10+ Irish Easy Recipes for Delicious Home Cooking

Irish cuisine offers a variety of comforting dishes that are both simple and satisfying. These easy Irish recipes bring a taste of tradition to your home without spending hours in the kitchen. From hearty mains to delightful sides, these recipes showcase the elements of Irish cooking that make it so beloved.

Finding quick and delicious meals is essential for busy weeknights. This article will guide you through a selection of easy Irish recipes that are not only accessible but also packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a tasty appetizer, there’s something here for everyone.

Colcannon

Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish that’s simple and comforting. You can make it easily with just a few ingredients. This dish combines mashed potatoes with greens like cabbage or kale. Start with fluffy mashed potatoes and mix in the cooked greens for a delicious flavor. You can also add butter, milk, and seasoning to enhance the taste. Some people enjoy adding bacon or cheese for extra richness. It’s perfect as a side dish or main meal. Enjoy it hot, and feel free to customize it according to your taste!

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes (about 4 lbs or 1.8 kg)
• 2 cups chopped cabbage or kale
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and boil the potatoes in salted water until tender (about 20 minutes).
2. In another pot, cook the greens until tender.
3. Drain the potatoes and mash them in a bowl.
4. Mix in the cooked greens, butter, and milk until smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

2) Boxty

Boxty is a delightful Irish potato pancake made with both grated and mashed potatoes. It’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This dish is simple and perfect for any meal of the day.

To make boxty, you will need basic ingredients like potatoes, buttermilk, and flour. They come together to create a comforting pancake that pairs well with many toppings, such as sour cream or chives. You can enjoy boxty as a side dish or even as a main course. It’s a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Many people find boxty fun and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 2 cups grated raw potatoes
• 1 cup mashed potatoes
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Grate the raw potatoes and squeeze out excess liquid.
2. In a bowl, mix grated and mashed potatoes.
3. Add buttermilk, flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir well.
4. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
5. Spoon the mixture into the pan and flatten it slightly.
6. Cook until golden brown on both sides. Enjoy!

3) Dublin Coddle

Dublin Coddle is a warm and hearty Irish dish that is perfect for cozy nights. It combines sausages, bacon, potatoes, and onions cooked together in a flavorful broth. This meal has a rich history and is often enjoyed in Irish homes.

To make Dublin Coddle, you start by layering the ingredients in a pot. You can include pearl barley for added texture if you like. The dish gets its name from the gentle cooking process, where everything simmers slowly. As it cooks, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a comforting stew. It’s a satisfying meal that is easy to prepare and is sure to please your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 6 pork sausages
• 4 slices of bacon
• 4 large potatoes, sliced
• 2 onions, sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 cup pearl barley

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, layer the sausages, bacon, potatoes, and onions.
2. Pour in the chicken broth.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
5. Cover and simmer for about 1.5 hours (about 180°F or 82°C).

4) Soda Bread

Soda bread is a simple and quick recipe that you can easily make at home. It requires just a few ingredients, making it perfect for beginners. The bread has a nice crust with a soft inside, ideal for serving with soups or spreads.

You will need all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. Some recipes even suggest adding sugar for a touch of sweetness. This bread doesn’t need yeast, so it’s easy to prepare on short notice.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups buttermilk

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Gradually stir in the buttermilk until a dough forms.
4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a round loaf.
5. Place the loaf on a baking sheet and cut a cross on top.
6. Bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Let it cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy!

5) Irish Stew

Irish stew is a classic dish that is hearty and simple to make. It often includes tender meat and vegetables, making it both filling and comforting.

Start by browning pieces of lamb or beef in a pot. This adds great flavor. Next, you will want to add potatoes, carrots, and onions for a traditional touch. Many recipes suggest cooking at 325°F (163°C) in the oven for the best results.

The stew simmers slowly, allowing the flavors to blend together. You can use veggie broth or bouillon to enhance the taste. This dish is perfect for sharing with family or friends on chilly days.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) of lamb or beef
• 3 medium potatoes, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth or water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Brown the meat in a pot with olive oil.
3. Add the chopped vegetables.
4. Pour in the broth or water.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Cook in the oven for 1-2 hours until tender.

