Ireland,
an island country in the North Atlantic, has a rich cultural heritage
that shows traces of Norway, Scotland, and Great Britain. Quite sadly,
the country had to endure immensely the aftermath of famine and
population explosion. The climate and soil in Ireland were conducive to
producing potatoes. Thus, it dominated the food habit of the Irish to
such an extent that it became the staple food of the people. However,
the famine in 1845 – 1849 changed the course of its history completely,
and the land had to spend hundreds of years to revive from the damage.
The toll it took on the Irish can be easily inferred from the diet
these people had adopted. But now, with changing times, Irish cuisine
seems to be on the front foot, and manages to have a lingering
impression on people all over the world. We glance at some of the
dishes that have found ample attention, as they depict the Irish
culture in its truest sense
Stories
related to the old Irish culture mention honey being widely used
especially to make mead. Meat was widely eaten along with poultry
products. The potato formed a major part of the food in Ireland amongst
the labor class. Today, the food habits have influences from all over
the world. Although meat has always been the main item in Irish food,
fast food has also taken over. New Irish dishes are being churned out
to maintain some healthy eating habits; these focus mainly on fresh
vegetables.
DUBLIN CODLE The
capital of Ireland shares its name with this delicacy of the land.
History states that this dish was relished by the stalwarts of
literature, Jonathan Swift and James Joyce.
It
takes readily available ingredients, a good bottom pot, and a good
amount of hunger to make this traditional meal. It doesn't at all burn
a hole in your pocket! The secret to make it with accuracy is to simmer
it slowly. This recipe also has several versions to it, as it is a
highly tried and experimented one. It is best enjoyed with brown bread.
On the whole, it's a stew that has bacon, sausage, potatoes, onions,
and butter; herbs like thyme and parsley can enhance the taste. Pepper
can be sprinkled over the top.
IRISH STEW St.
Patrick's Day holds great importance amongst the Irish. So does some
traditional Irish food. One such dish is the traditional Irish stew,
which they love during the occasion. It is a comfort food that is
preferred because of its taste, low cost, and of course, its
nutritional richness, which is determined by what is used to make it.
A
traditional Irish stew is a wholesome combination of meat, fresh
veggies, and some herbs. Lamb is widely used to make the dish although
many like mutton as well. The preparation process is very simple and
quick, but the cooking time is pretty long, as the more you cook it,
the tastier it is. All the ingredients, which include meat, potatoes,
onions, and carrots, are taken in a big casserole, not to forget the
stalk, and heated for over 2 hours. Some also bring in variations by
adding mushrooms, barley, and some Guinness. It's served with some
sprinkles of thyme and parsley on top
IRISH FRECKLE BREAD This
bread type is another extension of using the potatoes. It's a
combination of loads of raisins and mashed potatoes along with other
standard ingredients of breads. Unlike the scones, this bread type
requires yeast and good amount of kneading. While making the dough, add
raisins and other dry fruits like dates, which will make your cake look
'freckled', just as the name goes. Cranberries and currents are equally
appropriate to get the desired texture. The rest of the methods are
just the common baking tricks.
IRISH STEW