When it comes to Irish cuisine, many people immediately think of corned beef and cabbage. But did you know that there is another classic dish that holds the title of Ireland’s national dish? Meet traditional Irish Bacon & Cabbage with Parsley Sauce, a comforting and flavorful meal that will transport you to the heart of Ireland.
Unlike American bacon, Irish bacon is made from the back of the pig and is leaner, resulting in a different texture and flavor. Paired with tender cabbage and a creamy parsley sauce, this dish is the epitome of Irish comfort food. But how did this lesser-known dish become a favorite in Ireland? And what sets it apart from other traditional Irish recipes? Let’s delve into the secrets of this authentic Irish dish and learn how to recreate it in your own kitchen.
Key Takeaways:
- Traditional Irish Bacon & Cabbage with Parsley Sauce is Ireland’s national dish.
- Irish bacon is made from the back of the pig and is leaner than American bacon.
- The dish consists of cooked loin bacon, cabbage, and a creamy parsley sauce.
- This recipe offers a refreshing alternative to the commonly associated corned beef and cabbage.
- Prepare to experience the authentic flavors of Irish cuisine with this classic dish.
The Ingredients
To make traditional Irish bacon and cabbage with parsley sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
- Loin bacon
- Savoy cabbage
- Black pepper
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Whole milk
- Parsley
- Thyme
- Carrot (optional)
- Onion (optional)
- Salt
The loin bacon is boiled and sliced before serving, while the cabbage is shredded and cooked along with the bacon. The parsley sauce is made with a roux and infused with thyme, carrots, and onion for added flavor.
Cooking the Bacon and Cabbage
Now that we have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to start cooking the bacon and cabbage for our traditional Irish Bacon and Cabbage with Parsley Sauce. This step is crucial in creating the rich flavors that make this dish so beloved in Irish cuisine.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to cooking the bacon and cabbage:
- Cover the bacon with cold water in a large pot. Starting with cold water helps to extract any excess salt from the bacon.
- Slowly bring the water to a boil over medium heat. This gradual process ensures that the bacon cooks evenly and retains its tenderness.
- If the bacon is too salty, discard the water and add fresh water. Repeat this process as necessary until the desired saltiness is achieved.
- Once the bacon is almost cooked, it’s time to add the shredded cabbage to the pot. This is where the magic happens, as the flavors of the bacon infuse into the cabbage, creating a delectable combination.
- Continue to boil the bacon and cabbage together until both are cooked through. The cabbage should be tender, but still have a slight bite to it.
The cooking time for the bacon will vary depending on its size, but a general rule of thumb is to allow around 20 minutes of boiling time per pound of bacon. In total, the dish will take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to cook, including preparation and cooking time.
This cooking process ensures that the bacon is perfectly tender and flavorful, while the cabbage absorbs all the savory goodness. It’s a simple yet effective technique that brings out the best in these classic ingredients.
Next, we’ll move on to making the mouthwatering parsley sauce that will complement the bacon and cabbage beautifully.
Making the Parsley Sauce
The parsley sauce for the traditional Irish bacon and cabbage is a simple béchamel sauce. Start by infusing the milk with thyme, carrots, and onion, and then bring it to a simmer. Season the milk with salt and pepper, and strain it before returning it to a boil. Whisk in a roux made from butter and flour until the sauce reaches a light coating consistency. Finally, add freshly chopped parsley and simmer the sauce over low heat for 4 to 5 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Infusing the milk
To infuse the milk with flavors, combine it with thyme, carrots, and onion in a saucepan. Heat the milk over low heat until it reaches a simmer. This process allows the milk to absorb the aromatic qualities of the added ingredients, enhancing the overall taste of the sauce.
“Infusing the milk with thyme, carrots, and onion adds depth and complexity to the parsley sauce. It brings out the natural flavors and elevates the overall taste of the dish.” – Darina Allen, Forgotten Skills of Cooking
Creating the roux
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour until a smooth mixture, known as a roux, is formed. The roux acts as a thickening agent for the sauce and helps create a velvety texture.