Barmbrack

Barmbrack is a traditional Irish fruit bread enjoyed during festivities, especially around Halloween. It has a lovely mix of dried fruits and a hint of spices. Making it is both fun and rewarding.

To start, soak your mixed dried fruits in strong tea and whiskey overnight. This helps the fruits absorb moisture and flavor, making the bread rich and delicious.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking pan. Mix flour, baking soda, and spices in a bowl. Then, combine it with your soaked fruit mixture.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 1 hour, or until golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool before slicing. Enjoy it plain or with butter!

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried mixed fruits
• 1 cup strong brewed tea
• 1/4 cup whiskey
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup milk

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the dried fruits in tea and whiskey overnight.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Mix flour, baking soda, and spices in a bowl.
4. Combine the soaked fruit mixture with the dry ingredients.
5. Pour the batter into a greased pan.
6. Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let it cool before slicing.

7) Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort dish you can easily make at home. It combines flavorful ground lamb and vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll want to have lamb, carrots, peas, onion, and plenty of seasoning. The mashed potatoes should be fluffy and buttery, making a delicious topping for the filling.

First, cook the meat with the veggies until everything is tender. Then, transfer this mixture to a baking dish and layer on your mashed potatoes. Bake until the top is golden and crispy.

This dish is perfect for family dinners and can be made ahead of time. Enjoy this warm and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground lamb
• 2-3 carrots, diced
• 1 cup peas
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups mashed potatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the onion and carrots until soft.
3. Add the ground lamb and cook until browned.
4. Stir in the peas, salt, and pepper.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and spread mashed potatoes on top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

8) Irish Apple Cake

Irish Apple Cake is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. It features layers of soft, sweet apples, making it a comforting dessert.

To start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare an 8-inch springform pan by greasing it and lining the bottom with wax paper.

You will need basic ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and, of course, fresh apples. Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and combine the wet ingredients in another. Then, fold in the apples and pour the mixture into the prepared pan.

Bake for about 45-50 minutes or until the cake is golden brown. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center.

Let it cool before serving. This cake is delicious on its own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup milk
• 3 apples, peeled and sliced
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease an 8-inch springform pan.
3. Mix flour, sugar, and baking powder in a bowl.
4. In another bowl, beat butter, eggs, and milk.
5. Combine both mixtures and fold in sliced apples.
6. Pour into the pan and bake for 45-50 minutes.
7. Cool before serving.

9) Bacon and Cabbage

Bacon and cabbage is a classic Irish dish that’s simple and satisfying. You can make it with just a few ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Start with good quality bacon. Cook it until it’s crispy, then set it aside. In the same pan, use the bacon drippings to cook slices of cabbage until they are tender.

You can add onion and other seasonings for extra flavor. This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes or served on its own as a hearty option. Enjoy the rich taste of bacon combined with the softness of cooked cabbage.

Ingredients

• 1½ kg loin of bacon
• 1 kg of cabbage, finely sliced
• 1 onion
• 1 carrot
• 1 tablespoon of mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the bacon until crispy and set aside.
2. In the bacon drippings, add sliced onion and cook until translucent.
3. Stir in sliced cabbage and cook until tender.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and mustard.
5. Serve warm.

10) Guinness Brown Bread

Guinness brown bread is a delicious and easy recipe to try. It’s a wonderful choice for a hearty side that pairs well with soups or stews. The addition of Guinness gives it a unique flavor that you’ll love.

To make this bread, you’ll need whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and, of course, Guinness. The sweet molasses adds a nice touch, balancing the flavors perfectly.

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl, then mix in the Guinness. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.

Reduce the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool before slicing.

Enjoy a warm slice with butter, or use it for sandwiches!

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup oats
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup Guinness
• 1/4 cup molasses

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine flours, oats, baking soda, and salt.
3. Then, mix in the Guinness and molasses until they are combined.
4. After that, pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
5. Next, reduce the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
6. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Lastly, let it cool before slicing.