Easy St. Patrick's Day Irish Cooking Recipes
Once a year, anyone can be Irish. St. Patrick's Day, on March 17, is celebrated in many different ways across the nation. Many large cities, Chicago, Boston, New York, St. Louis and Dallas, to name a few, celebrate with a parade. Many take it as a day to wear green and drink green beer. Others go to church and celebrate the real meaning behind St. Patrick's Day. Patrick was a man who was brought to Ireland against his will as a child and returned when he was an adult, as a priest, to spread the gospel across the lands. No matter the reason or the method of celebration, good food is sure to be part of the festivities.
Corned Beef
This is actually just a beef brisket that has been brined or pickled in a mixture of water, coarse salt and spices for about three weeks. It can be a rather expensive piece of meat, even when it's on sale. However it it very easy and cheap to make home-made corned beef if time is not of the essence. It does take a little planning and about three weeks, but considering beef brisket goes on sale several times a year for about $1 a pound, it may be time and effort well spent. It is a delicious way to eat brisket, practically an Irish staple and can be cooked and served many different ways. A little corned beef brisket will go a long way in making several family meals.
Corned Beef Hash
Usually served for breakfast, but can also be eaten anytime of day, corned beef hash is an easy recipe combining potatoes,onions and a little corned beef to create a one pan breakfast casserole.
Ingredients:
Reuben Sandwich
Brown bag lunch today and stick to the Irish theme. A truly traditional reuben sandwich is compiled of rye bread lightly toasted, topped with hot, sliced corn beef, topped with melted swiss cheese, topped with sauerkraut. However there are many variations. Basically, make a corned beef sandwich with what taste good. Rye, sauerkrat and swiss cheese may take a little getting used to. Try melted Velveeta instead, or melted mozzarella. Have fun. It's all good.
Corned Beef and Cabbage
Let the crockpot doing the cooking for this simple recipe. the original dish was probably cooked in an iron skillet on a real fire, but who has the time. Here's an easy slow cooker recipe that will have a warm meal waiting at the end of a long day.
Ingredients: (place in the crockpot in listed order)
- 3 chopped carrots
- 3 pounds of corned beef brisket
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 medium onions, quartered into big pieces
- 2 cups of water
- chopped cabbage wedges
Cooking Method:
- Cook on low for 10-12 hours or on high for 6-7 hours. Cut the corned beef into several large chunks if needed to fit properly in the crockpot.
- Serve with rye bread and butter.
Corn Beef & Cheese Quiche
This is a good way to make a lot of food out of a few cheap and simple ingredients. A quiche may be a good idea for the day after St. Patrick's Day or it may be a unique alternative to the traditional Irish dishes.
Ingredients:
- 8 eggs, beaten and blended well
- 1/3 cup of milk
- 1 pound of shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 1/2 pound of finely diced cooked corn beef
- 2 (9") pie crust, frozen, home-made or refrigerated
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350ºF.
- In a large bowl, combine eggs, milk, cheese and corn beef
- Evenly distribute the well mixed mixture into the two pie crust
- Place the two pies on a baking sheet and place in the oven for 45 minutes to 1 hr.
- The quiches are ready when they begin to brown on top and are not gooey in the middle.
- Remove from oven, let coll for 15 minutes before cutting
- Should serve 8 pieces per pie.
Corn Beef and Swiss Sandwich Pockets
Here's a take on the traditional Reuben sandwich that can easily be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen until ready to serve. It's perfect for picnics and meals on the go.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 pound of sliced or chopped cooked corn beef
- 1 can of crescent style dinner rolls ( 8ct)
- 4 slices of swiss cheese, cut each of these in half to make 8 half slices
- 1/4 cup of shredded onions
- melted butter to brush on top of prepared pockets
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350ºF
- Open the can of crescent style rolls and roll them out flat. You'll need two triangle crescents per sandwich.
- On one triangle, layer swiss cheese, corn beef, onions and more swiss cheese in that order.
- Top with the other crescent triangle and seal all the edges together with a fork
- Repeat for the other 3 sandwiches
- Place all 4 sandwiches on a greased baking sheet and brush tops with melted butter
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Potatoes Au Gratin With Corn Beef
Here's an easy, make ahead potluck casserole dish for those busy work day meals.
Ingredients:
- 2 boxes of au gratin potatoes
- 1/4 lb of cooked and chopped corn beef
- 1/4 cup chopped onions
- 1/4 cup of shredded mild cheddar cheese
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350ºF
- Prepare both boxes of au gratin potatoes according to package instructions
- Pour both into one large, greased 9" x 13" glass baking dish.
- Stir in the 1/4 lb of chopped onion and 1/4 pound cooked and chopped corn beef
- Bake at 350ºF for 35 minutes to 45 minutes until it begins to crust and brown on the top
- Remove from oven. Top with the shredded cheese and bake for 5 more minutes.
A Few Ideas For Leftover Corn Beef
Typically people make corn beef hash and sandwiches out of leftover corn beef. Try stirring it into macaroni & cheese for the kids one night. Toss a little with pasta and olive oil and parmesan cheese. Create an Irish pizza with chopped corn beef, sliced potatoes, a little sauce and a lot of cheese. It can also be added to fresh tossed salad or mixed into a potato salad. So this year, don't settle for the same boring corn beef and cabbage or day after Reuben sandwich. Get creative. Corn beef may become part of the regular monthly menu.
St. Patrick Day Ideas
Play Irish folk music during the evening meal. Make breakfast fun for children by reading the Dr. Seuss book, Green Eggs and Ham served with a real side of green eggs and ham,(easy to do with green food coloring.) Watch Ireland and Irish themed movies or catch a Celtic concert. Just enjoy the day. Everyone can be Irish at least one day a year.
