Irish people are fond of spuds, and here are some of the best ways we love to cook them.
Irish potatoes hit differently than potatoes you will find worldwide, which is why many of our best dishes contain this delicious ingredient.
Potatoes have been a popular source of nutrition in Ireland since their introduction in the 1800s, given their nutritional value, affordability and the fact that they thrived on Irish soil.
Unfortunately, the potato blight of 1845 wiped out the crop and caused mass starvation, which changed the face of Ireland.
Still, luckily today, our relationship with the crop is as strong as ever, and you will find many proud potato farmers throughout the country. If you fancy trying the best potato recipes, here are some Irish favourites.
10. Potato farl – the Irish potato pancake
Commonly known as Irish potato cakes or even potato pancakes, the classic potato farl makes excellent use of left-over mashed potatoes.
This square piece of potato bread is usually fried and topped with Irish butter, and this is a common addition to the typical Ulster fry, which is eaten for breakfast.
9. Potato soup – a comforting evening dish
Soups and stews are popular dishes in Ireland, especially on cold winter evenings, so preparing a traditional potato soup is one of the best ways to cook potatoes.
This delicious dish is generally served with a slice of Irish soda bread and dollops of Irish butter, making it a heart supper on a cold day.
8. Baked potatoes – a hearty snack
One of the best ways to cook potatoes is to bake them, and this is a trendy snack or lunchtime meal.
The best thing about baked potatoes is that you can always change the flavour depending on the toppings you choose, and standard options include beans, cheese, butter, bacon or coleslaw.
7. Chips – one of our favourite things to make
Irish people LOVE chips, and no one can deny that homemade chips are the best. Many people love to cut their potatoes into chunky chips, dip them in flour and deep fry them, leaving them extra crispy and deliciously coated in oil.
These can be served with salt, vinegar, mayonnaise, ketchup or even gravy.
6. Boxty – the poor man’s bread
Boxty, which means ‘poor man’s bread, is a traditional potato dish which is very quickly prepared; in fact, you can find dedicated Boxty restaurants around the country specializing in this.
It is made using a mix of grated raw potatoes, mash, flour, baking soda, milk and eggs, which are fried on the griddle.
5. Potato casserole – a quick and easy recipe
Casseroles are typical dishes found on many menus around the country, and it is a dish known to warm up the body on cold evenings.
Easily prepared, the casserole is typically made of potatoes, flour, butter, milk, hard-boiled eggs, breadcrumbs and onion and baked until golden.
4. Irish crisps – a crunchy homemade snack
One of the best ways to cook potatoes is to make homemade Irish crisps, which many people love, especially since you can flavour them in whichever way you want.
Firstly, you need to thinly slice the potatoes and coat them with oil and your choice of flavourings. Then, either bake or fry them to perfection. These are a staple sandwich filling in Ireland, and flavoured with the infamous chees and onion, will make the perfect crisp sandwich.
3. Roast potatoes – a typical accompaniment to a roast dinner
Roast potatoes are a fantastic way to enjoy Irish potatoes in all their glory. Irish people love authentic ‘roasties‘, which make up a typical Sunday roast and an Irish Christmas Dinner. As such, they have a special place in our hearts.
The best way to make them is to boil them, coat them in flour and bake them in goose fat.
2. Colcannon – a typical side dish
Colcannon is mashed potatoes with a delicious twist. First, mash the potatoes until soft and then mix in butter, milk, Irish cabbage, or kale.
This is a fantastic side dish. However, many people also love to eat this as a main meal; it’s just that good.
1. Champ – one of the best ways to cook potatoes
Champ is similar to Colcannon. However, instead of mixing cabbage or kale into the mashed potatoes, you add scallions or spring onion, as well as milk and butter.
Again, this can be eaten as a main meal or a side dish and is one of the best ways to cook potatoes in Ireland.
So, if you thought potatoes were bland, now you know that there are so many fun ways to create a variety of potato-based dishes.
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