Ireland is known around the world for their delicious cuisine, with dishes that are a combination of tradition and innovation. Many of these iconic meals were created by housewives looking to use up leftover ingredients in their pantry.
Shepard pie is one of these. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that is made with lamb, vegetables and gravy.
Boxty
Boxty, a type of potato pancake, is a delicious dish that’s traditionally eaten as part of an Irish breakfast. It’s a perfect dish for St Patrick’s Day or any other day of the year.
Its name probably comes from the Irish aran bocht ti, which translates to “poor house bread.” This dish is made by combining cooked mashed potatoes with raw potatoes and then frying it in a griddle.
Soda Bread
Soda Bread is an Irish staple that’s quick and easy to make. It uses baking soda as a leavening agent instead of yeast, which allows it to rise quickly without the need for rising time.
Soda bread is often made with raisins or dried currants, but it’s also tasty plain. It’s also an excellent addition to a bowl of soup or stew.
Drisheen
Drisheen is a type of blood sausage that is popular in Ireland. It is made from pig, cow or sheep blood mixed with oatmeal, fat and spices.
It is not only a delicious Irish food, it also has some medicinal benefits. It’s said to help prevent anaemia and increase the haemoglobin level of the blood.
Black Pudding
Black Pudding is a type of sausage traditionally made in Ireland and the United Kingdom. It is usually made from pork blood and a relatively high proportion of oatmeal, with lard or beef suet used as shortening.
It can be grilled, fried or boiled in its skin. Slices are often served as part of a traditional full breakfast, an enduring tradition that followed British and Irish emigrants throughout the world.
White Sausage
White sausage is a type of traditional irish food made from oatmeal, suet and leeks. It is not stuffed into casings and can be eaten as a breakfast dish.
Black pudding, on the other hand, is a blood sausage and is typically served boiled, grilled or fried. It has a slightly metallic taste and can be flavored with spices.
Gammon
Gammon is a type of meat that comes from the back leg of a pig. It’s cured using smoking, brining or salt-drying.
This meat is delicious and can be found either as a whole joint or sliced into steaks. It’s an incredibly succulent meat that can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Irish Bacon
Irish bacon is a type of irish food that’s popular for breakfast. It’s also used in many other dishes such as omelets, sandwiches, and salads.
It’s similar to Canadian bacon in that it comes from a pig’s back and is cured. However, it usually has more fat around it that elevates the flavor and gives it a unique taste.
Victoria Sponge
Victoria sponge is a type of cake that’s often served at tea time. It’s a two-layered cake filled with jam and topped with whipped cream or buttercream.
It’s named for Queen Victoria, who was known for her passion for afternoon tea. She regularly ate a slice of this sweet treat at her tea parties.
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Sticky Toffee Pudding is a classic British dessert that’s made with a dense sponge cake topped with rich toffee sauce.
It’s perfect to serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or to enjoy on its own!
This pudding is very easy to make ahead. You can freeze it, and when you’re ready to serve it, warm it up and top with some warmed toffee sauce!
Barmbrack
Barmbrack is a traditional Irish fruit bread that’s usually served around Halloween. It’s a little sweeter than sandwich bread and not as rich as cake, but with a warm cinnamon flavor.
It’s a popular treat that’s stuffed with charms and is believed to tell fortunes. It’s sometimes packed with objects like a ring that indicates marriage, a pea that means spinsterhood or a stick that foretells a dispute.