Discover the Flavors of Ireland: 18 Simple and Delicious Recipes to Try at Home
Ireland is famous for its rich culinary heritage, with a wide variety of dishes that showcase the country’s love of hearty ingredients like potatoes, meat, and dairy products. From comforting stews and soups to sweet treats and indulgent desserts, Irish cuisine has something to offer every palate. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through 18 simple and delicious Irish recipes that are sure to become new favorites in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic taste of home or just want to try something new and exciting, these recipes will transport you to the Emerald Isle without leaving your doorstep. So, let’s get started!
Irish soda bread
Traditional Irish soda bread is a simple, crusty loaf that’s perfect for snacking or serving with your favorite soups and stews. This recipe uses basic ingredients and no yeast, making it quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup butter, softened
– 3/4 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until the dough comes together in a ball.
4. Gradually add buttermilk, stirring until the dough is smooth and sticky.
5. Turn dough onto a floured surface and gently knead for 1-2 minutes.
6. Shape into a round or oblong loaf and place on prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Colcannon mashed potatoes
This classic Irish dish combines fluffy mashed potatoes with sautéed kale and onions, creating a deliciously comforting side dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups curly kale, stems removed and chopped
– 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth.
3. In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion and kale over medium heat until the greens are wilted, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the cooked kale mixture to the mashed potatoes and stir until well combined.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes
Shepherd’s pie
A hearty and comforting dish, Shepherd’s Pie is a staple of British cuisine. This recipe combines tender lamb with sautéed vegetables and topped with a crispy mashed potato crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground lamb
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups mashed potatoes
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook lamb over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up with spoon.
3. Add onion, garlic, peas and carrots, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in flour to thicken mixture.
5. Transfer mixture to 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Top with mashed potatoes and dot with butter.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until potato crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Corned beef and cabbage
Experience the comfort of traditional Irish cuisine with this simple recipe that combines tender corned beef with sweet and tangy cabbage.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound corned beef brisket
– 1 medium-sized head of cabbage, cut into wedges
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Water for cooking
Instructions:
1. Rinse the corned beef under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the corned beef, cabbage wedges, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard seeds, salt, and pepper.
3. Add enough water to cover the ingredients by about an inch.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the corned beef is tender.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Guinness beef stew
Rich and flavorful, this Guinness beef stew recipe combines tender chunks of beef with the deep flavors of roasted vegetables and a hint of Irish whiskey. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 cup Guinness stout beer
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, brown the beef cubes in a little oil over medium-high heat.
3. Remove the browned beef from the pot and set aside.
4. Add more oil if needed, then sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
5. Add the Guinness stout beer, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Return the browned beef to the pot, cover, and transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Braise for 2-1/2 hours or until the beef is tender.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Boxty potato pancakes
Boxty, a traditional Irish potato pancake dish, is a staple in many Irish households. These crispy and fluffy pancakes are perfect as a side dish or as a base for your favorite toppings.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and grated
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, flour, egg, salt, and baking soda. Mix well to combine.
2. Heat about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
3. Using a spoon, drop small amounts of the potato mixture into the hot oil, flattening slightly with a spatula.
4. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the boxty are golden brown and crispy.
5. Flip the boxty and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until golden brown on both sides.
6. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes total per batch, depending on the size of your boxty.
Barmbrack fruit bread
Barmbrack, also known as Irish Tea Cake, is a moist and flavorful fruit bread that’s perfect for snacking or serving with your favorite cup of tea. This recipe is a classic take on the traditional Irish dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup mixed dried fruits (including raisins, currants, and sultanas)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together dried fruits, brown sugar, and softened butter until well combined.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Irish potato soup
Warm up with a bowl of this comforting, creamy soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe is a twist on the classic potato soup, with a hint of Ireland’s famous whiskey and fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup Irish whiskey (optional)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in butter until softened.
2. Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
4. Stir in heavy cream and Irish whiskey (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Dublin coddle
This hearty Irish stew, also known as Dublin coddle, is a comforting and flavorful dish made with sausages, potatoes, onions, and bacon. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork sausages, sliced
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Add the sliced onions to the pan and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the sliced potatoes to the pan and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Add the cooked bacon back into the pan along with the chicken broth and sausages. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Irish apple cake
This moist and flavorful Irish apple cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s St. Patrick’s Day or just a cozy afternoon with friends. The addition of brown sugar and chopped walnuts gives this traditional dessert a delightful twist.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups chopped apples (Granny Smith or Braeburn work well)
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Add flour mixture to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped apples and walnuts.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Champ mashed potatoes
Transform plain mashed potatoes into a rich and indulgent side dish with the addition of scallions, butter, and milk. This recipe is perfect for accompanying your favorite comfort foods.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, salt, and pepper, and mash until smooth.
