Just as many associate America with its famous burger, Ireland is the go-to country for potatoes. Before the 1845 Potato Famine that killed a million people, the Irish consumed an estimated seven million tons of the starch ever year.
Although today they don’t consume quite as much as that astonishing number, potatoes have still remained a staple in the Irish diet. Not surprisingly, many people turn to traditional Irish recipes when they want to perfect their potatoes. Here are nine traditional Irish potato recipes, with one more that may change your view on how to prepare the perfect “potato.”
1. Boxty:
The Gaelic word “boxty” literally translates to “poor man’s bread,” yet today has risen to appear on many restaurant menus and in supermarkets all over Ireland. Most recipes call for finely grated, raw potatoes, and mashed potatoes all mixed together with flour, baking soda, milk, and eggs. The mixture is usually fried on a griddle for a few minutes, but for a more modern twist, you can try boiling it like a dumpling or baking it like a loaf.
2. Potato Farl:
Also known as potato cake, potato farl is a square slice of lightly powdered potato bread. Its key ingredient is cooked, mashed potatoes, and although it is usually friend, it may be grilled and buttered as well. Potato farl is considered to be essential to the “Ulster fry,” which is traditionally served with bacon, a fried egg, sausage, a vegetable roll, and pudding.
To view a recipe for potato farl, click here.
3. Potato Soup:
According to Ravensgard.org, potatoes began appearing in Irish soup at the beginning on the 18th century; it was used as a thickening agent to widen the average Irishman’s diet. Today, potato soup is a popular dish, especially for a cold, rainy day. Most recipes call for good Irish butter, onions, milk, garlic, parley, celery, cheese, and, of course, a couple of large potatoes.
To view a recipe for Irish potato soup, click here.
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4. Colcannon:
Colcannon, or Irish mashed potatoes, are boiled and mashed potatoes traditionally served with cabbage or kale. To word comes from the Gaelic cal ceannan’, which literally translates to “white-headed cabbage.” It can also be eaten with ham or bacon. There’s also a traditional Irish song called “Colcannon,” which has been recorded by many well-known artists.
Traditional Irish colcannon recipe.
5. Champ:
Although quite similar to colcannon, the largest difference between the two is the champ contains no cabbage or kale, and instead is made with green onions (scallions). According to Chowhound, champ is traditionally served piled high on a dish and is eaten with a spoon from the outside in, which each spoonful dipped in melted butter. Melted butted should also be served in a little well in the middle of the pile of potatoes.
6. Irish potato casserole:
Potato casserole is cooked quite similarly to champ and colcannon, but it is baked and the end and is thus given a firmer texture. Traditionally, the recipe calls for potatoes, butter, flour, milk, hard boiled eggs, onion, and breadcrumbs, but you can also add chicken, tuna, bacon, cream cheese, chives, or anything else that you think might make this dish even more delicious!
To view a recipe for Irish potato casserole, click here.
7. Corned beef hash:
Although the meaning of the word “corned beef” changes depending on the culture and cuisine that is being referred to, in Ireland, it refers to tinned, finely minced corned beef in a tiny amount of gelatin. Its staple as an Irish food dates back to the 12th century, when it was considered to be a delicacy. Today, it’s traditionally eaten as a breakfast food, served with fried eggs and potatoes.
To view a recipe for corned beef hash, click here.
8. Simple fried potatoes:
For something a bit simpler, simple fried potatoes are an easy go-to way of cooking delicious potatoes.
According to Cooks.com, A quick and easy recipe is to wash, drain, and dice (or cut to any size you want) around five potatoes. Add a cup of bacon grease to a skillet, and add the potatoes when the skillet gets hot. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 15 minutes. Then, add one large, diced onion, cook for 10 more minutes, and then remove the cover and cook for the last 5 to avoid sogginess. If you don’t want to use bacon grease, you can also use olive oil, but the grease adds in a lot of flavor.
9. Potato and apple pudding:
This recipe traditionally calls for cider, milk, apples, four, hot mashed potatoes, sugar, butter, lemon, and cloves, and is served with cream or custard. Add some nutmeg or cinnamon if you want to add a bit of a kick to the pudding. If you want to put a twist to this traditional recipe, you can also substitute the potatoes with sweet potatoes instead.
To view a recipe for potato and apple pudding, click here.
10. Irish potato candy recipe:
Finally, a recipe with “potato” in the title that doesn’t actually contain any starch at all! If you want a real twist on any potato dish, or you just want to trick your guests, try making these! They’re actually not of Irish origin at all; in fact, they originated in Philadelphia, PA over 100 years ago. They’re traditionally made with a coconut cream on the inside, which is made with sugar, vanilla, and cream cheese. It’s just when they’re rolled in cinnamon do they begin to resemble real potatoes!
To view a recipe for Irish potato candy, click here.
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READ MORE:
More recipes and stories on Irish food from IrishCentral
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