When it comes to traditional Irish food, you’ll find there are many different dishes you can choose from. From hearty comfort foods to delicate dishes, there is something for everyone.
Black pudding is a staple of the Irish cuisine. It combines pork meat, fat and blood with barley, suet, and oatmeal.
Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort dish that can be made for any occasion. It features a layer of meat, vegetables and mashed potatoes topped with a delicious gravy sauce.
Traditionally, this casserole is made with lamb but you can make it with beef as well. It is a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for the coldest of nights.
It’s also a great way to use up leftover meat. It can be eaten as a main course or served with sides such as a salad and soda bread.
The filling of a shepherd’s pie is typically made with mirepoix vegetables (onions, carrots and celery) sautéed until sweet and caramelized. It’s also infused with Guiness beer, which gives it a deep, rich flavor.
The potatoes are mashed and topped with the stew before being baked in the oven until golden and bubbly. It’s an easy and quick weeknight dinner that’s sure to please! It also makes a great freezer meal.
Coddle
Dublin coddle is a stew made with bacon, sausages, and potatoes and slow cooked in an oven. It is a popular dish that is traditionally served with soda bread and a pint of Guinness.
Coddle is a traditional Irish stew that is easy to make and tastes delicious. It can be served for a special occasion or anytime you are in the mood for comfort food!
The main ingredients of a classic Dublin coddle are onions, rashers, bangers (sausages), potatoes, and beef broth. It is prepared on the stove top or in a Dutch oven and slowly simmers to cook all of the ingredients together.
Originally this dish was created to help feed a large family with inexpensive ingredients when there was no other option available in times of poverty and famine. Eventually this dish became a favorite in the city of Dublin and is still eaten today.
Seafood Chowder
Chowder is a traditional East Coast favorite that comes in many varieties. Whether it’s clam chowder, Manhattan chowder or New England fish chowder, it’s a comforting and delicious dish to warm up to on a cold winter day.
A traditional chowder is thick and creamy (usually made with heavy cream or a roux) and often has vegetables and seafood added for extra flavor. You can make a traditional chowder from scratch using your own seafood broth or you can use store-bought.
If you want to make a fish chowder, whitefish such as cod, haddock, tilapia, sea bass, barramundi or monkfish are great choices. But stay away from fish that is very lean or delicate such as tuna or swordfish because they don’t flake well and can fall apart.
Once the soup is finished cooking, stir in the flaked fish along with chives and a pinch of nutmeg. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with buttered bread.
Potato Soup
Potatoes are a staple of the Irish diet and many traditional food dishes are made with this versatile tuber. Unfortunately, the Great Potato Famine of 1845-1849 caused an incredibly devastating effect on the Irish people.
This soup is a perfect example of how the humble potato can make a dish both hearty and nourishing. The potatoes are cooked until tender, then pureed and topped with cream for a richly flavored soup that is sure to satisfy!
The best potatoes to use for this recipe are naturally starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold. They are ideal for making creamy, smooth purees.