How do you celebrate St Patrick's Day? A holiday that hails from Ireland, people worldwide - especially in the United States - always celebrate by wearing green. After all, with the superstitions that come with it, not wearing green is sure to get you pinched. But why stop with clothing? We dye rivers green. We make eggs green. We drink green beer. We wear hats, t-shirts, earrings, and necklaces that support the holiday - in green. We decorate our homes and offices. There are jokes and movies about the holiday - some even a little traumatizing, like the horror-movie, Leprechaun. Why don't we use this day as a way of trying new dinner ideas to celebrate St Patrick's Day? Why We Celebrate St Patrick's Day St Patrick's Day in its true form is rather somber, as it was the celebration of Saint Patrick's death. He was kidnapped and enslaved, only to escape and bring Christianity to the pagan island of Ireland. For years it has been a religious holiday that is observed by various churches. The shamrock is even said to be in honor of the holy trinity - and the green attire is because of that shamrock's color. So, how did St Patrick's Day turn into a party in the U.S? Over the years, it has evolved into celebratory feasts and parades, celebrating Irish heritage in general. And, of course, there are so many superstitions, such as good luck for finding a 4-leaf clover, wearing green, finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, and more. This year, as St Patrick's day approaches on March 17th, let's celebrate St Patrick and Ireland with these great dinner ideas. St Patrick's Day Dinner Ideas Traditional or something new, St Patrick's Day dinner ideas are hearty and delicious - and will always pair well with green beer. Corned-Beef Hash Put on your green outfit and head into the kitchen to start your day right with some corned-beef hash. Corned beef chopped or shredded, fried with peeled and diced potatoes, onion, mustard, and garlic, served alongside poached eggs and toast is delicious. It is the best way to kick off the celebrations - and get something in your stomach before the partying begins. Save some leftovers - because corned beef hash is the perfect way to end your day, too! Guinness Beef Stew One of the traditional, hearty meals served on St Patrick's Day is beef stew. It is truly comfort food. We've learned over the years that by adding Guinness beer, you give the sauce an incredibly rich flavor which leads to tender beef that falls apart. If you prefer, you can always sub out the beef with lamb, which is the more traditional way of doing it. Cook it in the slow cooker and have it ready to go either in the morning - or after your day of celebrating. Corned Beef and Cabbage Another very popular dish for St Patrick's Day dinner idea is a crockpot corned beef and cabbage. Fill a crockpot with corned beef, carrots, new potatoes, onion, cabbage, the beer of your choice, and a few other key ingredients. And let it cook all day. The flavors will combine, and everything will become soft and tender so that it just melts in your mouth. Corned beef and cabbage is a traditional dish eaten on this holiday, and there are many recipes out there that claim to be the best. Play around with the recipe to make it the most satisfying to your taste buds. Slow cooker not your thing? You can also bake it on low in the oven for a few hours. Shepherd's Pies with Lamb Shepherd's pie is a filling and delicious meal in itself. It is easy to eat with all the different ingredients combined into a casserole-like pie. Traditional versions use mashed potatoes and ground beef, as well as peas and some vegetables. However, this recipe is created with lamb, leeks, and swiss chard alongside traditional ingredients. Baked and served, each in its own ramekin, make it a great option for get-togethers and parties. Or, just for your family to enjoy on the holiday. Irish Bangers and Mash This dish is a quick and easy - yet, very Irish - meal. If you forgot to wear green and found yourself subjected to pinching all day, there is a good chance you may have forgotten to gather the ingredients for a lamb stew or corned beef and cabbage. Don't fret - you can still enjoy a real Irish meal. Banger and mash is a dish of Irish sausage (beef, pork, or lamb) smothered in onion gravy and served over mashed potatoes. For the best taste, you need to make the onion gravy from scratch. Again, pure comfort food. Don't forget the side of sweet peas! Mix a little in with each bite, and you'll understand why you need them on your plate! Corned Beef and Pumpernickel Sandwiches Sometimes, you just don't want a hearty meal - and that's ok. Does that mean you are kicked out of celebrating St. Patty's Day? Absolutely not. This corned beef and pumpernickel sandwich with pickled mustard will give you all the Irish feels you need for the day. You combine dijon mustard, gherkins, and capers together and use them as a spread for the sliced corned beef sandwich. Add some lettuce, swiss cheese, and pumpernickel bread slices, and you've got yourself a holiday in sandwich form! Irish Cream Brownie Trifles If you'd like to finish off your meal with something sweet - then don't miss these Irish cream brownie trifles. Brownie chunks with Irish cream-laced pudding, topped with chocolate shavings - you can't ask for something more decadent to celebrate St Patrick's Day. Indulge yourself! As you head out this St Patrick's day to enjoy the festivities in your community, don't let the fun stop there. Allow yourself to feel the Irish and Irish-American culture by dining on some of the popular meals. Now all you have to do is decide which one you will make. Whatever you decide, don't forget to don your green apron in the kitchen!
