Top 5 St. Patrick’s Day Foods to Put on Your Restaurant Menu
St. Patrick’s Day is most often tied to menu items of the liquid variety. But the reality is your food menu can go a long way to complimenting those pints of Guinness and shots of Irish whiskey. For operators across the metro D.C. area, here are five St. Patrick’s Day foods perfect for your menu.
Classic Corned Beef and Cabbage
No March 17 menu would be complete without corned beef and cabbage. With a rich history here in the United States, it’s a quintessential St. Patrick’s Day food. Synonymous with Irish-American celebrations, it’s tied to St. Patrick’s Day much like turkey is tied to Thanksgiving. So, get your brisket, and start up the tilting skillet!
Irish Soda Bread with Whipped Kerrygold Butter
Irish soda bread is a traditional and iconic staple of Irish cuisine. Cherished for its simplicity and distinctive flavor, it’s an easy bread to make. It’s characterized by its use of baking soda as a leavening agent, eschewing yeast for a more rapid rising process. Comprising just a handful of ingredients, Irish soda bread has a golden-brown crust and a dense, tender interior. Often enjoyed as a side to soups, stews, or simply with a slather of butter, this classic bread encapsulates the warmth and homely essence of Irish kitchens. Making it a beloved and timeless treat.
Fish and Chips to Pair with Ale
This delectable pairing has found its way onto St. Patrick’s Day menus as a nod to the shared maritime traditions and culinary influences between the British Isles and Ireland. The crispy exterior of the beer-battered fish, often cod or haddock, complements the fluffy interior, creating a delightful contrast in textures. Paired with perfectly cooked fries, this dish offers a satisfying and indulgent experience. Serving Fish and Chips on St. Patrick’s Day adds a touch of familiarity and comfort to the celebration, providing a crowd-pleasing option that pays homage to the historical connections between neighboring nations. It’s a dish that transcends borders and brings people together in the spirit of festive joy and culinary delight. And if we’re being honest, if you really dig into the history of this dish, it’s not even from the British Isles!
Shepherd’s Pie Supreme
Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty and comforting dish that encapsulates the essence of St. Patrick’s Day foods. Traditionally made with minced lamb or beef cooked with aromatic vegetables like carrots, onions, and peas, this savory concoction is crowned with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes, creating a golden crust when baked to perfection. The rich and robust flavors of Shepherd’s Pie evoke the rustic charm of Irish home-cooked meals. Serving Shepherd’s Pie on St. Patrick’s Day is a culinary tribute to Ireland’s culinary heritage. And lets revelers savor the wholesomeness of this dish while celebrating culture and tradition. Its heartiness and comforting nature make it an ideal centerpiece for a festive St. Patrick’s Day feast.
Fire the Colcannon
Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish that effortlessly combines simplicity with rich, hearty flavors. Rooted in Irish culinary heritage, colcannon typically consists of mashed potatoes mixed with finely chopped kale or cabbage. Flavored with scallions or leeks, this dish reflects the agricultural history of Ireland, where potatoes and leafy greens were readily available. The smooth, buttery mashed potatoes meld seamlessly with the earthy notes of the greens, creating a harmonious blend that embodies comfort and nourishment. Colcannon is more than a side dish. It represents the resilience and resourcefulness of Irish cooking, making it a cherished element of Irish cuisine that stands the test of time. Whether enjoyed as a standalone dish or alongside traditional Irish fare, colcannon is a culinary treasure. And it transcends generations, capturing the essence of Irish culinary traditions with each spoonful.
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