St. Patrick’s Day and Popular Irish Foods

Who is St. Patrick?

Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was a 5th-century Christian missionary credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. Born in Britain, Patrick was kidnapped by Irish raiders as a teenager and taken to Ireland as a slave. During his captivity, he turned to Christianity and eventually escaped, returning to Britain. He later felt called to return to Ireland as a missionary to spread the Christian faith among the pagan Irish. Patrick is widely celebrated on March 17th, the date traditionally believed to be the day of his death. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated not only in Ireland but also in many parts of the world with parades, festivals, and the wearing of green attire to honor his legacy and the rich cultural heritage of Ireland.

Why do we Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Green Beer & Guinness in the USA?

The association of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the USA with drinking Guinness and green beer stems from a combination of historical tradition, cultural adaptation, and commercialization. While St. Patrick’s Day has deep religious and cultural roots in Ireland, it has evolved into a more secular and festive occasion in many parts of the world, including the United States.

The popularity of Guinness, a well-known Irish stout, as a St. Patrick’s Day beverage in the USA can be attributed to the widespread appreciation for Irish culture and heritage. Guinness has become synonymous with Irish pubs and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, offering a taste of Ireland to those partaking in the festivities.

Green beer, while not a traditional Irish beverage, has become a symbol of St. Patrick’s Day revelry in the USA. The tradition of drinking green beer likely originated as a fun and lighthearted way to embrace the color green, which is associated with Ireland and St. Patrick’s Day. It has since become a hallmark of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in bars and pubs across the country.

The commercialization of St. Patrick’s Day, coupled with the American tradition of celebrating holidays with food and drink, has contributed to the prominence of Guinness and green beer as beverages of choice during St. Patrick’s Day festivities in the USA. While these customs may not have direct historical ties to Ireland, they have become ingrained in the modern celebration of St. Patrick’s Day in American culture.

St. Patrick’s Day, rooted in Irish tradition and celebrated worldwide, beckons for a feast that pays homage to the Emerald Isle’s culinary heritage while embracing modern twists and flavors. Here are some quintessential dishes and innovative creations to elevate your St. Patrick’s Day celebration:

Traditional Irish Fare:

• • Corned Beef and Cabbage: A classic dish synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day, featuring succulent corned beef brisket simmered with aromatic spices, served alongside tender cabbage, carrots, and potatoes.
  • Irish Soda Bread: A rustic loaf combining simple ingredients like flour, baking soda, buttermilk, and salt, resulting in a dense yet tender bread with a distinctive flavor profile.
  • Colcannon: A comforting Irish staple blending creamy mashed potatoes with tender cabbage or kale, enriched with butter, and seasoned to perfection.

Innovative Offerings:

• • Guinness-Braised Lamb Shank: Elevate your St. Patrick’s Day feast with tender lamb shanks slow-cooked in a rich Guinness-infused sauce, fragrant with garlic, rosemary, and thyme.    See Recipe Below!
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  • Smoked Salmon Boxty Rolls: Put a modern spin on traditional Irish boxty by rolling tender potato pancakes around luxurious smoked salmon, fresh dill, and tangy crème fraîche.
  • Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheesecake: Indulge your guests with a decadent dessert featuring velvety cheesecake infused with the distinctive flavors of Bailey’s Irish Cream, crowned with a luscious chocolate ganache and whipped cream.

Irish-Inspired Beverages:

• • Irish Coffee: Treat your guests to the warmth and comfort of Irish coffee, blending robust brewed coffee with a generous splash of Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
  • Emerald Isle Cocktail: Stir up a refreshing libation with the Emerald Isle cocktail, featuring crisp Irish gin, elderflower liqueur, cucumber slices, and a splash of sparkling water, garnished with a sprig of mint for a burst of freshness.

Family-Friendly Delights:

• Shamrock Sugar Cookies: Engage the little ones in the festivities with whimsical shamrock-shaped sugar cookies decorated with vibrant green icing and festive sprinkles.
• Leprechaun Punch: Create a delightful non-alcoholic beverage by combining sparkling lemon-lime soda with pineapple juice and a splash of lime, garnished with slices of fresh fruit for a playful touch.

By infusing your St. Patrick’s Day celebration with a harmonious blend of traditional flavors, modern flair, and festive ambiance, you can create an unforgettable culinary experience that pays tribute to the spirit of Ireland and brings joy to all who gather around your table. Sláinte from all of us at Ergo Chef!

Here are a few traditional St. Patrick’s Day Irish Recipes

The Staple – Corned Beef and Cabbage:

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lb corned beef brisket
• 1 large head of cabbage, cored and cut into wedges
• 6 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 6 potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 onion, peeled and quartered
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
• Water, as needed

Instructions:

1. Rinse the corned beef under cold water to remove excess brine. Place it in a large pot or Dutch oven.
2. Add the cabbage, carrots, potatoes, onion, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns to the pot.   Chop your carrots, Potatoes, onions and cabbage to the desired size with a sharp Chef’s knife.
3. Cover the ingredients with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Cover and simmer for 2.5-3.5 hours or until the corned beef is tender.
5. Remove the corned beef from the pot and let it rest before slicing. Serve with the vegetables and mustard on the side

To slice your perfectly cooked corned beef we recommend our Crimson 8″ Slicing / Carving knife.  This will provide smooth cuts with the razor-sharp blade keeping juices inside the corned beef.

Irish Soda Bread:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
• Extra – You can Add resins if you like!

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Dust a baking sheet with flour or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk.
4. Stir until the dough comes together. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly until smooth.
5. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Use a sharp knife to score a deep cross into the top of the loaf.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

When you go to slice up your Irish soda bread be sure to use a sharp serrated bread knife like our Crimson 8″ Offset bread knife or our value priced 8″ Prodigy Series Bread knife for the best low crumb slices.

 

Guinness-Braised Lamb Shank:

Ingredients:

• 4 lamb shanks
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 onions, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 cups Guinness stout
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme

Instructions:

1. Season the lamb shanks generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb shanks on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened.
4. Return the lamb shanks to the pot. Pour in the Guinness and broth. Add the rosemary and thyme.
5. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook over low heat for 2-3 hours or until the lamb is tender and falling off the bone.
6. Remove the lamb shanks from the pot. Skim any excess fat from the sauce. Serve the lamb shanks with the sauce spooned over the top.

 

Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheesecake:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs or Oreo Cookies
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup Bailey’s Irish Cream
• Whipped cream and chocolate shavings or chips, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in the Bailey’s Irish Cream until fully incorporated.
6. Pour the batter over the crust in the springform pan.
7. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until the center is set.
8. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar.
9. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
10. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings before serving.

When you’re ready to slice and serve an Ergo Chef Crimson 6″ Utility knife is perfect for the task as its narrow blade provides easy slicing into cakes, and pies.

 

Ergo Chef hopes with these tantalizing recipes that your St. Patrick’s Day celebration is a culinary triumph, brimming with the rich flavors and warm hospitality of Ireland. Whether you opt for time-honored classics or innovative creations, each dish invites your guests to savor the spirit of the Emerald Isle and revel in the joyous camaraderie of the occasion. Cheers to a memorable St. Patrick’s Day filled with delectable delights and cherished memories!

If you wish to shop for Ergo Chef’s cutlery to help elevate your ST. Patrick’s day meal we would like to offer you a special 20% Coupon code for extra savings. Simply enter this coupon code in your shopping cart:  Spring20    With Ergo Chef you will be on your way to more enjoyable cooking of all your weekly and holiday meals.