I’ve done some “research” and came up with a sampling of Irish recipes I’d like you all to try in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. If I tried them all in the next week, I’m sure my body would protest in one way or another. So let’s spread the love around!
While I tried to skew this list in favor of authentic Irish recipes, I did make a couple of exceptions in the interest of culinary expressionism. In other words, I lead with my stomach.
Irish Cream
The Irish do love their whiskey and Irish Cream is typically made with Irish whiskey. This recipe from Good Housekeeping is not from Ireland, but it looks delicious. There’s a non-alcoholic version as well…which is probably why the recipe is not from Ireland.
Irish Brown Bread
Brown bread is served with almost every meal in Ireland. I exaggerate, but not by much. If you are ordering soup or salad in a restaurant, it will be served with brown bread.
Brown bread is a baking soda-based bread instead of a yeast bread. I’m not completely sold on the brown bread concept, but that’s mainly because I find the results completely inconsistent from restaurant to restaurant and bakery to bakery. When it’s good, it’s quite enjoyable.
I have not tried to make Irish Brown Bread myself, but that’s mainly because I’m still infatuated with my Dave’s Killer Bread knock off recipe and I can buy brown bread in any grocery store or bakery here in Ireland.
Here’s a brown bread recipe from an Irish site.
Irish Stew
What I liked about the recipe for Irish Stew on We Love Donegal was the author explained the history of Irish Stew and why it was made the way it was made. Modern day versions that include alcohol cannot claim to be traditional Irish Stew because peasants in the early days prior to 1759 would not have had Guinness. 1759 is when Arthur Guinness started brewing beer.
Even if you don’t plan on making this stew, learning about its origins is interesting. Really.
Boxty (Irish Potato Pancakes)
Another food that’s not hard to find at a restaurant in Ireland are potato pancakes. Locals will probably refer to them as Boxty.
The recipe is easy to make, but this one requires using raw potatoes and leftover mashed potatoes. Having leftover mashed potatoes on hand would require some planning for this household.
Get the recipe at Irish Central.
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Irish Barmbrack
Barmbrack is a sort of fruitcake-like bread that is really popular in Ireland around Halloween. However, you can buy it in Irish grocery stores year-round. I saw it this week!
When the recipe refers to a “fruit mix,” it’s largely talking about raisins and sultanas. To me, raisins and sultanas are all dried grapes. Technically speaking, raisins are dried white grapes. Sultanas are dried white seedless grapes from Turkey. Huge difference, huh? Here’s where I learned so much about dried grapes. I am committed to the cause of sharing the smallest details with you. You’re welcome.
Get the recipe at Donal Skehan.
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Guinness Brownies
I have to include a recipe with Guinness, don’t I? Guinness is based in Dublin, if you weren’t aware. We (along with the kids) have toured the Guinness Storehouse and we all enjoyed it. Even us non-beer drinkers in the family. And no, we weren’t the only ones who brought kids on a tour of a brewery.
Guinness often finds its way into our house, so this recipe is on my to-bake list. I think Handy Husband would be okay with sacrificing 3/4 cup of Guinness for some delicious tasting treats.
Get the recipe at Life, Love and Sugar.
If this list seems a bit overwhelming to you, might I suggest it would be easier, albeit more expensive, to travel to Ireland and experience this country’s cuisine firsthand. You’ll be so happy you did!
Thinking about visiting Ireland? Read on!
The Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands with Kids