National Eat Like the Irish Day

Celebrate National Eat Like the Irish Day (more commonly known as St. Patrick’s Day) with us as we round up some of our favorite Irish dishes. These hearty meals are the perfect way to celebrate St. Patty’s Day with your family and friends. Hopefully, the luck of the Irish will bring us not only tasty food, but also some nice spring weather!

 

Don’t Reuben Your Dinner

Save the parade candy until after you’ve had an iconic Reuben sandwich (you’ll thank us later). Stacked high with corned beef, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut, then toasted between two slices of rye bread, the Reuben is a staple in Irish cuisine. But, a sandwich isn’t the only way to enjoy this classic combo of ingredients. If you’re not into rye bread, try these Hearty Reuben Turnovers, made with biscuits instead of bread. Or, try swapping the bread for cabbage leaves in our recipe for Reuben Cabbage Rolls. They’re baked with a homemade dressing and perfect for anyone that’s gluten-sensitive or trying out the keto diet. This recipe for Reuben Wraps also allow you to enjoy the best parts of a Reuben, without the carbs. If you’re looking for a crowd pleaser, try this recipe for Reuben Pizza or this recipe for Reuben Dip. Both recipes make delicious St. Patty’s Day party food and are filled with plenty of corned beef + cheesy goodness.

 

Do the Mashed Potato

The next step to eating like the Irish? Potatoes of course! If you’re cooking for kids, try this recipe for savory Potato-Green Onion Cakes. The recipe is just four ingredients long (potatoes, green onions, eggs and seasonings) and can be prepped six hours ahead of time. Preparing ahead means less time spent in the kitchen and more time playing with your little ones! Speaking of saving time, this recipe for Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes takes the struggle out of making the perfect mash. Simply place potatoes in a slow cooker on high with chicken broth, milk and seasoning and cook for three and a half hours. Mash them up and they’re ready to go! And when you’re left with lots of potato leftovers, use them to make Mashed Potato Waffles. It sounds weird, but they taste amazing and make a great breakfast dish.

 

Cabbage Patch Kids

One ingredient you’ll undoubtedly find in nearly all authentic Irish dishes is cabbage. Not only is cabbage inexpensive and found in all Sparkle stores, but it also makes for some pretty tasty meals! The most well-known cabbage dish is Old-Fashioned Corned Beef and Cabbage. If you make more than you can eat, the leftovers from this are extra delicious served on a bun. For those still on the fence about cabbage, Irish Colcannon (creamy potatoes and cabbage) is a great starting point. This dish’s creamy texture and mashed potato base do a great job at hiding the cabbage. Or, save time in the kitchen and make this recipe for Irish Cabbage and Bacon. Bacon, onion, and chicken broth combine with cabbage to create a noodle-like dish, filled with flavor.

 

Irish Comfort Food

With all the excitement that St. Patrick’s Day brings, you’ll probably want some hearty comfort food to keep you going. Try our recipe for Mini Shepherd’s Pie. All the flavors of a traditional Shepherd’s Pie are packed into single-serve ramekin dishes. The past couple St. Patty’s Days have been cold for the valley, so keep warm with this Irish Beer Beef Stew. In a league of its own, this soup has a combo of Guinness, potatoes, beef roast and fresh veggies. Or to please the kids, try our recipe for Creamy Ham and Potato Soup. Its familiar flavors will keep the little ones (and their parents) happy. And what better way to end this feast than with St. Patty’s Day Brownies? Rich in peppermint flavor and frosted bright green, these brownies are great for St. Patrick’s Day parties.

 

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year by eating like the Irish. And don’t forget to visit your local Sparkle Market to grab all of the fresh ingredients you’ll need to make your Irish creations a success!