St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and there is no better way to celebrate than by creating a few traditional Irish recipes. From colcannon, a potato side dish that is a pub food staple, to sweet and spicy desserts, like Irish apple cake, we have compiled some great tasting recipes from the Emerald Isle!
Irish Soda Bread
Our Irish recipe list begins with a classic, Irish Soda Bread. Dense yet light, it is the perfect side for soaking up broth from stew. It’s also very versatile, with many options for mix-ins, like raisins or seeds. Enjoy it toasted with butter and jam or some good Irish cheese. Cream of tartar is the secret ingredient in this recipe that keeps your bread fluffy.
Traditional Irish Scones
There’s something wonderfully comforting about a warm scone and tea on a rainy day. Irish scones differ from those found here in America—resembling more of a sweet biscuit topped with clotted cream (or butter) and jam. Like Irish Soda bread, scones give you an opportunity to indulge in customizable mix-ins, such as golden raisins or currants, depending on taste. Try this recipe for traditional Irish scones with an optional currant mix-in.
Irish Stew
We couldn’t make this list without including Irish stew! While traditionally made with cuts of lamb or mutton, beef can easily be substituted as a protein if more readily available. In addition, this savory comfort food includes potatoes, a staple in Irish cooking, and other root veggies, like carrots and celery. Find the recipe here!
Bangers and Colcannon
We weren’t kidding about potatoes being a significant staple in Irish cooking. From full meals to sides, even desserts (potato candy, anyone?), the humble potato is as versatile as it is delicious. Get into the spirit with colcannon, an Irish potato mash with cabbage or leaks, onions, and cheese, commonly served with a protein and gravy. This recipe uses bangers, but colcannon is also delicious with bacon or ham!
Barmbrack
Barmbrack is a warm and slightly spicy Irish baked good that is somewhere between a cake and a bread. Its name, barmbrack, comes from the Gaelic “bairín breac” meaning speckled loaf. The “speckled” refers to the dried fruits mixed into the dough. While traditionally enjoyed in the fall, barmbrack smeared with butter is a delicious snack or breakfast treat any time of year! Find the recipe here.
Irish Apple Cake
Irish apple cake is a traditional cake that is best described as somewhere between a pie and a coffee cake. Some bakers choose to glaze the cake with a simple milk and powdered sugar glaze, while others prefer just to top it with powdered sugar. The recipe is relatively simple, so feel free to involve the kiddos.
We hope you enjoy celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with these delicious Irish recipes! If you’re a River Islands resident, be sure to stop by the Welcome Center from March 12th to 17th to pick up a goody bag with great Saint Patrick’s Day treats. Éirinn go Brách!
