Break out your green attire and wake up your inner Irishman – it’s almost time to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!
But first, a little bit of history. St. Patrick’s Day has been observed in Ireland for more than a thousand years, but it was only recognized as a celebration of Irish culture in the 1970s. The day is named in honor of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who has been credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland.
According to some theories, blue was initially associated with St. Patrick’s Day. But because of Ireland’s nickname, The Emerald Isle, blue was replaced with green. The green stripe in the Irish flag has also played a role.
St. Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated all over the world, featuring food and drinks dyed in green—any green food can pass as festive this day. But if you really want to take your celebration to the next level, go with these Irish-inspired recipes with a truffle twist.
Truffle Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day
Truffle Buttered Carrot
This excellent side goes with almost all festive meals. Melt Urbani Black Truffle Butter, then toss it with steamed carrots along with salt and pepper. Add thyme and celery leaves for extra flavor.
Shepherd’s Pie with Truffle Oil
When you’re in the mood for a meaty, savory comfort-food dish, mixing Urbani Truffle Oil into the mashed potatoes for this classic recipe can be a complete game-changer.
Irish Soda Bread
Did you know that soda bread is shaped differently based on the region of Ireland in which it is prepared? Crispy, textured crust with a tender center… Wow your guests by serving it with Urbani Truffle Honey.
Irish Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Irish cheese and thick bacon take a regular grilled cheese sandwich to Irish deliciousness. Play around with the classic recipe by adding a layer of Urbani Truffle Cream Cheese into the sandwich.
Wines to Pair with Your Truffle-y Irish Meal
The earthy flavors of truffle work well with underlying savory, mineral, and spicy notes from Old World wines. The fruitiness in these wines is present, but not overpowering and well-balanced with earthier notes.
Try a red Burgundy like Louis Jadot Pinot Noir Bourgogne, a very affordable pick; or, if you’re going big, a Grand Cru Burgundy like Louis Jadot Le Chambertin. Chateau La Nerthe makes Les Cassagnes Côtes-du-Rhône Villages, an expressive, spicy, more powerful red wine for the shepherd’s pie. Tenuta di Biserno makes Insoglio del Cinghiale Toscana IGT from the Upper Maremma in Tuscany; a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Syrah, it is light to medium in body with a fine structure and balance, and can even be slightly chilled if you’re lucky enough for warm weather this St. Patrick’s Day.
Speaking of luck…
May the luck of the Irish be with you
And a blessing of unicorns cross your way.
May you have love, laughter and friendship true
And may each new dawn be a perfect day.
– Carole Claire Shannon
This article was written with the help of our good friends at Urbani Truffle, fine truffle purveyors for six generations. Click here to shop Urbani.
