The spelling of the word "welsh rabbit" can be a bit confusing for those unfamiliar with the dish. Despite its name, "welsh rabbit" actually contains no rabbit meat at all! Instead, it is a dish made of melted cheese and other ingredients on toasted bread. The spelling of "welsh" is pronounced as /wɛlʃ/, which represents the Welsh pronunciation of the word. The "rabbit" part of the name may have originated from the fact that rabbits were often the only source of protein for the poor in Wales.
Welsh rabbit, also known as Welsh rarebit, is a traditional dish that consists of a savory cheese sauce served over toasted bread. Despite its name, Welsh rabbit does not actually contain any rabbit meat; rather, it is a popular Welsh dish made with a mixture of cheese, beer, and various seasonings.
The cheese sauce, which is the main component of Welsh rabbit, is typically made by blending grated or melted cheese with a liquid, usually beer or ale, until it forms a smooth and creamy consistency. Additional ingredients such as mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, or cayenne pepper may be added to enhance the flavor and provide a slight kick to the dish.
Once the cheese sauce is prepared, it is traditionally poured over slices of toasted bread and then placed under a broiler until the sauce becomes hot, bubbly, and slightly browned. The result is a rich and flavorful combination of melted cheese, beer-infused sauce, and crispy bread.
Welsh rabbit is often enjoyed as a light meal or snack and is considered a classic comfort food. It is commonly served as a main dish, accompanied by a side salad or vegetables, or as an appetizer during social gatherings and pub visits. While there are numerous variations and adaptations of Welsh rabbit recipes, the essence of the dish remains the same - a delicious and indulgent cheese sauce atop toasted bread.
Slices of bread overspread with melted cheese, and often highly seasoned.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The term "Welsh rabbit" has an interesting etymology. It is believed to have originated from the combination of two words: "Welsh" and "rabbit".
The term "Welsh" in this context does not refer to the country or the people of Wales, but rather it is believed to be a corruption of the word "Welch" or "welsch", which was used in 18th-century English to mean "inferior quality" or "substitute". This suggests that the dish was not made with actual rabbit meat but was a substitute for it.
The word "rabbit" in the term does not actually refer to the meat of a rabbit either. It is thought to be a humorous substitution for the word "rarebit", which was used to describe a dish made with melted cheese served on toast.