Homemade Welsh – Comforting and Delicious Recipe to Share
Now, let’s get down to business: the “Welsh.” You may have already tasted this specialty, but today, I’m offering you a homemade version, simple and delicious. Hang on, it’s going to be a treat!
Key Ingredients for a Successful Welsh
To make a proper Welsh, you’ll need:
- 700g of aged cheddar cheese, finely grated
- 300ml of brown beer
- 150g of artisanal white ham, sliced thin
- 60ml of Dijon mustard
- 4 slices of country-style bread, about 1-2 cm thick
- 4 eggs
- 500g of thick-cut fries (Portneuf style)
Feel free to adjust the quantities according to your tastes and the number of people. The important thing is to enjoy yourself!
Preparing the Ingredients: “Mise en Place”
“Mise en place” is the secret to successful cooking. Before you start cooking, take the time to prepare all your ingredients:
- Clean your workspace
- Slice the ham
- Grate the cheese using a microplane into a large bowl. Make sure you have enough.
- Wrap the remaining cheese for later use.
Good organization is half the battle!
Setting Up Cooking Stations
For efficient cooking, organize your stations as follows:
- A saucepan for the cheese sauce
- A fryer for the fries
- A pan for the eggs
- The oven on “grill” mode
As you can see, there won’t be many complex interactions.
Making the Cheese Sauce: A Fondue Technique
The cheese sauce is the central element of the Welsh. Here’s how to prepare it, a bit like a fondue:
- Heat the saucepan over medium heat
- Add the brown beer
- Pour the grated cheese into the saucepan
- Gradually melt the cheese, stirring frequently with a whisk. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning the cheese
- Keep stirring until you achieve a smooth, thick consistency
- The key is controlling the temperature and constant stirring for a creamy, homogeneous sauce
Toasting the Bread
For a perfect Welsh, the bread should be lightly toasted:
- Slice the country-style bread
- Place the slices of bread on a baking sheet and broil them in the oven
- Toast for about 45 seconds or until they’re golden on one side
- Watch carefully to avoid burning them!
Applying the Mustard to the Bread
The mustard adds a tangy touch that enhances the Welsh flavors:
- Spread the mustard evenly on the ungrilled side of the bread slices
- Make sure to cover the entire surface of the bread. Don’t be afraid to apply enough, but be careful not to overdo it!
- Broil the bread again for 30 to 45 seconds to toast the mustard
Assembling the Welsh: Ham and Cheese
Now, it’s time for assembly:
- Place a slice of ham on each slice of bread with mustard, in a gratin dish or individual dishes
- Add a second slice of ham on top for extra generosity
Adding the Cheese Sauce
This is when you pour the cheese sauce:
- Generously pour the hot cheese sauce over the ham
- Make sure the entire surface is covered for maximum flavor
- Then, broil in the oven for 30 to 45 seconds, just enough time to lightly brown and gratin the top
Cooking the Eggs: The Final Touch for the Welsh
The fried egg adds extra creaminess to the Welsh:
- Fry the eggs in a pan
- If the yolk breaks, that’s okay!
- Cook the eggs to your liking (runny yolk or well done)
Frying the Fries
Crispy fries perfectly complement the Welsh:
- Heat the fryer to 180°C
- Fry the fries until they are golden and crispy
- Use a basket to make handling the fries easier (as you can see in my video)
Plating and Serving the Welsh
Finally, the much-anticipated moment: plating!
- Carefully place the fried egg on top of the gratinated Welsh
- Add the golden, crispy fries on the side
- Serve immediately, while it’s hot and gooey!
And there you have it, your homemade Welsh is ready to be enjoyed! Bon appétit!
Ingredient Substitutions
Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? No problem, here are some possible substitutions:
- Aged Cheddar: You can use any other type of cheddar, gouda, emmental, or even a cheese blend
- Artisanal White Ham: Use Paris ham, smoked ham, or even bacon
- Country-style Bread: Any type of bread will do, brioche, or even English muffins
- “Portneuf” Fries: Use regular frozen fries, sautéed potatoes, or even a green salad for a lighter option
- Dijon Mustard: Can be replaced with whole grain mustard
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I prepare the cheese sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce in advance and reheat it gently in a double boiler before serving.
