3 Traditional Irish Recipes(Give UM A Lash)

Irish food has been a part of the country’s culture and heritage for centuries, with some of its recipes dating back to the early Medieval period. Many of these recipes are still used today and form the basis of what is regarded as traditional Irish food. Here are three of the most commonly cooked traditional Irish food recipes.

The first popularly cooked Irish dish is Irish Stew. This dish has been included in Irish meals for centuries and is made from a hearty combination of meats and vegetables. The base of the stew is normally made up of lamb, potatoes, onion, caraway, carrots and some broth. Additional ingredients such as barley and parsley may also be added. The key to a good Irish stew is to cook it slowly on a low heat, allowing the flavour of the ingredients to infuse.

The second commonly cooked Irish food is Colcannon. This dish is popularly served at Halloween or during the winter months. Traditionally, this dish is made from mashed potatoes with the addition of cabbage, leeks or spring onions. Flavourings such as butter, parsley and salt and pepper may then be added. This is commonly served with cold cuts of meat or bacon.

The final traditional Irish food recipe is Boxty. This dish consists of grated raw potatoes which are combined with mashed potatoes and flour, shaped into flat cakes and fried. Boxty makes a great accompaniment to a variety of meals but is most commonly served with bacon as a filling. Boxty can also be served as part of a cooked breakfast or as a vegetable side dish.

These three dishes represent a typical traditional Irish meal. The combination of a slow-cooked stew, Colcannon and Boxty is enough to create a delicious authentic Irish experience without the need for additional ingredients. Each of the dishes uses the freshest of ingredients and when cooked slowly, allows the full flavour of the dish to seep throughout.

Irish Beef Stew With Guinness

Irish Stew is a traditional recipe that has been served in Ireland since the 1700s. This hearty, comforting dish is made with beef, potatoes, onions, carrots, and Guinness. The combination of ingredients creates a flavourful mix that is guaranteed to fill you up and warm your soul on those cold winter evenings. Make sure to use the freshest ingredients, and allow the stew to simmer slowly over low heat in order to promote the best possible flavour. With a little bit of patience, you will soon be rewarded with a hearty Irish stew that will warm you up and fill your belly. Enjoy!

Recipe

Start by browning two and a half pounds of lean diced beef in a large Dutch oven with a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally to ensure that the beef is well-browned. Once browned, drop to a lower heat and throw in two large onions, peeled and chopped, two cloves of garlic, minced, three carrots, peeled and cubed, and four potatoes, peeled and cubed. Saute all of the veggies until they start to become tender.

Next, pour in two cans of Guinness, one 14 oz can of beef broth, two tablespoons of tomato paste, two tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, and one teaspoon of dried thyme. Stir until all of the ingredients are incorporated, then bring the potential to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and allow your Irish stew to simmer for about two hours, checking occasionally to make sure the liquid does not evaporate and the stew does not burn.

Once your stew is done cooking, it is ready to be served! Serve your Irish stew with a slice of fresh crusty bread, and a dollop of thick cream on top. The cream helps offset the rich flavours of the beef and Guinness, while the crusty bread is a delicious way to mop up all of the leftover gravy.

Colcannon

Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish made from mashed potatoes, cabbage, and cream. It is a simple yet traditionally flavorful recipe, made from most of the ingredients typically in a pantry in Ireland like potatoes, butter, onions, cabbage, and sometimes other vegetables such as carrots or leeks. Although its origins are uncertain, colcannon was a popular dish in Ireland since the 1800s.

Recipe

The main ingredients in this recipe are potatoes, cabbage, and cream. Potatoes provide the base of the dish and make up much of the flavour and texture. In Ireland, potatoes were an affordable staple that the masses could get their hands on. Cabbage is added to colcannon for a fresh, crunchy contrast to the soft and creamy potatoes. It nourishes the body with its vitamin and mineral content, in particular vitamin K and C. Cream is added to create a richer and more indulgent flavour and texture.

To make colcannon, start by boiling a large pot of potatoes until they are tender. Drain the potatoes and mash them together with a generous amount of butter, cream, and salt. If you’d like you can also add some fresh herbs such as parsley and chives for additional flavour. Boil some cabbage or kale until it’s soft and incorporate it into the mashed potatoes. It’s important to make sure the potatoes are well seasoned before stirring in the cabbage, otherwise, the dish will be too bland.

Once the potatoes and cabbage are mashed together, the dish is almost done. The last step is to transfer the mixture to a large oven-proof dish and top it with a pat of butter. Bake the colcannon in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

This classic Eire dish is a favourite of many and can be served as a side dish or as the main course. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a crisp salad for a hearty and flavorful meal. Colcannon is a simple yet delicious recipe that captures the essence of Irish culture and can be enjoyed by everyone.

Boxty

Boxty is a traditional Irish dish that has been passed down from generations over the centuries. Boxty is a savoury pancake-like dish that is made from grated or mashed potatoes and cooked on a griddle. It is believed to have originated in Meath, Ireland in the eighteenth century, although other sources suggest that it has been enjoyed by the Irish for much longer than that.

Recipe

The dish typically uses a mixture of grated and mashed potatoes, flour, butter and salt, although variations of the dish can include the use of buttermilk, leeks, garlic, onions, and a variety of herbs and spices. To prepare boxty, the potatoes are first grated, mashed, and then combined with flour and butter until a thick batter is formed. The batter is then put into a heated cast-iron or non-stick pan, and left to cook until golden brown.

Boxty is often served as an accompaniment to a traditional Irish breakfast, along with bacon, eggs, sausages and mushrooms. It can be made in different forms, such as boiled in a pot of water and turned into boxty dumplings or even fried into croquette shapes. Boxty can be enjoyed with a variety of accompaniments, such as butter, vinegar, honey, or jam. It can also be served as a savoury side dish or as a light lunch or dinner when served with a hearty stew or soup.

Boxty is a classic Eire dish that is loved by many. It is simple to make yet incredibly delicious and is a hearty and comforting dish that can be enjoyed all year round. It is a favourite among both locals and visitors alike and can be easily adapted to include a variety of flavourings and accompaniments. Boxty is certainly a must-try for anyone looking for a taste of Irish cuisine.

Check out some more of my articles below

Cliffs of Moher Guide

Irish History Explained

A Brief History of Guinness

The Troubles in Northern Ireland Explained

Ireland Travel Guide