There’s a reason why Yorkshire is referred to as ‘God’s Own County’ and there’s a reason why it’s one of the UK’s most popular counties.
Yorkshire is stunning and is home to some of the world’s most beautiful scenery. From spa towns such as Harrogate, beautiful cities formerly under Viking rule such as York, to a rugged coastline, barren moorland, and stunning dales, Yorkshire really does have it all.
Now, as I’ve not been in the UK for very long, I must confess that I’ve not visited many places in Yorkshire, though I will be rectifying that imminently, what I have seen I’ve loved.
As well as being passionate about travel, I’m also a big foodie and I really do love my grub. That’s why, today, I’m going to be talking to you about the food on offer in Yorkshire.
There’s really nowt like authentic Yorkshire food so check out these se7en Yorkshire dishes you simply must try.
Yorkshire Curd Tart
One of the reasons why Yorkshire is considered to be one of the world’s most popular destinations is its natural beauty and countryside.
Because of the expansive rolling hills and lush green grass, this makes for fantastic farmland and with the ingredients made from the produce in question, the Yorkshire folk have been to conjure up numerous treats, both sweet and savoury.
The first dish I’ve got for you today is a sweet treat named Yorkshire Curd Tart.
Made from melted butter, lemon zest, sugar, free-range eggs, and finest Yorkshire cheese curds, this tart may not be the best thing to look at, but by ‘eck does it taste amazing!
Best of all is the fact that the tart can be customised as some locals will add dried fruit, some a pinch of nutmeg, and some will even infuse it with rose water.
Served warm with a generous serving of vanilla ice cream on a blustery autumnal night, there really is nowt finer.
Fat Rascal
The name of this next dish sums Yorkshire up perfectly. No, I’m not saying the locals are fat, and I’m definitely not saying they’re rascals, but what I am saying is that they’re quirky and have a wonderful sense of humour.
These sweet and fruity treats are similar to rock cakes and are typically enjoyed with a fresh cup of tea, Yorkshire of course, and plenty of butter.
If you visit the famous Betty’s Tea Rooms in Harrogate or York, be sure to grab yourself a Fat Rascal to enjoy at home later.
Parkin
Up next, I’ve yet another sweet Yorkshire treat for you but don’t worry, there’s plenty of savoury offerings to enjoy as well.
Parkin is a snack that is synonymous with Yorkshire, and whilst it is enjoyed all year round, it’s especially popular in the autumn around Halloween and Bonfire Night in the UK on the 5th of November.
Parkin originated in the East Riding of Yorkshire around the Industrial Revolution.
Made from ginger, black treacle, butter, oatmeal, and flour, it is baked and then cut up into generous chunks, which can be enjoyed cold or warm.
Seafood
Okay, seafood isn’t a dish exclusive to Yorkshire, but many, including food critics and celebrity chefs alike, agree on the fact that North Yorkshire does some of the best fish and chips and seafood in general, that you will ever taste.
The North Yorkshire coast is home to numerous fishing towns and villages, including Staithes, Bridlington, and Whitby, and the seafood on offer here, caught fresh in the cold waters of the North Sea is absolutely divine.
Whether you’re in the mood for beer-battered cod and chips, fried in beef dripping of course, or a lighter crab sandwich, if you’re ever by the Yorkshire coast, you have to try the seafood.
Incidentally, on the subject of beer-battered fish and chips, typically the beer used will be Black Sheep Ale, brewed in Ripon, and it is up there with the best ales on the planet.
Wensleydale Cheese
When talking about food dishes synonymous with Yorkshire, you’d be out of your mind if you didn’t mention Wensleydale Cheese.
As I mentioned earlier, Yorkshire is home to a number of dairy farmers and thanks to the lush green grass, the climate, and the clean and crisp Yorkshire air, the cows produce some very special milk. This milk is then used to make some very special cheese.
Yorkshire produces hundreds of different types of cheese, yet Wensleydale is, and always has been, the king of the cheeses here.
Named after the gorgeous Wensleydale in the Yorkshire Dales where it is produced, it is creamy, crumbly, rich, and delicious.
It can be enjoyed all year round, though it is especially popular around Christmas, as it is often enriched with dried cranberries, apricots, and even a splash of port.
In fact, for the ultimate winter night treat, get the fire on, put your feet up, pour yourself a port, and enjoy a generous chunk of Wensleydale cheese with your favourite biscuits or crackers.
Sheffield Ash
Sheffield, better known as the Steel City thanks to the fact that it was responsible for producing much of the world’s steel, is a popular city in South Yorkshire.
Famous for its two football teams and bitter rivals – Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday, as well as Sean Bean and for being the setting of the hit comedy The Full Monty, Sheffield is also well known for the culinary delight known as ‘Sheffield ‘Ash’.
Sheffield Ash, which is a take on the name ‘Hash’ – a popular stew dish made from leftover ingredients, is the ultimate comfort food and is a great way to use your leftovers from Sunday dinner.
The beauty of this dish is that there is no recipe to follow, as people use whatever they think will work.
Typically, though, you’ll find corned beef, potatoes, carrots, leek, celery, swede, beef stock, and plenty of seasoning.
The secret to the ultimate Sheffield Ash, though, is a very generous glug of Henderson’s Relish, better known to Yorkshire Folk as ‘Hendo’s’.
Henderson’s Relish is a staple in Sheffield. Similar in some ways to Worcestershire sauce, it is found in virtually every Yorkshire household and is a sauce that can make seemingly anything taste better.
Yorkshire Puddings
Come on, you didn’t honestly think I’d write an article about Yorkshire food, and not include Yorkshire Puddings did you?
Yorkshire Puddings MUST be a part of a Sunday roast, and yes, they are indeed essential with Christmas dinner as well.
Made from a batter of flour, eggs, milk, water, and salt and pepper, Yorkshire Puddings MAKE a Sunday roast and pair especially well with roast beef.
The batter is mixed and is then baked in hot fat (dripping works best) until they puff up and rise before being served as an accompaniment to a roast dinner.
Once a food reserved for peasants because of the cheapness of the ingredients, the humble Yorkshire Pud is now a staple of Yorkshire, and Yorkshire folk wouldn’t have it any other way.
Are you hungry? I hope I convinced you to give Yorkshire a visit and eat some of its delicious food!
Until next time stay safe, stay curious and don’t stop wandering!