As St David’s Day rolls around on the 1st of March, Wales bursts into a celebration of national pride, draped in daffodils and filled with the scent of traditional dishes wafting from kitchens across the country. While the classics – leek-laden cawl, hearty Welsh rarebit, and golden bara brith – take centre stage, mushrooms are also an important ingredient in Welsh cooking.
Welsh food and drink is gaining a growing reputation for its originality, quality, and great taste. In fact, the food and drink industry is booming – in 2023 it grew by 10% and looks set to continue to flourish.
The wild & wonderful world of Welsh mushrooms
Wales is the land of dragons, castles, and rolling green hills. But its lush and wet landscapes also provide the perfect conditions for an abundance of wild mushrooms, from meaty ceps and chanterelles to delicate field mushrooms. For centuries, foragers have scoured Welsh woodlands for mushrooms, using them to flavour stews, soups, and savoury pies. The trend for foraging has seen a resurgence lately, with chefs and home cooks alike incorporating locally sourced mushrooms into their dishes.
The damp woodlands of Wales, particularly in Carmarthenshire and Snowdonia, are brimming with edible mushrooms, and sustainable foraging has become an integral part of modern Welsh gastronomy.
While leeks are the traditional vegetable of St David’s Day, mushrooms are often used to add flavourful twist to many beloved Welsh recipes. Whether foraged or shop bought, mushrooms add a delicious depth of flavour.
Mushroom-infused St David’s Day dishes
Cawl with a mushroom twist
Cawl – Wales’ ultimate comfort food – is typically a slow-simmered stew of lamb or beef with leeks, root vegetables, and stock. Swap out some (or all if you’re veggie) of the meat for a mix of mushrooms, and you have a deeply savoury, umami-packed version that’s just as warming and satisfying. Try adding smoked salt and a splash of Welsh cider to elevate the flavours even further.
Try this recipe which includes both mushrooms and lamb: https://www.ketofitnessclub.com/blogs/lamb/cawl-lamb-stew?srsltid=AfmBOop5TMPCXhSTEuOYrYuCzDKC9c3Qp_sLQ_p8-eYaxdOOdLgeaejV
Mushroom Welsh Rarebit
The quintessential Welsh rarebit – thick-cut bread slathered in a tangy, beer-infused cheese sauce – is a national treasure. Take it up a notch by layering in sautéed mushrooms before melting the cheese over the top. The earthy depth of mushrooms pairs beautifully with the sharpness of Welsh cheddar and the malty undertones of ale.
Try this recipe: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/mushroom-rarebit-mash-thyme-gravy
Laverbread and Mushroom Cakes
Laverbread, the unique and nutrient-rich seaweed puree often dubbed ‘Welsh caviar,’ is typically mixed with oats and shaped into cakes before frying. Adding finely chopped mushrooms to the mix brings a new dimension of texture and a subtle woodsy flavour, making these cakes even more delicious.
Try this delicious vegan option using creamy mushroom garlic sauce and vegan bacon: https://www.euphoricvegan.com/2019/11/laverbread-cakes-mushroom-sauce.html
Glamorgan crumble mushrooms
Glamorgan cheese (made with milk from a rare breed of cattle knows as Gwent) was traditionally used to make the vegetarian sausage but Caerphilly is now commonly used instead. The mixture in this recipe is used to fill mushrooms and makes a delicious vegetarian meal.
Get the recipe here: https://businesswales.gov.wales/foodanddrink/sites/foodanddrink/files/documents/glamorgan_crumble_mushrooms_eng.pdf
This St David’s Day, while you don your leek brooch and raise a toast to the patron saint of Wales, why not embrace the bounty of the Welsh landscape in a new way? Mushrooms deserve their place at the feast.
