10+ Irish Easy Recipes for Delicious Home-Cooked Meals

Irish cuisine offers a variety of flavors and comforting dishes that you can easily make at home. These simple Irish recipes are perfect for any occasion, whether you are celebrating a holiday or just looking for a hearty meal. With ingredients commonly found in your pantry, you can whip up delicious dishes without spending too much time in the kitchen.

From classic comfort foods to modern takes on traditional meals, you have plenty of options to explore. You can enjoy the rich tastes of Ireland while also experiencing the satisfaction of preparing these easy recipes yourself. Get ready to bring a bit of Irish charm into your cooking with dishes that are sure to please family and friends!

1) Colcannon with Cabbage

Colcannon is a classic Irish dish that blends creamy mashed potatoes with cabbage. It’s a simple and comforting recipe that warms you up on chilly days.

To make this dish, you’ll start by boiling potatoes until they are tender. Then, cook chopped cabbage and onions in a skillet until soft. Mix everything together with milk, butter, and season with salt and pepper.

Colcannon pairs well with meats and is often served during celebrations. Enjoy this hearty meal any time you crave something warm and filling.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ½ small head cabbage, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• ½ cup milk
• 4 slices bacon (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until soft (about 15-20 minutes).
2. In a separate pan, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté the onions and cabbage until tender.
4. Drain the potatoes and mash them with milk and butter.
5. Fold in the cabbage, onions, and crispy bacon.
6. Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot.

2) Traditional Irish Stew

Traditional Irish stew is a comforting dish that brings warmth to any table. It often features tender lamb, potatoes, and hearty vegetables. You can enjoy this stew especially on chilly nights or for festive occasions.

You start by browning the meat in a pot. Then you add your vegetables and broth, letting everything simmer. This method allows the flavors to develop beautifully, creating a delicious meal.

It’s a versatile recipe, so you can adjust the ingredients to your taste. Enjoy it with some warm bread for a complete experience!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900 g) lamb shoulder or beef, cut into chunks
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups (1 L) beef or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat.
2. Brown the meat on all sides for about 5 minutes.
3. Add the onions and carrots; cook for another 3 minutes.
4. Pour in broth and bring to a boil.
5. Add potatoes, salt, and pepper.
6. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 1.5 hours (160°F or 70°C) until meat is tender.

3) Classic Boxty Pancakes

Boxty pancakes are a delicious Irish treat made from potatoes. They are a mix of grated raw potatoes and mashed potatoes, which gives them a unique texture.

These pancakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are perfect for breakfast or even as a side dish.

You can serve them with butter, sour cream, or even apple sauce for a tasty twist. Making boxty pancakes is simple and fun!

Ingredients

• 1 cup mashed potatoes
• 1 cup grated raw potatoes
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup chopped spring onions
• Water (as needed)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, grated potatoes, flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. Add chopped spring onions and mix well.
3. Add water until the batter is smooth.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
5. Pour in a scoop of batter and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Flip and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes.
7. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

4) Simple Soda Bread

Making soda bread is fun and easy. You don’t need any yeast or long waiting times. Just a few ingredients come together quickly.

To start, mix flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Then, add buttermilk to form a soft dough. You can improve the taste by adding raisins if you like.

Shape the dough into a round loaf. Remember to score the top with a knife. This helps the bread rise better while baking.

Bake the soda bread in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 30 minutes. Let it cool slightly before slicing.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 ¼ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
• Optional: 1 cup raisins

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and baking soda.
3. Add buttermilk and stir until a soft dough forms.
4. Shape the dough into a round loaf and score the top.
5. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Let cool, then slice and enjoy!

5) Hearty Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting dish that is perfect for any meal. You can use ground beef or lamb, along with tasty vegetables like peas and carrots. The hearty filling is topped with creamy mashed potatoes, creating a warm and satisfying dish.