How can I prevent the cheese from burning?
Stir the cheese sauce frequently and use low heat. If the cheese starts to burn, remove the saucepan from the heat immediately.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can use other types of cheese such as Gruyère, Emmental, or Comté.
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Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- For a creamier cheese sauce, add a tablespoon of heavy cream
- For a richer Welsh, add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions
- For a touch of freshness, add some chopped parsley before serving
- Serve the Welsh with a green salad for a more balanced meal
A Brief History of Welsh
Welsh is a traditional Welsh dish consisting of cheese sauce served hot on a slice of toast. While the exact origin of the name is uncertain, several theories exist. Some believe the name is a corruption of “Welsh Rabbit,” a joke referring to the supposed poverty of the Welsh and their inability to afford rabbit. Others suggest the name is a reference to the color of the melted cheese, which resembles a rabbit’s fur.
Regardless of its origin, Welsh has been a popular dish for centuries. It is mentioned in writings dating back to the 18th century and has become an iconic Welsh dish. Over time, many variations of the recipe have emerged, with the addition of different ingredients such as beer, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. The dish is often served as a lunch or dinner dish and is loved for its rich, comforting flavor.
Homemade Welsh Recipe: A Comforting Delight to Share
Ingredients
- 700 g of aged cheddar cheese finely grated
- 300 ml of brown beer
- 150 g of artisanal white ham thinly sliced
- 60 ml of Dijon mustard
- 4 slices of country-style bread about 1-2 cm thick
- 4 eggs
- 500 g of thick-cut fries Portneuf style
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to grill mode.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: Pour the beer into a saucepan and heat over low heat. Add the grated cheddar and melt slowly while stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and homogeneous. Adjust the temperature if needed to avoid burning the cheese.
- Toast the bread: Place the slices of bread on a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for about 45 seconds, or until golden on one side. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Apply the mustard: Spread the Dijon mustard evenly on the ungrilled side of the bread slices.
- Toast the bread again: Return the bread slices to the oven and broil for another 30 to 45 seconds to toast the mustard and release its full flavor.
- Transfer: Place the toasted bread in a gratin dish or individual dishes as shown in my video.
- Top with ham: Place a slice of white ham on each slice of bread with mustard. Add a second slice of ham on top for extra generosity.
- Pour the cheese sauce: Generously pour the hot cheese sauce over the ham. Make sure the entire surface is covered for maximum flavor.
- Broil in the oven: Place the dish under the grill in the oven for 30 to 45 seconds, just enough to lightly brown and gratin the top.
- Cook the eggs: Fry the eggs in a pan over medium heat until cooked to your liking. The yolk can be runny or fully cooked, depending on your preference. If the yolk breaks, no worries.
- Prepare the fries: Heat the fryer to 180°C. Fry the fries until golden and crispy. Use a basket to make handling the fries easier.
- Plating and serving: Place a fried egg on each gratinated Welsh. Add the golden, crispy fries on the side. Serve immediately, while hot and gooey!
Video
Notes
- Aged Cheddar: You can use any other type of cheddar, gouda, emmental, or even a cheese blend
- Artisanal White Ham: Use Paris ham, smoked ham, or even bacon
- Country-style Bread: Any type of bread will do, brioche, or even English muffins
- “Portneuf” Fries: Use regular frozen fries, sautéed potatoes, or even a green salad for a lighter option
- Dijon Mustard: Can be replaced with whole grain mustard
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I prepare the cheese sauce in advance?Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce in advance and reheat it gently in a double boiler before serving. How can I prevent the cheese from burning?
Stir the cheese sauce frequently and use low heat. If the cheese starts to burn, remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can use other types of cheese such as Gruyère, Emmental, or Comté.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- For a creamier cheese sauce, add a tablespoon of heavy cream
- For a richer Welsh, add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions
- For a touch of freshness, add some chopped parsley before serving
- Serve the Welsh with a green salad for a more balanced meal
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