The foods of Ireland have often been described as "bland," primarily due to the prolific use of potatoes and cabbage. Potatoes came to Ireland by way of South America, and by 1688, they had become a staple of the Irish diet. The Irish refer to potatoes as "praties."
According to food experts, a diet of potatoes and milk will supply all the nutrients the human body needs. The potato has long been considered a staple for the poor. Throughout their often difficult history, impoverished Irish people have relied heavily upon it for subsistence. Potatoes contain plentiful carbohydrates and some protein, calcium, and niacin. They are easy to grow and store.
In 1845, a fungus disease hit the Irish potato crop, causing a famine which killed millions of people and forced over a million to emigrate primarily to the United States to escape starvation.
Oats were also a staple in the Irish diet, to feed not only the family, but to also support the livestock that worked the fields. Oatmeal porridge and oatmeal breads are perennial favorites.
Ireland has now expanded and diversified its crops to include wheat, barley, and sugar beets, in addition to the favored potatoes and oats.
According to food experts, a diet of potatoes and milk will supply all the nutrients the human body needs. The potato has long been considered a staple for the poor. Throughout their often difficult history, impoverished Irish people have relied heavily upon it for subsistence. Potatoes contain plentiful carbohydrates and some protein, calcium, and niacin. They are easy to grow and store.
In 1845, a fungus disease hit the Irish potato crop, causing a famine which killed millions of people and forced over a million to emigrate primarily to the United States to escape starvation.
Oats were also a staple in the Irish diet, to feed not only the family, but to also support the livestock that worked the fields. Oatmeal porridge and oatmeal breads are perennial favorites.
Ireland has now expanded and diversified its crops to include wheat, barley, and sugar beets, in addition to the favored potatoes and oats.
The fishing industry is also a major part of Irish life, and the Irish are fond of halibut, cod, trout, herring, salmon and haddock. Fish soups and pies are a large part of the diet.
Believe it or not, Corned Beef and Cabbage is not a traditional Irish recipe. Here are some of the food terms and famous dishes of Ireland.
Mashed potatoes with green onion, with a well of butter in the center. The mashed potatoes are eaten from around the outer edge of the well and dipped into the butter. To champ means to bruise, pound or smash, hence the term poundies.
More: Irish Champ - Poundies Recipe
More: Irish Champ - Poundies Recipe
2. Irish Stew
Another simple stew made of lamb or mutton, potatoes and onions, often with a measure of stout thrown in for added depth and flavor. Often, only lamb or mutton neckbones, shanks, and other trimmings were the only basis for the stock. Yet, these would-be discards still held enough flavor after a long simmering process to do justice to a hearty bowl of stew.
3. Bangers
Sausages are called bangers in England and Ireland. They are traditionally made with pork, although beef bangers are now common. A banger is defined as an extraordinary lie in the Oxford English Dictionary. The term is most likely a reference to the questionable contents of sausages. Another popular interpretation holds that the term comes from the casings popping or making a bang when they are cooked. Find out how to make homemade bangers.
These are simple potato pancakes. Traditionally, they are a mixture of grated raw potatoes, leftover mashed potatoes, baking powder, and sweet milk. Today, they are often flavored with onions and/or garlic.
5. Colcannon
This Irish favorite combines two staple foods: potatoes and cabbage. It is a filling starchy dish. Just imagine mashed potatoes with shredded cabbage and onions, and you have the idea.
6. Coddle
This is a simple stew made from pork, sausage, potatoes and onions. The term comes from the slow coddling or simmering of the dish. Hearty and filling.
Pig's feet (trotters) cooked with carrots, onions and spices or dipped in seasoned breadcrumbs and fried. This traditional Irish food is often eaten after a night at the pub.
8. Irish Potato
The standard white potato originated in South America. It was called Irish potato by earlier American generations to distinguish it from sweet potatoes. Potatoes were a staple of the Irish diet.
A stew of beef and boiled vegetables in a broth often with the addition of stout beer to strengthen flavor. The beef, a less tender cut of brisket, is cooked on the stove-top for hours until tender before the vegetables are added. It is truly a meal in one pot.
10. Soda Bread
This Irish classic is a quick bread which uses soda as a leavener. They can be either standard breads or sweet breads.