18,000 bowls of traditional Welsh Cawl were dished up in Carmarthenshire schools on St David’s Day.
The Carmarthenshire Catering Service made sure children were on track for their five-a-day, whilst taking part in the March 1 celebrations.
And the menu went down a treat, with children across the county tucking in the homemade meat or vegetarian Cawl – served with a bread roll and cheese.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Catering Services Manager Sandra Weigel said: “We felt it was important to celebrate this great occasion with a traditional menu.
“There’s nothing better than a bowl of warm Cawl to help get you in the spirit of St David’s Day, and we know that it always goes down a treat with the children.
“It’s also a very good way to ensure children are getting their five-a-day – there’s plenty of nourishment in a bowl of Cawl!”
Cawl is widely considered to be the national dish of Wales, and with recipes dating back as far as the 14th century, it traditionally contains lamb or mutton, along with leeks, potatoes, carrots, parsnips and onions.
The dish was traditionally cooked in an iron pot or cauldron over the fire, and was a thrifty way for families to use leftover vegetables from the rest of the week.
Education Executive Board Member Cllr Gwynne Wooldridge said: “The council provides one of the best school meals services in the UK and our cooks work very hard to provide a first class service for pupils and staff alike. I am delighted to see that a traditional Welsh lunch was served in schools again this year.”
