There is a stereotype that Ireland lacks a gourmet food tradition. Though Ireland may not have "grand cuisine" like that of France, the Irish have elevated their hearty cuisine to gourmet levels. In fact, Irish cuisine is all the more fascinating because it has roots in a famine-struck history.
The History of Irish Gourmet Food
For most of its history, Ireland has suffered severe food shortages and famines. It was only in the 1960s that Ireland began to grow richer, attracting more tourists. It was then that the Irish food industry began to build steam, building on the strong tradition of Irish comfort food.
The Importance of Traditional "Comfort Food" in Ireland
Because the Irish have suffered from so much hunger, they enjoy eating hearty "comfort foods" such as breads, potatoes and stews. Though Ireland has also adopted multicultural cuisines, their traditional cuisine is never far from their hearts.
Irish Breads
Many Irish meals use bread as a main ingredient. The Irish have developed and mastered many different kinds of artisan breads, including soda bread, whole wheat soda bread known as "wheaten" and blaa, a gourmet soft white bread roll, covered in layers of flour, that is unique to Waterford City.
The Potato
If there is one essential food in Irish cuisine, it is the potato. During widespread famines, Irish families usually ate a diet of potatoes to stay alive. Today, many meals revolve around potatoes. One such meal is colcannon, a meal of mashed potatoes, kale or cabbage, garlic and butter. Another popular meal is shepherd's pie, a pie containing meats, vegetables and mashed potatoes. Even though they may appear simple, these foods are very popular in many Irish gourmet restaurants.
Alcoholic Drinks
Irish cuisine utilizes many Irish pub drinks. The primary drinks are ale and stout, though many types of alcoholic drinks are used. For instance, one Irish gourmet meal is pork chops simmered in ale.
Shellfish
Ireland has a strong fishing tradition due to its access to the Atlantic Ocean. The Irish greatly enjoy shellfish, especially mussels and oysters. Smoked shellfish is an Irish gourmet delicacy, as is smoked salmon.
Irish Desserts
The Irish enjoy adding fruit to their desserts, especially apples. Many of their desserts are bread desserts, such as bread puddings and bread tarts. A quintessential Irish dessert is Soda Bread Tarte Tatin, which uses both soda bread and apples.
Tags: Irish cuisine, Irish gourmet, Irish have, , soda bread, Gourmet Food