Ploughman's Sandwich

History

The ploughman's lunch — a chunk of cheese, bread, pickle and perhaps some cold meat — has been eaten by English agricultural workers for centuries, though the term was popularised in the 1950s and '60s by the Cheese Bureau as a marketing campaign to boost cheese sales in British pubs. The sandwich form takes all the components of the classic ploughman's board and tucks them between two slices of crusty bread: mature cheddar, thick Branston pickle, honey-roast ham and a smear of English mustard. Simple, bold and deeply satisfying, it remains one of Britain's most beloved pub and lunchbox sandwiches.

Ingredients

• Crusty white or wholemeal bread
• Mature cheddar cheese (thickly sliced)
• Branston pickle
• Honey-roast ham
• English mustard
• Butter

How to Make

1. 1Butter both slices of crusty bread generously.
2. 2Spread English mustard on one slice.
3. 3Layer thick slices of mature cheddar on the mustard slice.
4. 4Top the cheddar with slices of honey-roast ham.
5. 5Spread a generous spoonful of Branston pickle on the other slice.
6. 6Press together, cut in half and serve.