As we fly through the month of February, we are already looking forward to spring menus (and spring weather)! Spring brings with it the vibrant greens of St. Patrick’s Day, a time when tales of leprechauns and pots of gold fill the air. But amidst the green festivities lies a treasure more valuable than any mythical riches at the end of a rainbow: Irish food. It’s hearty, comforting, and steeped in tradition, offering a taste of Ireland’s rich culinary heritage. At What Chefs Want, we’re helping you take those traditional flavors and bring them to the next level on your menu with our carefully curated ingredients. Sláinte!
Corned Beef and Cabbage
Traditional Recipe: Slow-cooked corned beef brisket, traditionally cured in a brine of salt, sugar, and pickling spices, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. Served alongside cabbage, potatoes, and carrots that have absorbed the savory juices of the beef during cooking, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
Update it! Sous vide corned beef brisket served with charred cabbage puree, roasted baby potatoes, and pickled mustard seeds for a modern twist on a classic favorite.
- Corned Beef Brisket (raw) – item #00592
- Green Cabbage – item #20296
Irish Lamb Pies (Dingle Pies)
Traditional Recipe: Dingle Pies, named after the picturesque town of Dingle in County Kerry, are hearty individual pies filled with succulent lamb, potatoes, onions, and a medley of aromatic herbs. Encased in flaky pastry crusts, these pies are a beloved staple of Irish pub fare, offering warmth and sustenance on chilly evenings.
Update it! Individual lamb pies featuring braised lamb shoulder in a rich Guinness gravy, topped with buttery puff pastry and served with a side of minted pea puree.
For more info on Freedom Run Farms lamb check out their feature in our blog.
- Freedom Run Farms Lamb Shoulder – item #62502
- Puff Pastry dough – item #03734
- Onions – peeled white pearl – item #70915
Grilled Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary
Traditional Recipe: A leg of lamb marinated with minced garlic, fresh rosemary, olive oil, and lemon juice, infusing the meat with vibrant flavors before being grilled to perfection. The smoky char from the grill enhances the natural sweetness of the lamb, resulting in tender, juicy slices that are perfect for a celebratory meal.
Update it! Herb-crusted grilled leg of lamb served with a balsamic reduction, accompanied by roasted garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach for a sophisticated take on a classic dish.
- Freedom Run Farms Lamb Leg – item #62504
Irish Potato Boxty
Traditional Recipe: Potato boxty, also known as “Poor Man’s Bread,” is a simple yet satisfying dish made from grated potatoes, flour, baking soda, and buttermilk. Pan-fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a soft, pillowy interior, potato boxty is a versatile staple of Irish cuisine, enjoyed as a side dish or main course.
Update it! Potato boxty filled with creamy Irish cheddar cheese and chives, served with a dollop of sour cream and house-made apple chutney for a gourmet twist on this beloved Irish comfort food.
- White potatoes – item #60099
Irish Brown Bread
Traditional Recipe: Irish brown bread, affectionately known as “soda bread,” is a rustic loaf made from wholemeal flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. Its dense, hearty texture and nutty flavor make it the perfect accompaniment to soups, stews, and hearty Irish breakfasts, slathered with butter and topped with a dollop of jam.
Update it! Seeded Irish brown bread featuring a blend of ancient grains and artisanal flours, served warm with whipped Guinness butter and a drizzle of honey for a sophisticated bread course.
- Beurremont Butter – 83% butter fat – item #93073
Creamy Leek and Potato Soup
Traditional Recipe: A classic combination of leeks, potatoes, onions, and chicken or vegetable broth, simmered until tender and blended to silky perfection. Cream is often added to lend richness and depth to the soup, while a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley adds a burst of freshness before serving.
Update it: Silky leek and potato soup garnished with crispy pancetta, chive oil, and truffle-infused crème fraîche for a luxurious starter that tantalizes the taste buds.
- Leeks – item #70200
- Tiny Leeks – item #02709 (pre-order item)
Smoked Salmon Toasts with Mustard Butter
Traditional Recipe: Thinly sliced smoked salmon served atop slices of buttered brown bread, with a generous smear of creamy mustard butter for added flavor. The tangy mustard butter complements the smoky richness of the salmon, while a squeeze of lemon brightens the dish with a burst of citrusy freshness.
Update it: House-smoked salmon served on toasted Irish soda bread rounds, topped with stone ground mustard butter, pickled red onions, and microgreens for an elegant appetizer with layers of flavor and texture.
- Bakkafrost Salmon – item #32828
- Shuckman’s Smoked Salmon – item #95053
- Whole grain mustard – item #95107
Irish Lamb and Turnip Stew
Traditional Recipe: A hearty stew featuring tender pieces of lamb shoulder, turnips, carrots, and pearl onions simmered in a savory broth flavored with thyme, bay leaves, and a splash of stout or red wine. Slow-cooked until the meat is fall-apart tender and the vegetables are meltingly soft, this stew is the epitome of comfort food on a chilly evening.
Update it: Slow-braised Irish lamb and turnip stew featuring sous vide lamb shoulder, heirloom turnips, and baby carrots, finished with a drizzle of rosemary-infused olive oil and a sprinkle of gremolata for a refined twist on a rustic favorite.
- Turnips – item #20543
- Tiny Turnips – item #02362 (pre-order item)
- Freedom Run Farms Lamb Shoulder – item #62502
By celebrating the Irish culture with food, we gain a deeper appreciation for the flavors, techniques, and cultural significance that have shaped Ireland’s culinary heritage. These timeless dishes offer a taste of history and tradition, while giving chefs the opportunity to make them their own!
* Some featured items may not be available in all regions. Please contact your customer advocate for substitutions or new menu ideas.