For an extra burst of flavor, some recipes include gravy or even cheese on top of the mashed potatoes. It bakes in the oven until golden brown and bubbly, making it a delight for the whole family.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef or lamb
• 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas
• 1 cup (150 g) diced carrots
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups (300 g) mashed potatoes
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a skillet, cook onions until soft.
3. Add ground meat and brown it completely.
4. Stir in peas and carrots along with the broth.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish.
7. Spread mashed potatoes on top.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

6) Rustic Apple Cake

Rustic Apple Cake is simple to make and full of warm flavors. This comforting dessert highlights fresh apples with a soft, tender cake. It’s perfect for any occasion, especially during apple season.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need butter, sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, and, of course, apples. The combination creates a delightful treat that is both hearty and satisfying.

For the baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan before pouring in the batter. Bake until golden brown, and the aroma fills your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 4 Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream butter and sugar in a bowl.
3. Add the egg and mix well.
4. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
6. Fold in the apples.
7. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden.
9. Let cool before serving. Enjoy!

7) Creamy Fish Pie

Creamy fish pie is a cozy dish that warms you up. It’s full of delicious chunks of fish and veggies in a creamy sauce. Topped with mashed potatoes, it bakes to a golden perfection.

You can use different types of fish like salmon and haddock. Add in some peas and herbs for extra flavor. This meal is easy to prepare and perfect for any dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2 ½ lb) floury potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 ½ tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp double cream
• 300g salmon, cut into chunks
• 300g haddock, cut into chunks
• 200g peas
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Boil the potatoes until soft, then mash with butter and double cream.
3. In a baking dish, combine the fish and peas. Season with salt, pepper, and parsley.
4. Spread the mashed potatoes on top and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden.

8) Barmbrack for Tea Time

Barmbrack is a delicious Irish fruit loaf that pairs perfectly with tea. This sweet bread is filled with dried fruit and spices, making it a cozy treat for any time of day.

To make Barmbrack, you can soak the dried fruit in black tea. This adds a rich flavor that enhances the final loaf. The bread is usually served sliced, and you might enjoy it plain or with a bit of butter.

It’s common in Ireland to have Barmbrack especially around Halloween, but it’s great to enjoy any time. Your family and friends will love this simple and tasty recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups mixed dried fruit
• 1 ½ cups hot black tea
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Soak the dried fruit in hot black tea for about 10 minutes.
3. In a bowl, mix the flour, spices, and baking powder.
4. In another bowl, combine the soaked fruit, egg, and sugar.
5. Mix the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until combined.
6. Pour the mixture into a greased loaf pan.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let it cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy your warm Barmbrack with tea!

9) Homemade Irish Cream

Making homemade Irish cream is simple and fun. The creamy texture and rich flavor are both delightful. It’s perfect for sipping or adding to desserts.

You need just six ingredients: Irish whiskey, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate syrup, instant coffee, and vanilla extract. This drink is great for St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy evening.

To make it, mix all the ingredients in a blender until smooth. Then, pour it into a bottle and chill in the refrigerator. Enjoy it over ice or in coffee for a tasty treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Irish whiskey
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
• 1 tablespoon instant coffee
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. In a blender, combine all the ingredients.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour into a bottle and seal.
4. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.

10) Garlic and Herb Carrots

Garlic and herb carrots are a simple and tasty side dish. You can make them quickly on the stovetop. The sweet flavor of the carrots pairs well with the savory garlic and fresh herbs.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need carrots, garlic, olive oil, and your choice of herbs, like parsley or thyme. These add great flavor to your dish.

Cooking these carrots is easy. First, wash and slice the carrots. Then, sauté them in a pan with olive oil and minced garlic. Cook until the carrots are tender.

A touch of herbs at the end adds freshness. Enjoy this delicious side with any meal!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound carrots
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped

Cooking Instructions:

1. Wash and slice the carrots.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
3. Add the carrots and minced garlic.
4. Sauté until carrots are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
5. Stir in fresh herbs before serving.