Finishing the sauce
Once the milk has been infused and the roux has been added, bring the sauce to a boil. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Stir in freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant green color and fresh herbal flavor. Simmer the sauce over low heat for 4 to 5 minutes to marry the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
Serving Suggestions
Traditional Irish bacon and cabbage with parsley sauce is a delightful dish that pairs well with boiled potatoes. Here are some serving suggestions for this delectable recipe:
Serving Method
To serve, carve the bacon into thin slices and arrange them on a plate. Add a generous portion of the cooked cabbage alongside the bacon, ensuring a beautiful presentation. Drizzle the dish with the creamy parsley sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Accompaniments
Boiled potatoes are a traditional side dish that perfectly complements the flavors of Irish bacon and cabbage. You have the option to serve them boiled or mashed. Boiled potatoes provide a satisfying texture, while mashed potatoes create a creamy and velvety base for the bacon and cabbage.
For an authentic Irish twist, consider making champ potatoes. Simply mash boiled potatoes and mix in finely chopped scallions, butter, and warmed milk. This flavorful variation adds an extra layer of richness to your meal.
To complete your meal, serve with a fresh salad or sautéed greens. The crispness and brightness of the greens will provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty flavors of the bacon and cabbage.
Dish Pairings
| Accompaniments | Description |
|---|---|
| Boiled Potatoes | Classic side dish that complements the flavors of the bacon and cabbage. |
| Mashed Potatoes | Creamy and velvety base that enhances the richness of the bacon and cabbage. |
| Champ Potatoes | Mashed potatoes infused with scallions, butter, and milk for an extra layer of flavor. |
| Salad | Refreshingly crisp greens that provide a contrast to the hearty flavors of the dish. |
| Sautéed Greens | Deliciously cooked greens that add complexity and texture to the meal. |
Celebrate the flavors of Ireland with these delightful serving suggestions for your traditional Irish bacon and cabbage with parsley sauce. The combination of tender bacon, flavorful cabbage, and creamy parsley sauce, paired with boiled potatoes or champ potatoes, creates a harmonious and satisfying meal. Whether you’re enjoying this dish on St. Patrick’s Day or as a comforting weeknight dinner, it’s sure to transport your taste buds to the Emerald Isle.
Recipe Variations
While the traditional Irish bacon and cabbage with parsley sauce recipe is delicious as it is, there are variations you can try to add your own twist. By experimenting with additional ingredients, you can create unique flavors that complement the traditional dish. Here are some ideas:
Garlic-Influenced Variation
Ingredients:
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
If you’re a garlic lover, you can enhance the flavor profile of the dish by incorporating minced garlic or garlic powder. Simply add the minced garlic or garlic powder to the boiling bacon or sprinkle it over the dish before serving. The bold garlic flavor will add depth to the traditional recipe.
Mustard Infused Variation
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of mustard
- 1 tablespoon of honey
For a tangy twist, you can create a mustard-infused variation. Mix mustard and honey together to form a glaze. Brush the glaze onto the bacon during the cooking process, allowing it to caramelize and create a sweet and tangy coating. This variation adds a unique flavor element to the dish.
Sweet and Savory Variation
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
If you enjoy a hint of sweetness in your savory dishes, try a sweet and savory variation. Mix honey and brown sugar together to create a glaze. Brush the glaze onto the bacon during the cooking process, allowing it to caramelize and infuse the dish with a delightful combination of flavors.
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and spices to personalize the dish to your taste. These recipe variations provide an opportunity to put your own unique twist on this classic Irish dish, creating a dining experience that suits your preferences.
Conclusion
Traditional Irish bacon and cabbage with parsley sauce is a beloved comfort food that captures the authentic flavors of Irish cuisine. This classic recipe exemplifies the simplicity and depth of flavor that characterizes traditional Irish cooking. When you use whole loin bacon and craft a homemade parsley sauce, you unlock the true essence of this iconic dish.
Whether you’re preparing this traditional Irish bacon and cabbage recipe for a special gathering or enjoying it as a comforting weeknight meal, you’ll be treated to a delicious and satisfying dish that embodies the rich culinary heritage of Ireland. The combination of tender bacon, perfectly cooked cabbage, and creamy parsley sauce creates a harmony of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
By following this tried-and-true recipe, you can experience the unmistakable taste of authentic Irish flavors right at your own dinner table. The aromatic parsley sauce, with its infusion of thyme, carrots, and onion, adds a beautiful depth of flavor to the dish. It’s the perfect finishing touch to elevate the natural flavors of the bacon and cabbage.
Whether you have a deep-rooted connection to Irish culture or simply want to explore new culinary horizons, traditional Irish bacon and cabbage with parsley sauce is a must-try dish that will transport you to the Emerald Isle. So gather your loved ones, savor the heartiness of Irish cuisine, and create lasting memories as you indulge in this delicious taste of Ireland.