Delicious Irish Foods to try on St. Patrick’s Day

While you may plan on spending St. Patrick’s Day drinking copious amounts of Jameson and Guinness at your favorite Irish Pubs, you’ll want to make sure to grab some food along the way to help you make it through the night. To keep with the theme of the holiday, why not try some amazing Irish Foods like Shepherd’s Pie, Beef Stew and more. Here are some of the best Irish Foods to look out for on St. Patrick’s Day:

Corned Beef and Cabbage:

Corned beef and cabbage is probably the dish that is most often associated with St. Patrick’s Day, however it is technically not completely an Irish dish. Historically, beef was a luxury in Ireland and most people could not afford it. Instead, pork was the preferred meat, and bacon and cabbage was a common dish.

When Irish immigrants came to the United States in the 19th century, they found that beef was more affordable than it had been in Ireland and they adapted their cuisine to use corned beef. It still deserves a spot on the list, but we can file it under Irish-American dishes that are based on traditional Irish food.

Regardless of where it was actually created, corned beef & cabbage is a uniquely delicious dish consisting of corned beef, boiled cabbage, potatoes and carrots that is definitely worth a try.

Shepherd’s Pie:

Shepherd’s pie is a classic Irish dish made with a meat filling and topped with mashed potatoes. Traditionally, the filling is made with ground lamb (hence the name “shepherd’s” pie, but beef is sometimes used as well. The meat is typically cooked with vegetables such as onions, carrots, and peas, and then topped with a layer of mashed potatoes before being baked in the oven until the top is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.

It is believed to have originated in the United Kingdom, but has been a popular part of Irish Cuisine for a very long time.

Irish Soda Bread:

Originally created by Irish farmers who used baking soda since they didn’t have access to yeast, this tasty bread is a great addition to any Irish meal. It has a slightly dense texture and a slightly tangy flavor due to the use of buttermilk. It is typically baked in a round loaf, with a cross cut on top, which is said to help the bread cook evenly and also serves as a symbol of blessings for the household. While the traditional recipe uses only basic ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt and buttermilk), variations of the bread can include additions such as raisins, nuts, or seeds.

Irish Stew: The ultimate comfort food for thosy rainy San Frnancisco days. Irish stew is made with lamb or mutton, potatoes, onions, and carrots. It is a dish that has been enjoyed in Ireland for centuries, with each region having their own variation of the recipe.

Boxty:

Potato cakes are a type of dish made from mashed potatoes that are formed into small, flattened rounds and then fried or baked until crispy. They are a staple dish in many cuisines all over the world and include Jewish Latkes, Indian Aloo Tikki, Swedish Raggmunk and more. In Ireland, they are known as Boxty, a traditional Irish potato pancake that is made with grated potatoes, flour, and buttermilk.

Colcannon:

Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish that consists of mashed potatoes, kale or cabbage, and butter. The dish is typically served as a side dish with meat or fish, and is a popular dish in Ireland, particularly during the fall and winter months. It is often associated with Halloween, and is sometimes served with a ring or other small trinket hidden inside. The type of trinket you find has a different meaning (a ring means you will be married in the next year, a coin will bring wealth, etc.)

Bangers and Mash:

Bangers and Mash is another traditional Irish dish that originated in England, but has become a popular item to eat in Ireland. It consists of sausages (bangers) and mashed potatoes (mash) with a big helping of delicious gravy made from pan drippings, onions and beef stock.

Guinness Beef Stew: A spin on the traditional Irish stew, Guinness beef stew is a hearty and flavorful stew that is made with beef, vegetables, and Guinness beer. The beer adds a rich and complex flavor to the stew.

Champ: Champ is a traditional Irish dish that consists of mashed potatoes, scallions, and butter. It is typically served as a side dish with meat, such as pork or beef.

Black Pudding: Black pudding is a traditional Irish sausage that is made with pork blood, oatmeal, and other ingredients. It has a unique flavor and is typically served with a traditional Irish breakfast.