Queen Elizabeth’s Beloved Sandwich: From Royal Favorite to Roadside Essential
Tom Parker Bowles recently celebrated a remarkable dish linked to Queen Elizabeth II: the Coronation Chicken sandwiches. This dish was first introduced during her coronation on June 2, 1953. Over the years, however, Coronation Chicken has seen many modern twists that deviate from the original recipe.
The Significance of Coronation Chicken
The coronation ceremony of Queen Elizabeth II occurred at Westminster Abbey, representing a pivotal moment in British history. This event followed a period of 14 years marked by World War II rationing, during which chicken was a rare luxury. Thus, the Coronation Chicken dish became a beloved and special treat at the time.
Original Recipe Insights
In his book, “Cooking & The Crown,” Bowles critiques the various contemporary adaptations of Coronation Chicken. He believes that these modern versions often include unnecessary ingredients like:
- Almonds
- Sultanas
- Turmeric
This trend, according to Bowles, leads to a diluted version of the original, which he describes as “a banana-hued, sickly-sweet aberration.” The true Coronation Chicken is straightforward, consisting of:
- Chicken
- Mayonnaise
- Curry powder
- Tomato paste
- Red wine
- Bay leaves
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
How to Prepare Coronation Chicken
For those eager to recreate this royal dish, Bowles stresses the importance of precision in preparation. The traditional method includes boiling and shredding the chicken, then carefully crafting the sauce for an authentic flavor. A key tip from Bowles for presenting the sandwiches is to remove the crusts and cut them into three substantial fingers, reminiscent of royal dining customs.
The Culinary Legacy of Royal Recipes
Beyond the Coronation Chicken, “Cooking & The Crown” offers over 100 recipes that trace the culinary journey from Queen Victoria’s reign to the current era under King Charles III. Among these dishes, while some are lavish, others are more approachable, ensuring royal cuisine can be enjoyed by all cooking enthusiasts.
For more insights about royal recipes and their historical context, be sure to visit Filmogaz.com.
