Amelia Jewett ‘27
St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday that takes place on March 17th, in which we observe the death of St. Patrick, the Irish patron saint. Beginning as a religious holiday, over time it has evolved into a day of celebration of Irish culture throughout the world and specifically in the U.S. The day is now associated with parades, shamrocks, leprechauns, drinking, music, green, and also its specific food.
The Irish Cuisine typically consists of foods with fresh vegetables, fish, beef, stews, soda bread, and of course, potatoes. Ireland currently has sustainable, hearty food, due in part to its rich farming history and overseas connections. Many of their dishes are simple but delicious with easy ingredients making these recipes perfect for your St. Patrick’s Day dinners. Here are five amazing Irish dishes you must try on this day of celebration.
- Irish Soda bread: Irish Soda Bread is a crumbly, scone-like bread made with flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. It was originally created as an easy-to-make dish with the most basic ingredients because of Ireland’s financial strike and limited resources. It is known as being a bread that can be prepared without yeast and is a great treat if you don’t feel like going shopping for ingredients and need to pull something together for a party. You can also add raisins, berries, spices, or anything you wish to the bread to give it some extra flavor.
- Irish Coddle: Irish Coddle is a traditional Irish dish that is often made up of various leftover foods. Most commonly it consists of layers of pork sausage and bacon, onion, herbs, salt and pepper, and potatoes. It is very popular in the city of Dublin and is a nostalgic dish for many. The traditional way of crafting the dish involves slow cooking it on the stovetop or in the oven. Irish Coddle’s simple ingredients make it easy to whip up and it’s delicious creamy layers will satisfy all.
- Boxty: Boxty are traditional Irish potato pancakes that are made up of mashed and grated potatoes. The pancakes are then fried to give a crisp and golden outer layer. The dish is very popular in the northern midlands of Ireland and as seen in many Irish dishes today, was a staple in the past for many families due to households relying on potatoes to survive. It can now be served with almost anything you wish, such as sausages, eggs, applesauce, or ketchup. You can also make it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner so it’s perfect for all occasions!
- Cottage Pie: Cottage pie, also known as Shepards Pie, is a dish originating from England and Ireland which consists of minced meat, gravy, onions, carrots, and celery in a mashed potato crust. Once again the meal is easy to make, made of simple and hearty leftover ingredients. The practical dish has become famous all over the world as a delicious, warm and comforting food for everyone it serves.
- Colcannon: Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish consisting of mashed potatoes and cabbage. As many may know, Ireland relied on potatoes as their source of food during the period of the potato famine. Because of this, people developed many recipes involving the hearty crop, one being colcannon. Colcannon is easy to make and has a delectable creamy flavor. Plus, the cabbage fills the dish with green so it’s a perfect appetizer for your St. Patrick’s day dinner!
Image credit: TheViewFromGreatIsland.com
