From savory stews to hearty roasts, Irish cuisine is known for its comforting, filling dishes that are perfect for a celebration. If you're planning a St. Patrick's Day feast, consider including some traditional Irish favorites, like beef, lamb, and sausage.
One classic dish is Irish beef stew, which is a hearty and comforting stew made with tender chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions. To make this stew, start by browning the beef in a Dutch oven or large pot, then add in the vegetables and some beef broth. Simmer the stew for a few hours until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft, then serve it with some crusty bread for a perfect St. Patrick's Day meal.
Another delicious beef dish is corned beef and cabbage, which is a classic St. Patrick's Day favorite. To make this dish, start by boiling a corned beef brisket until it's tender, then add in some chopped cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. Simmer the vegetables until they're tender, then serve the dish with some spicy mustard and a side of Irish soda bread.
Shepherd's pie, which is a savory pie made with lamb, vegetables, and mashed potatoes is another Irish favourite. To make this dish, start by browning some lamb in a skillet, then add in some onions, garlic, and carrots. Cook the vegetables until they're soft, then add in some beef broth and simmer the mixture until it's thick and flavorful. Spoon the lamb mixture into a baking dish, then top it with mashed potatoes and bake it until it's golden brown.
Sausage is a tasty addition to any St. Patrick's Day menu, and there are plenty of traditional Irish sausages to choose from. Bangers and mash is a classic dish made with sausages and mashed potatoes, and it's a comforting and filling meal that's perfect for a celebration. To make this dish, start by cooking some sausages in a skillet until they're browned and cooked through, then serve them with some mashed potatoes and a side of peas.
Have you heard of a Dublin coddle? This is a one-pot dish made with sausages, bacon, potatoes, and onions. To make this dish, start by cooking some bacon in a Dutch oven or large pot, then add in some sliced onions, sausages, and sliced potatoes. Simmer the mixture for a few hours until everything is tender and flavorful, then serve it with some crusty bread.
One of our favourites? Colcannon Shepherd's Pie or make it Cottage Pie by using beef. We asked ChatGPT to make us a recipe and it turned out grand.
Colcannon Shepherd's Pie
For the Colcannon topping:
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 head of cabbage, shredded
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Shepherd's Pie filling:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2-3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- In a separate pot, cook the shredded cabbage and minced garlic in boiling water for 5-7 minutes or until the cabbage is tender. Drain the cabbage and set aside.
- Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter and milk until they are smooth and creamy. Add the cooked cabbage and garlic to the potato mixture and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or lamb over medium-high heat, breaking up any large pieces with a wooden spoon. Add the onion, carrots, and minced garlic and continue to cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute. Add the beef or chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the colcannon topping over the meat mixture, making sure to cover it completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Let the shepherd's pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
