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3 Irish-Inspired Foods for St. Patty's

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Saint Patrick's Day is one of Ireland's—and the United States’—most beloved holidays. It's a day when you can commemorate the patron saint of Ireland and indulge in delicious food.

These recipes are inspired by some of Ireland’s staple ingredients. They’re also easy to find at your local grocery store or farmers market, so you don't have to go hunting around town just before the party starts. Try these delicious and health(ier) options for the occasion.

Irish Soda Bread (GF)

Irish soda bread is a traditional Irish recipe that's easy to make and can be made with or without gluten. The star ingredient here is caraway seed, which gives it that sweet flavor that reminds us of licorice.

It’s also usually made with golden raisins or regular raisins, but you can easily take those out—or maybe add some chopped-up candied ginger instead! This recipe is made without buttermilk. Try 1% milk or experiment with milk alternatives.

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups of 1% milk or milk alternative (instead of buttermilk)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp caraway seeds
  • ½ cup golden raisins (or ½ cup candied ginger)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 4 tbsp chilled, unsalted butter
  • ½ cup sugar, divided
  • 1 tsp salt - optional

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray an 8-inch cake pan. Whisk flour, ½ cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl to blend.
  2. Cut up and add chilled butter to the bowl. Using fingertips mix until it’s a coarse texture.
  3. Make well in the center of the flour mixture and add milk. Gradually stir in dry ingredients to blend. Then mix in raisins or candied ginger and caraway seeds.
  4. Put flour on your hands and shape the dough into a ball. Transfer to the cake pan and flatten slightly. Sprinkle dough with 1 tbsp sugar.
  5. Bake bread until golden brown and the tester inserted into the center comes out clean, about 30-40 minutes. Let the bread cool and transfer it to a cooling rack. Serve warm ideally!

Carrot and Potato Soup (VG)

This soup is simple to make and features two staple Irish root vegetables, and it's also incredibly healthy. This recipe can be made in advance and frozen for later use. The flavors will deepen as the soup freezes and thaws, making it even better than when you first made it!

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 6 yellow or white potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 4 cups of reduced-sodium vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp fresh or dried parsley
  • 1 tsp fresh or dried thyme

Directions:

  1. Clean and prepare the cloves, potatoes, and carrots, and add them to a large stock pot with broth over medium heat until they come to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until carrots and potatoes are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork. Remove from heat.
  3. Blend until smooth using a blender or food processor, adding a little water if needed.
  4. Return mixture to stock pot. Add lemon juice, salt and pepper (to taste) to the soup. Let simmer for a few minutes and serve hot. Garnish with thyme and parsley.

Irish Whiskey Cheesecake

Irish whiskey cheesecake is a delicious, creamy treat that's perfect for your St. Patrick's Day party. The recipe makes 8-10 servings, so you'll have plenty to share with friends and family!

This recipe can be made with low-fat cream cheese and sour cream instead of full-fat versions if you'd like to cut down on calories and fat content—just make sure to use reduced-calorie or nonfat milk when mixing everything together!

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 crackers)
  • 5 tbsp unsalted butter, cubes
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 11 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 3 tbsp cool water
  • 1 cup Irish Cream liqueur
  • 1 cup 1% milk
  • ¼ cup brown sugar

Topping:

  • ½ cup 1% milk
  • ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

  1. Set the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Pulse the graham crackers in a food processor or put them into a secure plastic bag and crush them on a hard surface until finely chopped.
  3. Add the butter and mix until the graham crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture across the bottom and 1" up the sides of a lightly greased 9" springform pan. Refrigerate to set the crust.
  4. In a food processor, pulse the cream cheese, 1 cup of 1% milk, Irish Cream liqueur, and white and brown sugar until smooth. While the machine is on, slowly add the eggs one at a time.
  5. Pour the filling into the graham crust and smooth the top.
  6. Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the middle is set. Test with a knife.
  7. Put in the fridge for at least 3-5 hours.
  8. For the topping, heat ½ cup 1% milk and chocolate chips together over low heat, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
  9. Drizzle over the top of the refrigerated cheesecake. Slice and enjoy!

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