Ploughman’s Sandwich with Homemade Pickled Round Shallots

Ingredients

• 6-8 round shallots (about 200-250g)
• 200ml white wine vinegar (or malt vinegar for a stronger flavour)
• 200ml water
• 1 tbsp caster sugar
• 1 tbsp sea salt
• 1-2 dried bay leaves
• 5-6 black peppercorns
• 1 tsp mustard seeds (optional)
• 1 tsp coriander seeds (optional)
• 1 small cucumber, sliced
• 2-3 tbsp Branston pickle or any other favourite chutney
• A handful of mixed salad leaves (optional)
• Butter (optional, for spreading on the bread)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
• 150g of mature cheddar cheese, sliced
• 4 slices of thick-cut white or wholemeal bread