Sandwiches have been around since the 18th century and have become a go-to food option for many Brits. But why are they so popular?
The history of the British sandwich is quite interesting. It was invented by John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, who wanted something he could eat without leaving his gambling table. Since then, sandwiches have evolved from simple fillings to all sorts of weird and wonderful creations.
Did you know that some famous people were also big fans of sandwiches? Queen Victoria was said to enjoy a cucumber sandwich for breakfast every day, while Winston Churchill famously requested an egg mayonnaise sandwich with cress at tea time. There have even been some notable sandwich inventions over the years, including the BLT (bacon, lettuce and tomato) in 1924 and the peanut butter and jelly sandwich in 1933.
These are the nation's top ten favourites:
Ploughman's
Ham and cheese
Cheese
Roast chicken salad
Prawn mayo
Egg and cress
BLT
Tuna and sweetcorn
Chicken and bacon
Sausage
As I'm not a massive fan of lots of bread, I hop over the North Sea to Scandinavia for an open sandwich on delicious rye bread. My favourite combos are:
Prawn mayonnaise with hardboiled egg
Roast beef with remoulade
or meatballs with beetroot salad are my go-to favourites!
If you're looking for a healthier option, add some grilled vegetables or hummus to your sandwich for added flavour and nutrition. A sandwich can be a smart choice for busy people on the go who still want to eat healthily – watch out for those high-calorie dressings!
So, let's join together this week to celebrate one of Britain's most beloved dishes - the humble yet versatile sandwich!