IRELAND: A TASTE OF LAND & SEA

This St. Patrick’s Day, we share iconic dishes that we serve in our home to our families and share with our friends. Food is the basis of celebration and the footprint of culture, and Irish specialities are as rich and beloved as any country in the world. Renowned Irish produce is more than just an ingredient. It is time-honed expertise, masterful technique and unwavering creativity.

When you travel Ireland, you are embarking on a culinary odyssey. You can savour the textures and flavour of Ireland’s landscapes: rivers, seas, fields and gardens. We review some of Ireland’s most famous produce and show you how you can invite a part of Ireland into your home, from anywhere in the world.

SODA BREAD

Soda Bread is a signature part of Ireland’s culinary identity. Where there is a hearty stew or broth, a slice of fresh soda bread typically follows. The Irish are superstitious by nature. This characteristic informs many of our traditions, and the baking of soda bread is no exception. Soda bread typically bears a signature cross on the top, which was meant to ward off evil spirits and protect the household. As our superstitions are passed on from generation to generation, as are recipes. Many Irish families bake their own bread from cherished recipes passed down from parent to child

Fill your home with the homely aroma of fresh Irish Soda Bread this St. Patrick's Day with our secret recipe: 

RECIPE

• 120 grams of all-purpose flour
• 67 grams of brown sugar
• 300ml of buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 56 grams of unsalted butter, cold
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together your flour, sugar, salt and baking powder until combined. Cut your butter into sections and introduce to the mixture at intervals.
2. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, egg and baking soda. Pour the mixture into the flour/butter mixture and mix with your hands until the mix resembles a rough dough.
3. Press the dough into a round, dome-shaped loaf, approximately 8 inches in diameter. Transfer the loaf to your prepared baking tray.
4. In a bowl, mix the egg yolk and cream. With a pastry brush, cover the loaf in the mix. Take a sharp knife and slice a cross on the top of the loaf, about ½ inch deep.
5. Place loaf in the oven and bake for 70 minutes, until deep golden brown. Insert a skewer down the centre of the bread. The skewer should be clean when removed. Transfer loaf to a wire rack to cool.
6. Serve with a spread of creamy Irish butter and smoked salmon.

IRISH BUTTER

The rich, yellow hue of Irish butter is deeper than most. Its superior texture and flavour herald from the green pastures of Ireland, which our cows graze upon. Grass-fed cows have enormous benefits to produce. It creates the perfect balance of salty and sweet, and a creamy, smooth texture. Kerrygold is one of the most famous brands of butter in the world, conquering kitchens in sixty countries.  

In the 18th century, the Cork Butter Exchange was the largest butter market in the world. Thousands of casks left Ireland every year and travelled to France, Brazil, Australia and the West Indies. While Irish butter will enhance all aspects of your cooking and baking, to fully appreciate the flavour, you can simply spread it on a slice of warm bread.

GRASS-FED LAMB

When in Ireland, it is seldom you will encounter a menu that does not include Irish lamb. You will find comforting Irish stew served across pubs, the homely Leg of Lamb served for Sunday Roast or a delectable herb-crusted Rack of Lamb. Ireland’s meat is known for its flavourful complexion and tenderness. The famous rain of Ireland has a massive impact on our soil, making it the most fertile in the world. Flocks of sheep graze upon our nutritious pastures, ingesting important nutrients and resulting in delicious, omega-rich meat.

IRISH SEAFOOD

Ireland’s waters are a bounty of amazing seafood. Impressive ports can be found dotted all across Ireland’s coastline from Killybegs, County Donegal to Castletownbere, County Cork. Many Irish companies are family-run businesses that have been passed down through the generations. Salmon is one of the most popular fish dishes in Ireland and was regarded as ‘King of the Fish.’ The legend of the Salmon of Knowledge is still popular today,  indicating the importance of the native fish to the people of Ireland.

THE SALMON OF KNOWLEDGE

A magic fish, known as the Salmon of Knowledge, swam in the River Boyne. It was told that the first person to taste its flesh would incur wisdom above all men. A poet Finegas lived near the River Boyne and would often read and write on the banks of the river. For years, Finegas had attempted to catch the salmon but had no luck.

Finegas welcomed a young warrior named Fionn to live with him. Fionn was unaware of the tale. When Fionn questioned Finegas on why he spent his days by the river, Finegas smiled but didn’t respond. One morning in early spring, Fionn heard a shout and mighty splash. Racing to the river, Fionn discovered Finegas dangling a gigantic salmon. It was a beautiful fish and shone like silver. Finegas immediately knew that he had caught the salmon of knowledge.

Finegas was tired after his struggle to catch the fish. He appointed Fionn with the task of cooking the fish, and gave him strict instructions not to eat the fish. Fionn built a fire and carefully cooked the salmon. As he roasted the fish above the spitfire, the salmon's hot flesh scalded his thumb. He quickly kissed his thumb to numb the pain of the burn.

Once the fish was prepared, Fionn brought it to Finegas. The wise poet noticed that there was something different about Fionn. His eyes glistened with great wisdom.
“Have you eaten any of the salmon?” questioned Finegas. Fionn assured him that he hadn’t, but told him how he had burnt his finger and placed it in his mouth. Finegas realised that Fionn now had the wisdom of the salmon of knowledge. Finegas was disappointed that he would never become the wisest man in Ireland but was happy for Fionn. Fionn soon left his home near the River Boyne. He grew up to become the leader of the Fianna and the greatest warrior they had ever known.

IRISH WHISKEY

The secret of a true Irish whiskey lies in the passion and dedication of its makers. The word whiskey derives for the Gaelic translation, “uisce beatha,” meaning the water of life. And for the whiskey makers of Ireland, this could not be more true. Many distillers have dedicated their lives to creating the perfect whiskey.

Irish Whiskey is one of the earliest distilled drinks in Europe, believed to be introduced by Irish monks over a thousand years ago. Since its inception, Irish Whiskey has travelled to every corner of the globe, offering a smooth taste of Ireland to its consumers. The first whiskey distillery was Bushmills Distillery based in County Antrim, opening in 1608. Today, Ireland has over 32 distilleries.  

Irish whiskey has evolved and has become one of the most recognisable Irish exports in the world. An integral ingredient in iconic cocktails and the famous Irish Coffee. An Irish coffee is best enjoyed after the conclusion of your meal.

Sláinte (cheers) with us this St. Patrick's Day with our Irish Coffee recipe. May we celebrate many more with you! 

Heat your glass with boiling water for 10 -15 seconds and discard the water.

Pour two teaspoons of brown sugar into the glass. Pour in freshly-poured double espresso and stir until dissolved. Add your whiskey.

Fill glass with boiling water up to the top of handle.

Pour the whipped heavy cream gently to the top of drink.

Garnish with a sprinkle of chocolate or coffee beans.

IRISH COFFEE RECIPE

Two teaspoons of brown sugar

Double espresso

40mls of your favourite Irish whiskey

Whipped heavy cream

Boiling water