St Patrick’s Day is almost here, and it can only mean one thing – a delicious Irish feast. Because no, some random green food on your plate can’t replace the goodness of a traditional Irish meal. You needn’t even worry if you’re short of ideas. We gathered below some of the best Irish recipes for St Patrick’s day that are as easy to make and satisfying as they are festive.
1. BEEF AND GUINNESS PIES
Festive meals can start with nothing but delicious appetizers, and nothing screams St Patrick’s Day more than bite-sized beef and Guinness pies. But it’s not the stout that makes them special. A few bits of finely chopped dark chocolate enhance flavours and add a bittersweet balance you won’t taste in any other pie. As easy to make as any pot pie, they will surely surprise everyone around the table.
2. LEEK AND POTATO SOUP
If you’d rather have a lighter starter, opt for a traditional leek and potato soup. This recipe couldn’t be easier to make or more satisfying to taste. Simply cook the vegetables long enough to soften them, puree everything, and add some sour cream to the mix. Easy to adapt to all dietary needs, this soup can easily be turned from vegetarian to vegan using vegan cream, or you can top it with a dash of crispy bacon. No matter how you make it, make sure to serve with a big chunk of soda bread.
3. IRISH CHEDDAR & STOUT FONDUE
If you like unconventional recipes as much as we do, stand out this St Patrick’s Day whilst still sticking to the theme with cheddar and stout fondue. This tasty appetizer is ready in under 20 minutes and can be paired with fresh veggies, apple slices, and bread croutons, to name just a few. Just make sure to use Irish stout (how about Guinness??) or an Irish beer .
4. IRISH NACHOS
Unlike traditional Mexican nachos, Irish nachos are delicious baked slices of potatoes, crispy on the outside and slightly soft inside. There are so many variations of this recipe that you can really go wild and make them in any way you want. We like them topped with cheese and bacon, then arranged on a tray and baked until the cheese is hot and bubbly. But if you want a vegan alternative, you can simply serve them with tomato sauce, guacamole, or other suitable dipping sauces.
5. IRISH STEW
Hearty and comforting, Irish stew is a classic that should crown all tables on St Patrick’s Day. It is traditionally made with lamb or mutton and root vegetables like parsnip and potatoes. Like most traditional folk dishes, there are as many Irish stew variations as there are Irish families. Like most stews recipes, this one’s effortless to make. Dice the veggies with a Nicer Dicer to save yourself some time, cut the meat, and throw everything in a pot. Just keep in mind that it needs a few hours of slow cooking, so make it the evening before or start early in the morning to have this goodness ready for dinner.
6. CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE
Another one of those simple yet incredibly delicious one pot recipes, corned beef and cabbage is a great alternative to the Irish stew. It is important to note that corned beef should always be rinsed before cooking it to remove excess salt.
7. COLCANNON
As Irish recipes go, this is one of the easiest and best loved. mashed potatoes mixed with greens, scallions, lots of butter and cream are one of the most traditional sides you can cook on St Patrick’s Day. Not only is it delicious, but colcannon is also versatile, allowing you to turn it into a vegan goodness should you want to skip the cream and butter. Whilst the traditional recipe only asks for potatoes, you can always add some parsnip, chives, and leeks to add a pinch of originality.
8. SODA BREAD
Bread may sound complicated to make at home, but not if you’re making soda bread. Ready in less than an hour, this Irish bread require almost no kneading and a handful of ingredients. Depending on preference, you can bake it as it is or mix some raisins into the dough before baking. For the best results, bake it in a cast iron pan or skillet rather than an oven tray.
9. IRISH BOXTY
A sort of potato pancake, boxty makes for an excellent side or appetizer, not to mention it snack-time suitability. Super-easy to make, Irish boxty can easily become a favourite for other festive meals or quick breakfasts.
10. FULL IRISH BREAKFAST
Like full English breakfasts, the full Irish breakfast is more suited to serve for brunch rather than in the early morning hours. Perhaps the main difference between the two world-famous national breakfasts served in England and Ireland is both black and white pudding are usually included with the Irish variety, as well as some leftover potatoes made into a bubble and squeak. Serve with soda bread and a cup of Assam.
11. IRISH APPLE CAKE
If most savoury Irish recipes feature potatoes, apples are a staple for most Irish desserts. So what best way to end your St Patrick’s Day meal than with a slice of Irish apple cake? Soft and moist, this cake is equally delicious with or without custard – and it is, obviously, very easy to make.
12. BAILEYS IRISH FLOATS
Half-way between a dessert and a drink, these boozy treats are a true adult delight. Combining the delicate sweetness of vanilla ice cream with Irish stout’s bitterness and Baileys’ creaminess, the Baileys Irish floats are very easy to prepare yet will make you look like a pro bartender – a sure way to impress your family.
13. IRISH COFFEE
One of the best loved Irish recipes, and even easier to make than Irish floats, Irish coffee is traditionally made with Irish whisky and served hot. Try one of these alcohol-free alternatives if you’d rather stay sober. For a caffeine-free alternative, simply use decaf coffee.
14. SHAMROCK SHAKE
Whether you want to treat the kids or drink something green, you can’t go wrong with the shamrock shake. Sure, it might have been invented by McDonald’s, but it’s still flavourful and you can easily make it at home.
15. GREEN BLOODY MARY
End St Patrick’s Day on a high note with this green Bloody Mary – done in the same way as traditional Bloody Mary, but with tomatillos instead of tomatoes. And like the traditional one, you can ditch the alcohol and have a green Virgin Mary if you don’t really fancy a boozy treat.
Hopefully these recipe ideas can inspire your Irish feast. So, what will it be? Irish stew or corned beef?
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