In regard to age-old British cuisine, any of the accompanying British sauces and condiments are just as important as the primary entree. For roasts, pies, and just about any other British dish, the right condiment can amplify the tastes and truly capture the essence of British cuisine. Some of these sauces were created hundreds of years ago to complement the rich, hearty main dish with something tangy, spicy, or sweet. If you are trying to truly capture the essence of the Untied Kingdom, then here are five must-try classic sauces and condiments from Britain.
Mint Sauce
Homemade mint sauce is one of the classic condiments of British cuisine that is served with slices of roast lamb. Mint sauce is made with fresh mint leaves, sugar, and vinegar. The preparation of the sauce is simple: mint leaves and vinegar, which is then sweetened, and the mint leaves are finely chopped. The sauce helps diminsh the heaviness of rich cuts of meat as well as assist with digestion. Mint sauce is one of the quintessential condiments served with lamb in Britain, but if vinegar does irritate you, then you should have mint sauce in moderation.
Bread Sauce
The sauce originated in Medieval England. It consists of Milk, onions, nutmeg, butter, and cloves. It is also accompanied with thick, silky, and creamy textures, and served with chicken or turkey. It is comforting, warm, and mild in flavor, perfect for lining the sea of savory meats. It is a requirement for most families during the British Christmas dinner. It is important to note the allergens of the sauce which includes dairy and gluten.
Worcestershire Sauce
Finest in England, the Worcestershire sauce is made with vinegar, molasses, anchovies, garlic, onions, and tamarind. During the process of preparation, it is feremented providing it with more umami. It is also a bit thicker and has more depth because it is fermented. This sauce is used in many soups and marinades. The only downside is that it is not vegetarian friendly and is not suitable for people with a fish allergy. English condiments are known worldwide, and this is one of the most loved.
HP Sauce
Also called the ‘Brown Sauce’, HP Sauce has a tangy and fruity flavor with a mild seasoning due to the tomatoes and malt vinegar, dates, tamarind, and spices that it is made with. People like using it with a ‘full’ English breakfast, bacon sandwiches, and meat pastries. The antioxidants provided by the fruits do come with a price, as they do boost the sugar levels. The malt vinegar does contain gluten, which does make it unsatisfactory for gluten intolerant. It is still amongst the most loved traditional table sauces in the UK.
Cumberland Sauce
Cumberland sauce is made with fruits, specifically red currant jelly, port wine, mustard and citrus, making it a traditional and sophisticated sauce. It is commonly served on the side with meats that are served cold like ham or even game and is used as a dip. People admire it for the blend of sweet and tangy which complements nicely with the heavy meat. Mustard is an allergen of concern for some people due to the sauce’s inclusion. This sauce is a great way to add a touch of elegance to any recipe, and it shows the history of great British cuisine.
Conclusion
British cuisine is renowned for its delectable roasts, pies, and puddings; however, it is the various British sauces and condiments that truly enhance the dining experience. There’s endless history and flavor, even in the simplest of sauces, such as mint and the slightly spicy HP. If you’re preparing and wanting to experience a classic British meal or curious looking to experiment with flavor, then these five sauces are essential for anyone trying to understand the real British food history.
