“Are you ready to order?” is the typical phrase you’ll hear from waitresses in London pubs. Don’t be caught off guard and immerse yourself, deeper and deeper, in the local cuisine. Let’s stop ordering pizza or huddling together in a McDonald’s or Burger King. New flavors and perfect combinations are waiting for you!
Often, prejudice and the belief that the Mediterranean diet is the best makes us miss out on the chance to approach different traditions. It’s well known that England is the multi-ethnic country par excellence, where numerous cultures interact. Walking through the various streets you can find Indian, Taiwanese, Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Greek and Lebanese restaurants, which are always crowded not just with residents but, above all, with tourists.
A substantial difference, typical of all Nordic countries, is that they are used to dining really early; 7 PM is the time when adults sit down at the table and enjoy their meal. Usually, they are used to having a single hearty meal, and then snacking on something during the evening. It will surprise you (and I’m sure of it) that children usually have dinner at 5 o’clock. Yes, exactly! You heard right! At five in the afternoon they fill their tummies and then dedicate their free time to homework and a quick read. Everything wraps up by 6:30 PM, the time they go to bed.
Personally, during my stay as an au pair, I was fascinated by the food that my host family prepared, choosing organic products at the small open-air market. Often all five of us would go to pick out the best fruit and vegetables. I remember the children were really enthusiastic about selecting seasonal produce.
Now I’ll list the dishes that struck me the most. “Struck” might not be the right word, since once I returned to Italy I weighed 13kg more!! I’m not joking, unfortunately. Luckily I got back to my target weight after a lot of gym time and “healthier” eating. I won’t waste any more time talking and will get straight to the point: here are my favourite dishes!
Let’s start!
My absolute favorite is fish & chips with mushy peas, vinegar and sea salt. Super Yummy! I remember looking forward to Friday night, when, as per tradition, the children’s grandparents would cook it. Obviously, an apple pie or an apple crumble could never be missing to sweeten it all up!
Another highly anticipated and desired main course was Sunday roast dinner. A complete dish, made of seasonal vegetables like carrots, potatoes, peas, and cauliflower accompanied by slices of meat, “Yorkshire Pudding” and gravy, an excellent sauce. Just talking about it makes my mouth water (maybe because I’m feeling a bit peckish). I loved it, completely!
Sausages and mash (or bangers and mash) is sausages with mashed potatoes. I used to cook it for the children. I remember they would finish the whole plate without ever leaving a single crumb and would repeat “more more more”. Bottomless pits, I could say! I admit that, during this meal, I would eat with them and we would compete to see who could eat the most and, honestly, Edward always won!!
Jacket potatoes are the best ever!!! I’m super informed about this dish! I could tell you the origins and how it evolved over time because it really touched my heart. It’s a simple, ancient dish, eaten in the past because, during years of poverty, it filled the stomachs of tired farmers after a day’s work. It’s very easy to prepare and I’m attaching the recipe here. I usually used baked beans or cheddar cheese as a topping, or tuna & mayo. They are perfect combinations.
Last but not least is… (drum roll) Shepherd’s Pie. My goodness, how many of those I’ve eaten! This dish really tricks you: the golden crust persuades you to bite into it until the hot center burns your tongue! Ouch, that hurts! So: watch out because it’s burning!
Now it’s your turn!
I’m really curious to find out what your favorite traditional English dish is! Write to me with fun and tasty recipes to try or suggest dishes I could recommend to other au pairs! Here is the email: info@celticchildcare.com I’ll be happy to hear from and read all of you!
V.
