As the calendar strikes March, one day stands out among all the rest, that day of course being St. Patrick’s Day. In the U.S, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated by many Americans who eat corned beef and cabbage and Irish soda bread on St. Patty’s day. Those who are of age drink green beer and people of all ages consume many foods dyed green, but are these “traditional” Irish fare? Most definitely not. So that raises the question, what do people in Ireland eat on St. Patrick’s day? Here are some dishes that are eaten in Ireland.
Colcannon: Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish that consists of mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale that can be served as either a side dish or main dish.
Irish Stew: Irish stew/stobhach is native to Ireland, that is traditionally made with root vegetables and lamb or mutton, but also commonly with beef. It is a main course dish.
Shepherd’s Pie: Shepherd’s Pie, also known as cottage pie, is a cooked minced meat topped with mashed potato and baked. Although it is considered an Irish meal, its origin is from the United Kingdom.
Irish Bacon: Unlike American bacon, Irish bacon is from the back of the pig instead of the belly. It is considered to be much leaner than streaky bacon.
Irish Soda Bread: Irish soda bread is famous around the world. The ingredients to make it are all-purpose wheat flour, salt, baking soda, and buttermilk. It is eaten by plenty around the world.
Dublin Coddle – It most commonly consists of layers of roughly sliced pork sausages and rashers with chunky potatoes, sliced onion, salt, pepper, and herbs.
Drisheen – Drisheen is made from a mixture of cow, pig, or sheep’s blood, milk, salt and fat, which is boiled and sieved and finally cooked using the main intestine of an animal.
Tripe – Pig’s tails, hocks and liver are renowned. Tripe has been in the Cork diet for four centuries. Beef tripe comes from the stomach, usually slow cooked in milk with onions.
Chocolate Guinness Cake – Chocolate guinness cake consists of chocolate cake and it is infused with the genuine taste of Guinness. It is also covered in cream cheese frosting.
It’s interesting to see what people eat around the world. Some of these dishes are ones that people in America would raise an eyebrow to, but in other countries using all of the animal is simply commonplace. St Patrick’s Day is one of the most historical holidays. Being able to learn what food is eaten on this day was cool; which ones would you be willing to try?
