The title of this blog makes it obvious that I am of Celtic heritage, but to be more specific I am of Irish heritage. Because of this fact as well as my upbringing, and my grandfather’s name being Patrick, I’ve always had a deeper connection with St. Patrick’s day than most. It goes beyond drinking and parades for me, and a major part of that has ALWAYS been food. The Irish faced poverty and fame, both at home and in new countries, and that lead us to value food. We appreciate food, and can get creative with it as well!
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Me with a statue of Patrick Kavanagh, Irish Poet and novelist,
in front of Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant in
Downtown Disney, Orlando Florida.
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Because the Irish seem to be highly predisposed to Celiac Disease, there is an abundance of gluten free St. Patrick’s Day recipes available on the internet. I’ve decided to gather some of what I think are the best for your viewing, making and eating pleasure.
Enjoy and Sláinte !
Gluten Free Irish Soda Breads: Probably one of the most notable associated St. Patrick’s Day items, the bread gained fame because it was simple to make, and affordable for those in poverty. Instead of yeast, baking soda is used as a leavening agent.
Gluten Free Irish Treacle Soda Bread by Jules Gluten Free (Gluten, Nut, Dairy, Soy, and Egg Free)
Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread by Gluten Free Girl (an authentic adaption from an original Irish recipe, also includes substitution suggestions as needed)
Gluten Free Irish Potato Dishes: Potatoes are inherently tied to the Irish peoples, and there are two specific potato recipes that take mashed potatoes to another level: Colcannon and Champ. Colcannon is a dish consisting of potato typically mashed with kale or cabbage, while Champ is potatoes typically mashed with spring/green onions. Both are normally gluten free without modifications. Here are a few good recipes:
Karinas Kicked Up Colcannon (A spicier and more colorful version)
Colcannon Casserole by Allyson Kramer (Another interesting twist on the traditional dish)
Gluten Free Irish Stews: Stews are natural meals for those needing to save scraps, or simply for those looking for a hearty meal. I recall as a child my mother making soups and stews quite often, specifically one she would make in which she actually cooked dumplings ONTOP of the stew. I was always mesmerized by this feat, and still am. Stew truly is a simple yet ingenious item.
Gluten Free Corned Beef (and Cabbage): Interestingly, although Corned Beef was a large product and export of Ireland the folks themselves rarely ate the product because of its cost. It wasn’t until mass immigration to the United States that this dish really became associated with the Irish culture.
Corned Beef comes with spice packets, and is typically cooked with vegetables. So long as the spices are gluten free you are often safe. You can view a listing of Corned Beef brands which state that they are gluten free ( as of 2011) HERE. Below are two great sounding recipes, but you could also modify any traditional recipes including those for glazed corn Beef:
Gluten Free St. Patrick Day round-ups: To wrap things up, here are a few lists of other great Irish/St. Patrick’s Day themed foods.
Against All Grain’s St.Patty’s Day Recipe Roundup – Many delicious sounding green themed foods
Inspired Rd’s Gluten Free Recipe Roundup for St.Patricks Day – More green foods, and smoothies!
St Pat’s Day Food List by About.com This list given an ethnic flair to the day buy incorporating food from other ethnic groups with the same ingredients.
So there you have it. I hope this list helps you create something wonderfully gluten free for St. Patrick’s day! Don’t forget to pair it with a gluten free cider, beer, or whiskey if you are interested in a drink as well.
HAPPY SAINT PATRICK’S DAY!
Celtic Celiac @ http://celtic-celiac.blogspot.com/