is very strong and evolves with the passage of time. The country is producing well-known chefs who are working all around the world. Their traditional foods are associated with Christmas, Easter, and Epiphany.