What Kind of Foods Do Irish People Eat on St. Patrick's Day?

Cabbage is a common St. Patrick's Day delicacy.

St. Patrick's Day, now celebrated nationwide, was originally observed in America by Irish soldiers longing for home. Its popularity grew during the Irish immigration surge of the 1840s, bringing several traditional Irish dishes along with it that are enjoyed to this day.

Corned Beef Hash

Corned beef hash is a commonplace Irish food made by finely chopping beef along with onions and spices, then curing it with salt. This combination is then fried and served hot, usually with toast and a side dish.

Cabbage and Potatoes

Cabbage and potatoes can be served in a variety of fashions, most commonly fried and boiled. They often times accompany corned beef hash or another meat as the main course. Both vegetables are fairly cheap and plentiful, making them popular amongst impoverished Irish families.

Irish Soda Bread

Irish soda bread gets its name from the baking soda used in lieu of yeast to help the bread rise when baking. It comes in two common forms: loaves and griddle bread, which is cooked in a pan and resembles flat breads used in America. Irish soda bread first gained its vast popularity around 1840, shortly after baking soda was introduced to Ireland.

Cod Cobbler

Cod cobbler is a small pie consisting of sliced cob fillets and cheese sauce. The topping is made from scone dough instead of normal cobbler crust, giving it a light and savory flavor. Although common in modern-day varieties, historians believe the sauce originally contained cream or milk instead of cheese.

References

• Irish Soda Bread History
• "The Irish Kitchen": Biddy White Lennon; 2007
• History of St. Patrick's Day