Authentic Irish dishes have much more to them than green dye or Irish cream, especially for St. Patrick’s Day, which is a national holiday in Ireland. If you’re looking for some authentic Irish dishes to try this St. Paddy’s day, look no further! We’ve got you covered.
Here is some interesting history about Irish food along with some authentic Irish dishes you can actually find on the Emerald Isle. Slainte!
A Bit Of History About Irish Food
Irish food has evolved alongside centuries of sociopolitical change. This is why many foods that are associated with Ireland, like corned beef, aren’t actually Irish in origin. Traditionally, Irish food tends toward the simple and heartwarmingly rustic. This is because Irish cuisine was based around what people could raise themselves. Ireland was also prone to periodic famines, which affected what people ate.
For instance, did you know that corned beef isn’t actually Irish? The term “corned beef” was actually coined by the British – and due to British colonization of Ireland, it’s no wonder that while the Irish do eat corned beef occasionally, it’s not as popular as Americans would assume. The association between corned beef and the Irish actually comes from Irish Americans.
Boiled bacon and other pork products have historically been the most eaten meats in Ireland. Cows were a sacred animal and a sign of wealth. As such, they were rarely eaten in the early days, but rather used for dairy products. Thus, most Irish people didn’t even eat beef until the British came.
However, in America, pork was expensive, so Irish Americans turned to beef brisket, which was the cheapest meat. This combined with cabbage, which was one of the cheapest vegetables, gave Irish Americans a sense of home away from home.
Such has been the case with many foods people commonly consider to be Irish.
Delicious Authentic Irish Dishes To Try
Want to try your hand at some authentic Irish dishes for St. Patrick’s Day? We’ve got you covered with some fantastic ideas. From the well-known delights to ones you may not have heard of before, you’re sure to impress your guests.
#1. Boxty
Many cultures have their own versions of potato pancakes and Ireland is no different. Traditionally made with leftover mashed potatoes and grated raw potato, boxty is a delicious cross between a hash brown and a pancake. They also have flour and eggs to hold the pancakes together, as well as seasonings, like scallions. These make great snacks or sides.
#2. Soda Bread
When most Americans think of Irish soda bread, they think of something similar to barmbrack (listed below!) For an authentic Irish dish, soda bread was made on a griddle as a flatbread. It doesn’t have yeast, but uses baking soda (aka bread soda) as a leavening agent. Soda bread is typically round and cut into pie-like slices. You can adjust the recipe to include olive oil or sweeteners, if you like.
#3. Colcannon
Colcannon comes from the Gaelic “cal ceannann”, for white-headed cabbage. This authentic Irish dish is basically potatoes that have been mashed with either cabbage or kale. After mashing, mix with butter or cream, as well as onions. As with any recipe, you can adjust as you like, like adding in some garlic.
#4. Carrageen Moss Pudding
Carrageen moss also goes by Irish moss. This is a type of seaweed that is gathered off the west and south coasts of Ireland. Contrary to what you may think, carrageen moss doesn’t taste like it came from the sea, but has a lovely gentle flavor. Carrageen moss pudding is served chilled with cream, soft brown sugar, and fruit compote, like poached rhubarb. You can also make an Irish coffee sauce and chocolate carrageen.
#5. Dingle Pie
Hailing from the Dingle Peninsula, Dingle pie is a savory lamb dish. Often made as hand pies, this has lamb and root vegetables with a hot water crust. If you truly want to go the route of the authentic Irish dish, use mutton fat instead of butter. You could also make this in a pan, and adjust the recipe to make it gluten-free.
#6. Dublin Coddle
There isn’t a singular recipe to follow for this authentic Irish dish, as coddles usually consisted of leftovers. Catholics weren’t allowed to eat meat on Fridays, so they would make coddles on Thursdays in order to use up the meat in the home. Make with sausage, potatoes, onions, and whatever else you like for a heart-warming stew.
#7. Barmbrack
You know how we mentioned that most people think of barmbrack when they hear “Irish soda bread”? When soda bread is made with fruits, it actually called a tea cake, like barmbrack. It is sweeter, but not as sweet as a cake. While typically made around Samhain or New Year’s Eve, you can make this authentic Irish dish for St. Patrick’s Day too.
#8. Irish Apple Cake
This is another dish where recipes vary. Families throughout Ireland had their own versions of apple cakes that they would make during apple harvest season. It’s traditionally served with custard sauce, but you can use ice cream or nothing at all, if you like!
Do You Need Kitchen Supplies To Make Authentic Irish Dishes?
Kitchen Kneads has got you covered! We sell a wide variety of ingredients, appliances, and more to assist you in your baking and cooking ventures. We also offer cooking classes. Contact us today with any questions you may have about our products.
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