The Ploughman’s lunch is a British classic, a rustic and hearty meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple. It is the quintessential pub lunch, easy to assemble and perfect for a leisurely midday break. The meal consists mainly of cold items, making it ideal for picnics or a quick, no-fuss option. A typical Ploughman’s includes chunks of sharp cheddar cheese, thick slices of crusty bread, and a selection of pickles or chutney for a tangy contrast. It’s often accompanied by a piece of fruit, like apple slices, and sometimes a slice of pie or ham for added protein. The beauty of the Ploughman’s lunch is in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients, a reminder of the time when a ploughman would have enjoyed such a meal, midday, in the fields.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- Thick slices of crusty bread
- Chunks of sharp cheddar cheese
- Pickled onions
- Pork pie or cold sliced ham
- Apple slices
- Chutney or Branston pickle
- Lettuce leaves
- Hard-boiled eggs (optional)
- Ale or cider to drink (optional)
Instructions:
- Arrange bread, cheese, and pork pie on a plate or wooden board.
- Add a small bowl of pickled onions.
- Place apple slices and chutney alongside.
- Garnish with lettuce leaves.
- Serve with a cold pint of ale or cider.
Enjoying a Ploughman’s lunch is to partake in a tradition that spans back to the British agrarian past. It’s a meal that’s come to symbolize the simple yet satisfying fare that could be enjoyed out in the fields.
The history of the Ploughman’s lunch dates back to the agrarian times of rural England, where farm workers’ midday meals consisted of readily available, easy-to-preserve foods. The term “Ploughman’s lunch” itself was popularized in the 1950s as part of a marketing campaign to increase the sales of cheese, which had been rationed during and after World War II. It has since become a staple offering in pubs across Britain, a nod to the country’s agricultural heritage.