St. Patrick’s Day Recipes
From the Irish pork and cabbage dish that was traditionally used to break the fast on St. Patrick’s Day, to fun themed party food with shamrocks and green galore, St. Patricks Day food means something different to everyone. Find out all about St. Paddy’s food and tasty Irish recipes with HelloFresh.
From the Irish pork and cabbage dish that was traditionally used to break the fast on St. Patrick’s Day, to fun themed party food with shamrocks and green galore, St. Patricks Day food means something different to everyone. Find out all about St. Paddy’s food and tasty Irish recipes with HelloFresh.
What is St. Patrick’s Day?
St. Patrick’s Day, also known as the Feast of St. Patrick, or Lá Fhéile Pádraig, is a cultural and religious holiday that commemorates Ireland’s patron saint. Originally celebrating the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day is now widely known across the world as a festival of Irish heritage.
Traditional St. Patrick’s Day Food
Because St. Patrick’s Day takes place during Lent, the day would traditionally pause restrictions on eating and drinking alcohol - which is why it’s sometimes referred to as the Feast of St. Patrick. Historically, people of Ireland would break their Lent fast with a meal of bacon and cabbage, mainly because it was cheap and a tasty treat. However, as Irish immigration spread throughout America, pork was found to be too expensive and so beef was used. That’s why we sometimes hear of corned beef and cabbage being a traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal.These days, we know bacon and cabbage isn’t the most exciting meal, but if you want to nod to the tradition instead, there are now lots of new takes to try. Colcannon is a popular St. Paddy’s dish, made by combining creamy mashed potatoes and cabbage - but it’s also delicious with spinach! Try serving it with sticky sausages and onion gravy for a mouthwatering and hearty meal. You can find our colcannon recipe here.
Irish Food to Eat This St. Patrick’s Day
If you don’t fancy pork and cabbage this St. Paddy’s Day but want to keep it Irish, there are a range of tasty traditional dishes to try. Here are ten of the most popular Irish foods you can try this St. Patrick’s Day:
- Irish stew
- Soda bread
- Seafood chowder
- Colcannon (cabbage and mashed potatoes)
- Coddle (pork stew)
- Boxty (Irish potato cakes)
- Shepherd’s Pie
- Irish Jambon (ham & cheese pastries)
- Irish salmon
- Barmbrack (sultana bread)
Irish Stew Recipes
Possibly the most famous Irish dish is, of course, the beloved stew, often made with lamb or beef, potatoes and vegetables. Its history dates back to ancient Ireland, when the cauldron was first imported from the continent and its popularity quickly spread throughout. It inspired many Irish one-pot dishes from stews to soups (Ravensgard)Some traditionalists often dispute whether vegetables, other than potato, should be included, and if beef should be allowed to replace lamb! Here at HelloFresh, however, we’re all for spruced up dishes and we have a range of exciting stew recipes to make no matter what you're craving.
Irish Seafood Recipes
One of the benefits of being on an island is the stunning waters and unmatched seafood that it comes with, which is why fish recipes are so popular in Ireland. Salmon in particular is a delicacy, thanks to its locality, and the traditional Irish way to enjoy it is either poached or as part of a chowder. Chowder is a great St. Patrick’s Day recipe to make because it makes the most out of Irish produce, plus it's unique enough to be served as a showstopper. Elevate the dish by incorporating local catches like hake, haddock, or prawns into the chowder mix, adding a diverse twist to this classic dish. Melding these fresh seafood options with traditional Irish cooking methods promises an authentic St. Patrick's Day feast that makes the most of Ireland's coastal flavours.
Party Food For St. Patrick’s Day
The great thing about traditional Irish dishes is that there are so many one-pot recipes, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a big batch party recipe. Shepherd’s pie is a famous Irish dish, as its ingredients were easily accessible in the late 18th century. Now, it’s a huge crowd pleaser and very easy to make - you can even make miniature ramekins if you’d prefer to serve appetisers. Plus it’s easy to make vegetarian or vegan with lentils. Irish meatballs are another great option, because you can either serve them on cocktail sticks or in a large pot.For something more typically party-ish but with an Irish twist, try making pizzas and experiment with different Irish toppings. This sausage and leek flatbread nods to the pork St. Patrick’s Day tradition, but is easy for guests to grab a slice.
St. Patrick’s Day Food & Drink Facts
Considering St. Patrick’s Day is also referred to as the Feast of St. Patrick, there are a lot of St. Patrick’s food and drink facts that many people haven’t heard of:
- St. Patrick’s Day historically marked a pause on Lent restrictions, allowing all food and alcohol for the day.
- Bacon and cabbage is the traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal, as many Irish families kept pigs but weren’t able to eat meat during Lent.
- Stew is another popular St. Patrick’s Day recipe and is one of the oldest Irish recipes, dating back to the ancient Gaels when cauldrons were the most popular cooking method.
- It’s thought that around 13,000,000 pints of Guinness are served worldwide on St. Patrick’s Day.
- In the US, cornbeef and cabbage is often eaten on St. Patrick’s Day, as this is the American-Irish take on bacon and cabbage, due to the cost of pork being too expensive for early Irish immigrants.
Irish Menu For St. Patrick's Day
If you're looking for meal inspiration to inspire your St. Patrick's Day menu, take a look what we recommend serving this year. We love menus that incorporate traditional St. Patrick's Day food with modern twists, because it allows you to celebrate Irish culture while still enjoying tasty new recipes.
Hake & Carrot Chowder
A comforting and flavour-packed Hake and Carrot Chowder combines flakey and meaty hake, a local favourite, with sweet and tender carrots, making the most of Ireland's land and sea. Fresh, locally-sourced hake infuses chowder broth with a subtle richness, while the carrots contribute a vibrant colour and earthy undertones. A hearty chowder not only leaves you full and satisfied, but also celebrates the diverse and delicious offerings of Irish cuisine. Serve up a bowl of Hake and Carrot Chowder to your guests, and let the warmth and authenticity of this St. Patrick's Day food add to your celebration.
Cajun Salmon and Colcannon
Try out Cajun Salmon and Colcannon this St. Patrick's Day for a tasty twist on an Irish classic, that celebrates Ireland's most well-known ingredients. The flavourful kick of the seasoned salmon pairs perfectly with the velvety mashed potatoes and greens in the colcannon. It's a delicious fusion that brings together the best of Irish and global tastes, making it a standout addition to your festive celebrations.
Pork Meatballs and Creamy Mash
Pork is a traditional St. Patrick's Day food, so why not enjoy it as part of a hearty home-cooked favourite with Pork Meatballs and Creamy Mash. This is a perfect St. Paddy's Meal to cook for the whole family, as it's bound to bring joy to kids and grandparents alike. Use fresh, Irish pork mince to create juicy meatball patties, and season your mash with plenty of butter and parsley to elevate it even more.