With European cuisine and comfort foods both in demand with consumers, Irish cuisine is perfectly poised to trend. Known for its hearty dishes, familiar ingredients, and simple staples, Irish cuisine can appeal to a wide range of consumer preferences. The cooking techniques used in Irish cuisine and the focus on fresh, local ingredients make Irish inspired offerings ideal for tapping into the heritage cooking trend. As most foods and flavors from Ireland have yet to gain widespread popularity, there is an abundance of opportunities for brands and foodservice operators to innovate with Irish cuisine.
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we’re taking a closer look at how protein brands can draw inspiration from Irish cuisine for LTOs and new product launches that consumers will feel lucky to try. Keep reading for our experts’ takes on how to innovate with Irish ingredients and dishes.
Get Inspired by Traditional Irish Dishes
When people think of St. Patrick’s Day, they often think of corned beef and cabbage. While corned beef is commonly consumed in Ireland, the dish associated with this beloved holiday is an Irish American take on boiled bacon and cabbage, another classic dish from Ireland. Right now, consumers are obsessed with finding foods to celebrate specific occasions, and they’re expecting brands to introduce products and menu items that allow them to do just that. Help consumers celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with classic Irish proteins, like corned beef or boiled bacon.
Proteins are the star of the show in many traditional Irish dishes. Irish stew and Irish shepherd’s pie, for example, feature hearty lamb or
beef, while the Irish version of bangers and mash features pork sausage. Chicken and lamb also take center stage in Irish pub curries. Consider drawing inspiration from these dishes for LTOs and new products that will satisfy consumers’ desires for global eating experiences.
Innovate with Irish Ingredients & Cooking Techniques
In Ireland, it’s not uncommon to feature alcoholic beverages, like stout, whiskey, beer, and cider, as ingredients in everything from stews to braising liquids. As Ireland is known for its alcohol, incorporating the flavors of these beverages into protein products makes for an authentic and flavorful way to celebrate Irish cuisine. Think cider braised lamb shanks, maple stout BBQ meatballs, chicken wings in an Irish whiskey cream sauce, or beer braised pulled pork.
Preparations for proteins in Irish dishes include roasting, braising, boiling, and stewing. Brands may consider drawing upon these techniques for Irish inspired products and menu items. Consumers will be excited to experience familiar proteins in new and different ways.
Feeling inspired by Irish cuisine? Contact us today to see how Fuchs can help you make something special.