Welsh Rarebit
Welsh rarebit is a traditional dish originating in Wales, made from hot cheese mixed with mustard and spices, served on toasted bread. Originally, this dish was called Welsh rabbit, but since it contains no rabbit meat, its name was changed to Welsh rarebit in the 18th century.
The History of Welsh Rarebit: From Caws Pobi to Amusing Lore
The history of Welsh rarebit can be traced back to 1500 AD, originating in villages in southern Wales. At that time, this dish was called Caws pobi, which in Welsh translates to baked cheese. The original recipe only featured baked cheese on bread, with no added spices or other ingredients.
Theres a humorous legend told by the English: Once, God asked Saint Peter to cast out the troublesome Welsh from the gates of heaven. Saint Peter tried every means to drive the Welsh out until he learned that they were very fond of a dish called 'Caws pobi.' Saint Peter then tricked the Welsh by shouting that there was delicious Caws pobi here!! The Welsh, enamored with this dish, eagerly rushed towards the sound. But as soon as they stepped past the gates of heaven, God immediately closed the gates. This is another amusing story told by the English, passed down through generations.
From Welsh Rabbit to Welsh Rarebit: A Name Adjustment for Clarity
Later, in the 17th century, the dish known as Caws pobi began to be called Welsh rabbit by the English, before being changed to Welsh rarebit in the 18th century, a name it retains to this day.
The reason the English first called this dish Welsh rabbit is unclear. It may have stemmed from a linguistic misunderstanding, where the Welsh term "Caws pobi" was translated into English as Welsh rabbit instead of Baked cheese. Historians believe that during the 17th-18th centuries, it was common to give dishes humorous names, such as Spotted Dick or Toad in the Hole, without any clear connection to the dishs appearance. The case of Welsh rabbit, which contains no rabbit meat, is similar.
Subsequently, Welsh rabbit was changed to Welsh rarebit, in accordance with the Oxford English Dictionary, which aimed to make the name more appropriate for the dish and avoid misunderstanding.
Early References and Recipe Evolution: Melted Cheese, British Style
The oldest reference to Welsh rabbit is found in a cookbook from 1725 titled The Compleat Housewife, written by Eliza Smith. This cookbook includes a recipe for Welsh rabbit, which was made from melted cheese mixed with beer or ale, served on toast. After this recipe was published, the dish saw various developments, such as the addition of mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and other seasonings.
Welsh Rarebit in Popular Culture and Present Day
Today, Welsh rarebit continues to be popular worldwide, with many variations developed. Some people might add ham or sausage to enhance the experience, as well as using various types of cheese or bread. Therefore, there's no fixed recipe for Welsh rarebit today, and it is often served as a snack in pubs.
This dish has become part of popular culture, appearing in numerous books, television shows, and films, such as Paul Thomas Anderson's Phantom Thread (2017), which won an Academy Award and received widespread acclaim.
The Welsh rarebit dish appeared in a scene where the protagonist dines at a hotel restaurant in London. He patiently waits for a waitress attending to other guests to serve him. When it's his turn to order, the protagonist gazes into the waitress's eyes as if to devour her whole, before articulating his desired dishes, one of which included Welsh rarebit. This is considered one of the first films to feature a lesser-known dish like Welsh rarebit in a cinematic scene.
