Ireland may be best known for its rugged landscape and fetching folk music, but it has a whole world of hearty food recipes to offer. From simple family meals to stick-to-your-ribs stews and potatoes, these Irish dishes are comforting and delicious any time of year.
Potatoes have long been a staple in Ireland’s diet for many reasons, including the fact that they are easy to grow and store well. Spuds are also incredibly versatile and can be prepared in myriad ways that are sure to please.
Corned Beef
Corned beef is made with a cut of beef called brisket (the fattier) or round (the leaner). It’s preserved through salt-curing, which has been used to preserve meat since ancient times.
The meat is often flavored with pickling spices and herbs, then slowly cooked to tenderize it. It’s a staple of the Irish and American diet and is usually served with cabbage or mashed potatoes at a St. Patrick’s Day supper or in a classic Reuben sandwich.
Corned beef is often sliced against the grain, making it tender and easy to chew. It’s also best cooked on a low simmer.
Seafood Chowder
Seafood chowder is a classic recipe that is easy to make at home and is a great comfort food. Featuring tender shrimp, fish and scallops in a creamy white wine broth with veggies.
Traditionally, chowders are made with a variety of different seafoods and vegetables cooked in a milk base. This makes them extremely hearty and delicious.
It is also a very healthy and filling meal that can be easily made ahead. Leftovers keep well in the fridge and can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop for up to 4 days.
To make seafood chowder, you will need fresh or frozen fish and shellfish. This can include salmon, haddock, hake, cod and pollock.
Coddle
Coddle is a delicious, rustic stew that is a classic dish from Ireland. It is made with bacon, sausage, potatoes and onions. It is a hearty meal that is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or anytime you want a cozy dinner.
Dublin Coddle has been popular in Ireland since the 1700s, and it is considered one of the most comforting dishes to eat in wintertime. The popularity of this recipe has been linked to the fact that Irish wives would put it on the stove and leave it simmering for hours so that it was ready when their husbands came home from a night out in the pub.
This stew is delicious and easy to make. It takes only a few ingredients and is cooked in the oven so that all of those flavors come together. It is perfect for the entire family!
Irish Stew
Irish Stew is a traditional peasant dish that’s often made with lamb, but it can also be made with beef. Stout beer is frequently added for extra flavor, and paprika makes it more savory.
It’s a delicious and hearty stew that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any time of year.
Traditionally, only potatoes and onions are included in an authentic Irish stew. But you can change up the vegetables if you want to make your own unique version.
Start by seasoning the stew meat with salt and pepper. Working in batches, brown the meat in a pot over medium heat with oil. This adds a layer of fat to the meat that will seal in the flavors during the cooking process.
Colcannon
Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish that features mashed potatoes, cabbage or kale, and some type of onion. It’s a tasty and easy side dish that you can serve for any occasion.
Yukon gold or yellow potatoes are a good option for this recipe because they’re creamy, moist, and flavorful. Other green vegetables like cabbage or kale can also be added to the mix.
This is a savory mash that goes well with a sausage, roasted meat, or fried eggs. It’s a hearty and comforting meal that will quickly become a family favorite.