Wales has plenty of unique dishes, many of which span centuries. From the simple yet hearty cawl to the buttery goodness of a traditional Welsh cake, there are so many Welsh recipes worth having a go at.
If you’re planning on visiting Wales, be sure to try some of the local delicacies during your stay. You’ll find that many cafes and restaurants across the county will proudly serve up traditional Welsh food, from gooey Welsh Rarebit to warm slices of Bara Brith (fruit bread). Or, you could always have a go yourself!
Thinking about trying your hand at some Welsh cuisine? We’ve put together our top three recipes including cawl, leek and potato soup, and delicious Welsh cakes…
Welsh Recipe #1: Cawl
Pronounced ‘Cow-l’ is probably our most famous of dishes. This is a broth that has been consumed for aeons and you will find it on offer in many restaurants and cafes around Wales.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 large onions, thickly sliced
- 1 swede, peeled and cut into cubes
- 4 leeks, sliced
- 500g potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced thickly
- 400g brisket of beef (replace with Quorn chunks for a vegetarian option)
- 2 vegetable or meat stock cubes
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
Method
- Melt (without burning) the butter in a large stock pan. Add the onions, swede, leeks and carrots to the butter and brown for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly. If cooking with meat, remove the vegetables and put to one side.
- Raise the heat and if using meat – add the beef to the pan and brown on all sides then return the browned vegetables to the pan.
- Cover with cold water, bring to the boil and add stock then lower the heat to keep the water simmering and cook for (1hr if cooking the vegetarian option) 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. Lift the beef from the pan and keep to one side.
- If you are doing the vegetarian option, add the Quorn chunks now.
- Add the potatoes and bring to the boil and cook until the potatoes are cooked. Meanwhile cut the beef into cubes. Once the potatoes are cooked, add the beef back to the pot and heat thoroughly.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve piping hot.
Welsh Recipe #2: Leek and Potato Soup
Another favourite amongst Welsh households.
Ingredients
- 50g butter
- 1 or 2 clove(s) of garlic, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 large leeks, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 vegetable stock cube
- small handful chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan on medium heat, and saute the garlic and onions for a few minutes. Stir frequently.
- Add remaining ingredients and bring to the boil and then simmer for 30 minutes.
- If preferred puree the soup with a hand blender. Add corn flour if you prefer a thicker soup. Serve with buttered bread and cubed cheese.
Welsh Recipe #3: Traditional Welsh Cake Recipe
The best cakes in the world – but then we are biased!
Ingredients
- 230g plain flour
- 75g caster sugar
- 0.5 tsp baking powder
- 100g butter, cut into small pieces
- 60g currants
- 1 egg, beaten
- splash milk
Method
- Tip the flour, sugar, baking powder and a pinch of salt into a bowl.
- Rub in the butter until crumbly. Mix in the currants and then work the egg into the mixture until you have soft dough, add a splash of milk if your mixture is a little dry.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured work surface to about 1cm thick and cut out in to rounds.
- Grease a flat griddle pan with some butter and place on a medium heat.
- Cook the cakes in batches until golden brown on both sides, crisp and cooked through.
- Serve warm for the best taste in the world.
Welsh Cottages With the Best Kitchens
Tyddyn Bach is a charming three-bedroom cottage in Newport, bursting with traditional character. We love the spacious kitchen with its farmhouse-style dining table – perfect for gathering everyone up at breakfast, lunch and dinner!
Carnau Bach is a lovely two-bedroom farmhouse, less than seven miles from the popular town of Llandrindod Wells. The amazing AGA range cooker in the kitchen lets you cook up delicious meals during the winter months.
Discover the best of Welsh cuisine from one of our lovely cottages in West Wales. From spacious family homes to cosy cabins for two, the perfect cottage is awaiting your arrival. Fancy eating out one night? Check out these incredible restaurants in Pembrokeshire.