3. Stir in the milk or half-and-half until the desired consistency is reached.
4. Fold in the chopped scallions and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Irish seafood chowder
A hearty and flavorful Irish-inspired seafood chowder that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound mixed seafood (cod, haddock, shrimp), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup fish stock (or chicken stock)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add seafood, flour, milk, fish stock, and thyme. Stir to combine.
3. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes or until seafood is cooked through.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
White pudding
White pudding is a classic British dish made with pork, oatmeal, and spices. This recipe yields a deliciously moist and flavorful pudding that’s perfect for serving as a side or using as an ingredient in other dishes.
Ingredients:
– 500g pork sausage meat
– 100g rolled oats
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 egg, beaten
– 25ml milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a large bowl, combine pork sausage meat, oats, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
3. Mix well until just combined.
4. Add flour, egg, and milk. Mix until a smooth batter forms.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased 20cm (8in) pudding basin or a 23cm (9in) round cake tin.
6. Cook for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes
Irish coffee
Irish coffee is a timeless cocktail that combines the richness of whiskey with the warmth of coffee, topped off with a velvety whipped cream. Perfect for a chilly evening or as a pick-me-up any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1 shot of strong brewed coffee
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 1/2 ounces Irish whiskey (such as Jameson or Tullamore DEW)
– Heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
Instructions:
1. Brew a cup of strong coffee and pour it into a warmed glass mug.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
3. Pour in the Irish whiskey and stir gently to combine.
4. Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks and spoon over the top of the coffee mixture.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of nutmeg if desired.
Cooking Time: None required – just assemble and serve!
Bacon and cabbage
A classic combination that’s both comforting and flavorful, this recipe is a great way to enjoy the sweetness of cabbage paired with the smokiness of bacon.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cabbage, shredded
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels.
3. Add the shredded cabbage to the same skillet and cook until it starts to soften, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the butter to the skillet and stir until melted.
5. Add the cooked bacon back into the skillet and stir to combine with the cabbage and butter.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time:
– Prep time: 10 minutes
– Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Irish stew
A classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for a cold winter’s day. This simple and flavorful stew is made with tender lamb or beef, root vegetables, and aromatic spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb or beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup lamb or beef broth
– 1 cup water
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the lamb or beef cubes and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Stir in garlic, broth, water, and thyme.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Potato farls
A traditional Irish breakfast staple, potato farls are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. This simple recipe brings you a taste of Ireland with minimal effort!
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and grated
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the grated potato, flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Mix well to ensure the potato is evenly coated with the dry ingredients.
3. Add the melted butter and mix until the potato mixture forms a sticky dough.
4. Divide the dough into 4-6 portions, depending on how large you like your farls.
5. Shape each portion into a ball and then flatten it slightly into a disk shape.
6. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the farls for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they’re crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: Approximately 8-10 minutes
Enjoy your homemade potato farls with butter, jam, or as part of a hearty breakfast plate!
Bailey’s chocolate mousse
Experience the rich flavors of Ireland with this decadent Bailey’s chocolate mousse recipe, perfect for special occasions or a romantic treat.
Ingredients:
– 8 ounces dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons Baileys Irish Cream liqueur
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt the chocolate chips.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add the granulated sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
3. Fold the whipped cream into the melted chocolate until well combined.
4. Stir in the Baileys Irish Cream liqueur and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the mousse into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Cooking Time: None needed! This recipe is a no-bake, quick-fix delight.
Summary
Get ready to taste the flavors of Ireland with these 18 simple and delicious recipes. From classic dishes like Irish soda bread and Shepherd’s pie to comforting sides like Colcannon mashed potatoes and Champ mashed potatoes, there’s something for everyone. Indulge in hearty stews like Guinness beef stew and Irish stew, or satisfy your sweet tooth with Irish apple cake and Bailey’s chocolate mousse. And don’t forget to try some of Ireland’s iconic dishes, such as corned beef and cabbage, bacon and cabbage, and Dublin coddle. These recipes are sure to transport you to the Emerald Isle.