Irish cuisine was greatly influenced by the English conquest of the 17th century (1). A great deal of the farming changed to grain and diverted to England. The majority of Irish citizens were poor and could only afford potatoes and whatever they could grow in their gardens. Sheep and beef were common but were luxury items to the poor. Offal, or organ meats, were a more affordable choice.
Traditional Irish cuisine is simple which makes it a perfect cuisine to dive into for beginner cooks. If you only know canned, boxed and frozen food, then you are a beginner cook, no matter your age. That was me five years ago.
Check out my list of favorite Irish Recipes.
Below are pantry items common to what you would find in an Irish kitchen. You can scroll to the bottom for a printable version of the pantry items.
Also included are common kitchen items I find useful in my own kitchen. This list will be super helpful if you are new to adulting or are a beginner cook.
Are you Irish? Do you have anything to add? Any fond memories involving the kitchen or cooking? Leave a comment below so that we all may learn.
Thinking about a trip to Ireland? Check out my article on Planning A Trip to Ireland!
Essential Irish Pantry Items
Explore Irish cuisine with these pantry staples.
Dairy
Butter (Kerrygold)
Milk
Buttermilk
Cheese (2)
Grains
Barley
Oats
Wheat
Freshwater fish
Pollen
Trout
Salmon
Ocean Seafood
Cod
Mackerel
Hake
Haddock
Mussels
Oysters
Lobster
Crab
Seaweed (sea vegetables)
Dillisk
Meat
Beef
Chicken
Lamb
Pork
Goose
Turkey
Offal (Organ meat)
Vegetables
Kale
Potatoes
Carrots
Onions
Cabbage
Rhubarb
Scallions
Tomatoes
Fruit
Apple
Pear
Plum
Blackberry
Strawberry
Raspberry
Lakeshore Strong Irish Mustard 7.7 oz. jar
A strong mustard to use on sandwiches and marinades.
Barry's Tea Irish Breakfast Teabags (80) - Pack of 2
Irish breakfast tea is the go-to tea for tea drinkers.
Fruitfield Old Time Coarse Irish Marmalade - 454g - 16oz
Irish marmalade is thicker and more bitter than American marmalade. Are you up to try new things?
Walkers Shortbread Chocolate Scottie Dogs, Chocolate Pure Butter Shortbread Cookies, 3.9 Ounce (Pack of 1)
For the chocoholic short bread lover.
Caledonian Kitchen County Cork Irish Stew With Lamb, 28 Ounce can
The shortcut to getting Irish Stew.
Caledonian Kitchen Haggis with Lamb ,14.5 OZ
Essential for making Haggis, Neeps and Tatties.
For beginner cooks, below is a list of common kitchen items you may find useful.
12-Inch Long Handle Wooden Cooking Mixing Oval Spoons, Beechwood (Set of 6)
I use these all of the time. Wooden spoons don't scratch and they are light weight. I like the way the feel in my hands.
Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 5), Non Slip Colorful Silicone Bottom Nesting Storage Bowls by Aammaxs-yyi, Polished Mirror Finish For Healthy Meal Mixing and Prepping 1.5-2 - 2.5-3.5 - 7QT
I like the lighter stainless steel bowls over heavy glass ones. These have a non-slip silicob bottom. Very handy.
Bellemain Micro-perforated Stainless Steel 5-quart Colander-Dishwasher Safe
Large colanders are easier to use with less spillage. It's much easier draining pasta and vegetables with this large one.
ZYLISS Lock N' Lift Can Opener with Lid Lifter Magnet
This can opener is easy on the hands.
Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged Paring Knife, 3.5 Inch
Paring knives are perfect for small cutting jobs in the kithcen.
Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef's Knife, 8-Inch Chef's FFP
You only need one of these chefs knives.
Home Hero Silicone Cooking Utensils Kitchen Utensil Set - 8 Natural Acacia Wooden Silicone Kitchen Utensils Set - Silicone Utensil Set Spatula Set - Silicone Utensils Cooking Utensil Set
These silicone utensils won't scratch your skillets or pots.
OXO Good Grips 2-Cup Angled Measuring Cup
Skp the one cup measuring cup, just get the 2 cup. Use this for measuring liquids.
New Star Foodservice 42917 Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons and Cups Combo, Set of 8, Silver
Use cups for dry goods. This set comes with the measuring spoons too!
AmazonBasics 8-Piece Non-Stick Kitchen Cookware Set, Pots and Pans
A great beginner set of pots and skillets for the new cook.
HOT TARGET Set of 3-7, 9, 12 inches, Multi-Color, Heavy Duty, Non-Stick, Stainless Steel Silicone BBQ and Kitchen Tongs (Can Also Be Used as BBQ Turners), (Pack of 3, Multi Color)
Use these tongs for flipping foods and grabbing hot items.
KitchenAid KC351OHGSA Shears with Soft Grip Handles, One Size, Storm Gray
These kitchen shears are useful for chopping herbs.
esLife Grater for Kitchen, 3 Pack Zester Stainless Steel, Kitchen Tool for Cheese, Lemon,chocolate, Ginger, Potato, Vegetable & Fruit
I use this grater for hard cheeses, citrus peels and ginger.
Stainless Steel Potato Masher - Ergonomic Design, Sturdy Construction, Long&Comfortable Grip - Manual Masher by Fecinux
I use this style masher because it's great for beans too.
Click below for a printable list of the Irish Pantry
Resources
- Irish cuisine by Wikipedia
- Irish Cheese by Wikipedia