Celebrate St. Patrick’s day with this authentic Irish fare

It’s a true blessing that this St. Patrick’s Day falls on a day free from the rigors of Lenten fasting — providing a wonderful opportunity to fully embrace the joyous feast of the Irish patron saint with family and friends.

And its occasions like these that remind us to slow down, gather around the table, and share not only a meal but also the warmth of not only the Irish heritage, but the Catholic faith.

So take some time to enjoy one — or more — of these hearty, authentic Irish dishes that have nourished generations, and continue to bring people together. (Although, we must say, we’re not so sure St. Patrick had the chance to eat these tasty options!)

Savor a classic Irish stew — traditionally made with tender lamb (or mutton), potatoes, carrots, onions, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a warm reminder of home and tradition, perfect for a family dinner on a cool March evening. This recipe from the The Irishman’s Wife is a sure winner, but just be aware it takes over three hours to make.

Originating in Dublin, coddle is a humble yet satisfying dish featuring layers of pork sausages, thick slices of bacon (or rashers), chunky potatoes, and onions simmered slowly to create a comforting broth. It’s a rustic dish that speaks to the heart of Dublin’s working-class roots. There’s this delicious, but again, timely recipe from All Recipes, or you could go for this quicker, simple version shared by The Guardian.

Here’s a great way to get some of those all-important veggies! Colcannon celebrates the simplicity of Irish cuisine — a creamy mix of mashed potatoes blended with cabbage (or kale), butter, and milk. There’s this wonderful recipe from Gimme Some Oven.

Alternatively take a look at this delicious recipe from The Kitchn, and make some champ — a take on colcannon that mixes scallions into the mashed potatoes for a subtle, aromatic twist. Both dishes are ideal as hearty side dishes that pair beautifully with stews.

For something a little different, serve boxty — traditional Irish potato pancakes. Crisped on the outside yet soft inside, boxty is versatile enough to accompany any meal, whether as a side or even a light main course. This recipe from Donal Skehan could soon become a firm family favorite for any day of the week!

No Irish table is complete without freshly baked Irish soda bread — something my mother can attest to, having spent probably years of her life making it! This one from Alexandra’s Kitchen provides a rustic texture and slightly tangy flavor, best enjoyed with a generous spread of Irish butter, served as the perfect companion to your savory dishes.

Round off your meal with a slice of Irish apple cake — a dessert that captures the cozy, spiced flavors of home, with tender apples and a buttery oat crumble that’s just as comforting as the meal itself. This one from the The View From Great Island is certainly a tasty option.

And to fully get you in the hearts of the Irish, take a look at these popular Irish sayings in the slideshow below:

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Read more:9 Items you’ll often find in Irish Catholic homes

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