Throughout the centuries Ireland has produced a variety of high quality foods for its people. Now these foods are starting to make their way to our local stores and online around the US.
Traditional Irish dishes often contain three main ingredients – meat, vegetable and potatoes. Many are hearty and void of seasoning or spice.
Corned Beef and Cabbage
Corned beef and cabbage is a traditional Irish-American meal. It is high in calories and sodium, but a small serving of this dish can be made healthier by cutting back on the amount of salt used or switching to a low-sodium brine.
Cured brisket is a classic corned beef recipe, and it’s prepared in a way that won’t skimp on flavor. It’s boiled and then served with potatoes, carrots and cabbage.
Irish Boxty
Boxty is a traditional Irish breakfast dish that has stood the test of time. It is similar in taste to hash browns and it is a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes.
Traditionally, boxty is made with mashed and grated potato, flour, baking soda, buttermilk and sometimes eggs. It is most commonly fried in pancake form, but it may also be baked in a loaf or boiled as a dumpling.
Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon is a delicious treat that’s incredibly healthy and packed with nutrients. It’s full of omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
It’s also high in protein, which improves muscle and bone health. It’s also low in fat and calories, making it a great choice for anyone looking to eat a heart-healthy diet.
The most common types of smoked salmon are cold-smoked and hot-smoked. Cold-smoked fish is cured in salt for only a short time and then smoked over a wood blend at low temperatures.
Beef Scotch
Scotch fillet is one of the more flavour-filled cuts of beef available. Essentially a rib eye steak with a bone removed, it has a line of fat marbling which contributes to its tenderness and juiciness.
It can be prepared in a variety of ways, including roasted whole or cut into individual steaks. Roasting is an excellent way to preserve the juices and flavour of the meat, but if you don’t have time for that try frying or pan-frying it in a cast iron skillet.
Bread Pudding
Bread pudding is a classic dessert that’s easy to make and delicious. It’s made with stale bread and custard, and traditionally features raisins, nuts, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Stale bread absorbs the custard mixture more than fresh bread, so it makes the pudding extra rich and creamy. If you’re concerned about calories, you can also make a healthier version with low-fat or skim milk and reduced sugar.
It’s best served warm, with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream on top. You can also microwave it in 30-second bursts until warmed through.
Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread is a traditional cookie from Scotland that contains butter, sugar, and flour. It is a crumbly and tender treat that is usually served with milk.
Besides being delicious, shortbread cookies also offer some nutritional benefits. For instance, they are high in Vitamin B9.
Another benefit of this sweet is the presence of essential minerals like selenium and copper. These are crucial for healthy body functions and immunity.
Bangers and Mash
The popular British and Irish dish is a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s easy to make. It’s also healthy, cheap, and a great option for families and busy people.
Bangers and Mash is a traditional pub dish consisting of sausages (“bangers”) served with mashed potatoes (“mash”) and onion gravy.
While lamb and beef sausages can be used, the most common is pork sausage. This dish is a staple in many British and Irish pubs, as well as home kitchens across the UK and Ireland.
Irish Bacon
Irish bacon is a leaner, meatier version of American bacon that can be used in sandwiches, omelets, frittatas, and salads. The main difference between the two is that Irish bacon has a layer of fat surrounding it that enhances its flavor.
Bacon is a popular breakfast item in Ireland and is a part of an elaborate Irish breakfast. It is also a delicious addition to sandwiches and can be diced and dropped into omelets.