Looking for a better lunch option? Try out this delicious British pub lunch that is popularly called the Ploughman’s lunch. This dish is one of the most lip-smacking and traditional British recipes, and a proper ploughman’s lunch is a treat to eat.

It is a simple dish, nothing fancy, with simple ingredients that can be easily prepared at home by anyone!

1. About Ploughman’s Lunch

A Ploughman’s lunch is a very popular English cold meal consisting of bread, cheese, fresh or pickled onions, and salad. This classic dish is usually served cold along with beer or cider and can be found in any pub in the countryside of Britain.

2. Historical Significance of the Dish

In the early days, people relied on protein from cheese rather than from meat, especially in the south of the country.

During those times, farmers used to carry their lunch along with them. It was also said that this English lunch had a romantic notion that the Ploughman’s wife would send her husband to work in the fields all day long with the homemade lunch made and wrapped up with love and care.

Since it was gaining popularity among the working class, this dish was served in public houses like pubs as it was a simple and inexpensive meal. It is also believed that this meal was promoted in pubs by the cheese bureau to increase cheese sales.

3. Nutritional Benefits of Ploughman’s Lunch

Since the dish consists of a wide variety of ingredients, it is one of the healthiest and wholesome dishes. All the ingredients have nutritional benefits.

• Bread is especially rich in complex carbohydrates and B- group vitamins.
• We all know cheese is enriched with good fats and is a great source of protein, calcium, and all the goodness.
• Boiled eggs do not require any introduction; they are a low-calorie, nutrient-dense food and an excellent source of protein, rich in B vitamins, zinc, and calcium.

4. How to Make Ploughman’s Lunch

4.1. Ingredients

The main ingredients needed to make this traditional British lunch will be easily available in the local store or a grocery store. Some of the canned ingredients could be found in the international section or in online grocery.

• Bread – This is one of the main ingredients for this traditional English lunch. White crusty bread is cut into slices.
• Cheese – Cheddar or blue cheese are the two popular kinds of cheese used to make Ploughman’s lunch.

4.2. Preparation

• Take a clean wooden board. Cut the bread and the butter of the choice and place them on the board.
• Cut the ham nicely and thinly and arrange it along the bread. You can also include pork pie.
• Prepare the salad using the vegetables and place it in a bowl.
• Cut the cheese of the choice into thick slices and include them in the board as well. Cut the celery and the tomatoes and place them inside the platter as well.
• Now cut the fruits of the choice, like apples, could be added to the platter.
• An egg is an optional ingredient and could be added if needed after seasoning with a little salt and pepper.
• Finally, serve the platter with little bowls of pickles of choice. To add a traditional touch, the platter is served along with a big glass of beer.

5. Serving of the Dish

This traditional English meal is served on a wooden platter along with a nice cold beer. A good ploughman’s lunch consists of good quality bread and cheese.

Many variations of ploughman’s lunch have been seen through the years, and also the dish can be served as a delicious ploughman’s sandwich.

Takeaway

Ploughman’s lunch is one of the most delicious and wholesome lunch recipes. This dish includes many nutritional benefits which makes it a great breakfast or lunch (or brunch) option. This dish includes a wide variety of ingredients, which are sweet, sour, and salty, which makes it special.

A proper ploughman’s lunch with a nice cold beer on a hot day fills not only your stomach but also your heart!

Last Updated on July 8, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty