St. Patrick's Day Recipes and Menu

Traditional Irish cooking is simple, based on what is available. Lamb and pork are the predominant meats. Salmon, trout, cod and oysters are the favorite seafoods. Root vegetables, most notably potatoes, as well as parsnips and turnips, are everyday fare for most families. Cabbage and kale are used often. Dairy products are also plentiful, and Ireland is famous for its butter and cheese. I found reference to apple desserts quite often and, as expected, desserts that incorporate oats or dairy products. In more recent years, chefs in Ireland have introduced the people to a new cuisine using locally harvested products that had been overlooked in the past. It is interesting to note that the dish we most often associate with St. Patrick's Day, Corned Beef and Cabbage, is actually Irish-American. There is little beef in Ireland, but Irish immigrants found it plentiful in America. There is a similar dish in the mother country that uses bacon and cabbage.

The following recipes and menu are great for St. Patrick's Day or any occasion. A few of the recipes are authentic, others are traditional, whether or not they are actually of Irish origin. You will find recipes for seafood, root vegetables and more. I included a quick, low-sodium version of homemade corned beef, as well as a meatless or vegetarian alternative. Additionally, there are several shared recipes from contributors. There is also a link to some ideas for using leftover corned beef and cabbage. If you do not find what you are looking for, each recipe includes links to similar choices and there are many more in the Recipes, Features and Resources Index, including additional choices under the categories listed below. I hope you will enjoy.

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