intro: St. Patrick’s Day is quickly approaching, and restaurants are preparing by offering Irish specials like bangers and mash or black pudding. Not exactly sure what you’re ordering, though? Click through for explanations of traditional Irish fare. And as the Irish say, “Slainte!” (Cheers!)
quicklist:1 title: Corned Beef url: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/recipe/emerils-braised-cabbage-corned-beef-hash-7035976 text: Ireland has a rich history exporting this salty meat product which became popular since the cured meat keeps longer. Corned beef is made by brining beef brisket in water, sugar, salt and seasonings for a week or more. It’s then typically simmered for two to three hours until meltingly tender and served with braised cabbage. media: 15928199
quicklist:2 title: Soda Bread url: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/recipe/rachel-allens-irish-soda-bread-18718601 text: No, not soda as in the drink. Soda as in baking soda, which leavens this bread instead of yeast, creating a denser product. Raisins and nuts are also commonly added for a sweet flavor. media: 18718535
quicklist:3 title: Beef and Guinness Stew url: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/recipe/gourmets-beef-guinness-pies-15878217 text: Stew has a long tradition in Ireland as a way of tenderizing less expensive, but tougher cuts of meat. Adding Guinness for flavor was a natural fit as it’s the country’s top beer. media: 15878170
quicklist:4 title: Smoked Salmon url: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/recipe?id=12501018 text: Salmon plays a big role in Irish mythology, which makes sense since this small island is surrounded by water and thus has excellent access to fresh seafood. Smoking it lends a different flavor and a silkier texture to the meat, as well as extending its shelf life. media: 22886455
quicklist:5 title: Bangers and Mash text: The title is much more intimidating than the actual dish, which is actually just sausage and mashed potatoes and is common on pub menus. While the name “mash” is easy enough to understand for mashed potatoes, bangers has a different explanation: sausages used to be made with a higher water content, and could sometimes explode, or bang, when cooked. media: 22886196
quicklist:6 title: Black Pudding text: More commonly known as blood sausage, black pudding is sausage that’s made with pork blood and oatmeal to bind the meat. In Ireland, it’s often served at breakfast. media: 22886006
quicklist:7 title: Fish and Chips url: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/recipe?id=6940247 text: Translation: fried battered fish, usually cod or haddock, and French fries, traditionally served with malt vinegar. media: 22885899