Top 5 Friday: Healthy Irish Dishes

In addition to us all wearing green shirts and dying our beards orange, St. Patrick’s Day is a time to celebrate Irish culture and tradition. While the holiday is often associated with parades, parties, and drinking beer, it’s also a great opportunity to explore the delicious and healthy cuisine of Ireland. From hearty stews to flavorful salads, Irish cuisine has a lot to offer in terms of both taste and nutrition. Below are the top 5 healthy Irish dishes to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day:

5. Irish Vegetable Stew

A vegetarian version of the classic Irish lamb stew, this recipe is packed with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, parsnips, onions, and celery. It's a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and can be made with vegetable broth or water to keep it vegan. Add herbs like thyme and rosemary to give it extra flavor.

4. Colcannon

Colcannon is a beloved Irish dish made with mashed potatoes and cabbage. The healthier version of this dish also uses kale, a nutrient-dense leafy green that's high in vitamins A, C, and K. You can also use low-fat milk or a plant-based milk and add more greens like spinach or chard.

3. Irish Brown Bread

Irish brown bread is a simple yet delicious bread made with whole wheat flour, buttermilk, and baking soda. It's a good source of fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates. To make it healthier, use whole grain flour and add nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for extra flavor and nutrition.

2. Irish Oatmeal

Irish oatmeal is a hearty and nutritious breakfast dish that's perfect for St. Patrick's Day morning. Made with steel-cut oats, water, and a pinch of salt, this dish is rich in fiber, protein, and antioxidants. To make it healthier, add fresh fruit like apples or bananas and nuts like almonds or walnuts for crunch and extra nutrition.

1. Irish Roasted Vegetable Salad

This salad is a delicious combination of roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and carrots, tossed with mixed greens, pecans, and a tangy mustard dressing. It's packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats, and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and nuts.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I hope you all enjoy this delicious and healthy Irish cuisine.

Photo Credit:

1. https://itdoesnttastelikechicken.com/vegan-irish-stew/

2. https://theviewfromgreatisland.com/authentic-irish-colcannon-recipe-mashed-potatoes-with-kale/

3. https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/irish-brown-bread-recipe

4. https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1012920-steel-cut-oatmeal-with-fruit