You may be surprised to know that you don’t have to leave the United States to find some Irish food. There are plenty of stores in and around New York City that carry Irish products, including butter, cheeses, bread and more.
Some of the more common traditional Irish foods include champ (mashed potatoes with milk and scallions), drisheen (a sausage made from beef and sheep’s blood) and black pudding.
Champ
Champ, also known as poundies, is a simple Irish mashed potato dish that’s similar to colcannon. It’s made with mashed potatoes, milk and scallions (green onions) and is usually topped with lots of melted butter.
It’s especially popular in Northern Ireland/Ulster.
Like colcannon, champ is a traditional Irish side dish that’s easy to make. The key is heating the milk and green onions until they’re hot.
It’s an inexpensive, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for breakfast or a light dinner. It’s often paired with a fried egg and some sausages, but it’s also great on its own.
Drisheen
Drisheen is a type of Irish black pudding that is made with cow, pig or sheep blood, milk and salt. The mixture is boiled and sieved, then cooked using the main intestine of an animal as a sausage skin.
It is one of Cork’s traditional speciality foods and has a long history in the city. Its popularity is increasing as more people appreciate the health benefits and savoury flavour of tripe and drisheen.
Black Pudding
Black pudding is a popular product found in many British and Irish food traditions. It is made from pig blood, fat, oatmeal, and other ingredients that are mixed together.
It has a strong flavor because of the blood that is used, but it isn’t particularly bad for you. It is a source of protein and contains iron and zinc.
White Sausage
Weisswurst, or white sausage in German, is a specialty of Munich. It’s made from pork and veal, and is often served with sweet Bavarian mustard.
In Bavaria, they are eaten out of hand like a sandwich, holding the sausage between two fingers and sucking the meat from the skin (zuzeln). It is considered a breakfast food, and is typically eaten before 12 noon.
Weisswurst can be paired with a variety of different condiments, such as sweet mustard or HP sauce. They are also a great accompaniment to mashed potatoes.
Gammon
Gammon is a deliciously cured meat that’s been brined and smoked. You’ll often see it on menus across the country, and it’s great served as a main meal with colcannon or chips.
Ham is cured similar to gammon, with salt being added to pull out moisture and allow the meat to mature safely and develop flavour. However, ham is usually ready to eat without cooking, while gammon may require some preparation and roasting or brining before it can be eaten.
Gammon comes in a range of cuts, including leg joints, rolled joints and gammon steaks. It can be roasted or braised, and can also be slathered with warming spices such as five-spice or cinnamon.
Irish Bacon
Bacon is a popular meat cut found throughout the world. It can be cured or not and is used in a variety of dishes.
It is most often served as a breakfast item. It can also be used as an ingredient in salads, sandwiches, burgers, and more.
Irish bacon is a leaner and less fatty version of American bacon. It is often cured, not smoked, and has a more delicate flavor.
Flapjacks
Flapjacks are a popular breakfast item that is commonly served in the United States. They are made from a mixture of oats, butter, and sugar that is then tray baked.
They can be served as a sweet dish with syrup, honey, or other sweet toppings or they can be savory with cheese or meat. Both of these dishes can be eaten at any time of the day, and both are easy to make with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!
They are a great way to start the day and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are also a healthy snack that will leave you feeling fuller for longer.