Think of eating and drinking in Ireland, and you will doubtless conjure up images of Guinness for St Patrick’s Day, as well as potatoes, fruit scones and hearty Irish stews.
However, there is a lot more to the cuisine of Ireland, especially as we come into late spring and early summer.
While Ireland isn’t exactly famed for gloriously hot summers, the sun can still come out from time to time and give residents and visitors alike nice weather to enjoy.
Whether you are staying at a fully catered Hidden Ireland property, or have opted for a self-catering stay, there are many ways to try some Irish summer classics. Check out some online recipes, visit a local supermarket or market and cook your own back at your holiday accommodation.
Potato salad
Ireland’s history is intrinsically linked with the potato, which is evident when it comes to this delicious, fresh summer tradition – Irish potato salad. New potatoes are boiled until soft and then cut into bite-sized pieces.
Butter is added and mixed with the potatoes until it has melted, then mayonnaise, salt and pepper is stirred in.
Garnish with chives and serve with cold meats for a wonderful summer’s picnic food or light dinner option. You can also add ingredients such as onions, mint leaves, radishes peas or mustard to add to the taste.
Smoked salmon and scrambled eggs
The ultimate in sophisticated breakfast food. Ireland is rich in wild Atlantic salmon, thanks to its geographical location and island status.
Wild salmon live in many rivers in Ireland and is a popular choice among fish lovers.
Pep up your scrambled eggs in the morning by adding flakes of smoked salmon and chives. Or wow your summer dinner guests by serving small portions as a starter, or a larger serving with a side salad on a warm summer’s day.
Summer pudding
One popular dessert in Ireland is called summer pudding. This is a fruity, moist pudding that was originally made to use up leftover bread, but has become a popular option for summer desserts in Ireland and the UK.
Fruits such as blackberries, redcurrants, strawberries and blueberries are cooked and strained to make them soft.
White or soda bread soaked in fruit juices lines a pudding bowl or loaf tin with the fruit added in the centre. The pudding is then chilled and served with delicious ice cream and fresh fruit.
Bread and butter pudding
Another bread-based dessert that rounds off an Irish salad or summer lunch beautifully is bread and butter pudding.
Again, you can use white bread or the traditional Irish soda bread to make this dish. Slices of bread are buttered and soaked in a mixture of milk, eggs and sugar.
Add fruit such as raisins or currants to taste, as well as other ingredients such as chocolate chips or honey if you wish. Bake until the dish is crispy and golden on the top.
Irish lemonade
Lemonade is a wonderfully cooling drink on a hot, summer’s day.
Adding whiskey to it adds a touch of sophistication for a summer drinks party.
To a tall, chilled glass, mix fresh lemonade with a good Irish whiskey, some ginger beer or club soda, a dash of bitters and fresh mint leaves. Garnish, add ice and serve.
You can also make up jugs of it for a larger group of people. This is a lighter alternative to hot whiskey drinks that are more suitable for the autumn or winter months.
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