St. Patrick’s Day is often celebrated with green beer, sugary treats, and heavy comfort foods, but while a shamrock cookie is a fun treat, traditional Irish cuisine is deeply rooted in real, nourishing ingredients. The ancestral Irish diet relied on whole foods like grass-fed meats, root vegetables, leafy greens, and fermented dairy—nutrient-dense staples that align perfectly with a Simply28 real food lifestyle.
In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of an ancestral Irish diet, share my Paleo Shepherd’s Pie recipe from The Simply28 Real Food Cookbook, teach you how to make healthy homemade corned beef without processed additives, and link to my Simply28 Healthy Shamrock Shake—a naturally sweetened, dairy-free take on the classic St. Paddy’s treat.
The Health Benefits of an Ancestral Irish Diet
Traditional Irish foods were simple yet packed with nutrition, supporting strong bodies and lasting energy. Here are some staples of ancestral Irish cuisine and their health benefits:
- Grass-Fed Meats (Beef, Lamb, Pork): Irish livestock were pasture-raised, providing high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins like B12 and iron.
- Root Vegetables (Turnips, Carrots, Parsnips, Potatoes): These were hearty, fiber-rich staples that fueled energy levels and supported gut health.
- Cabbage & Other Cruciferous Vegetables: Loaded with antioxidants and detoxifying compounds, cabbage was a key part of Irish meals.
- Seafood (Salmon, Mussels, Oysters): Coastal communities thrived on wild-caught fish and shellfish, rich in omega-3s and minerals like iodine.
- Fermented Dairy (Raw Milk, Buttermilk, Cheese): Raw dairy was traditionally consumed for its probiotic and calcium content.
By embracing these whole, nutrient-dense ingredients, we can honor Irish culinary traditions in a way that aligns with modern health-conscious choices.
Paleo Shepherd’s Pie
This Paleo Shepherd’s Pie is a delicious, hearty dish that replaces the classic white potato topping with a creamy cauliflower puree for a nutrient-dense, lower-glycemic option. This recipe is featured in The Simply28 Real Food Cookbook and is a perfect comfort meal for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day!
Here is a list of the ingredients. Click here for the full recipe!
Ingredients:
Filling:
- 1 lb Ground Beef or Ground Lamb
- 1 cup Onion, chopped
- 2 Carrots, diced
- 2 Stalks Celery, diced
- 2 Cloves Garlic, finely minced
- 2-3 Leaves Lacinato Kale, stem removed and finely sliced
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- 1 Tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Arrow Root Powder
- ½ tsp Thyme
- Salt & Pepper
- Olive Oil
Topping:
- 1 head Cauliflower or 32 oz bag
- 3 Tbsp Butter
- 1 Egg
- Salt & Pepper
Healthy Homemade Corned Beef (Without Additives)
Store-bought corned beef is often loaded with nitrates, preservatives, and excess sodium. Making your own at home is surprisingly simple and allows you to control the ingredients while still enjoying the deep, savory flavors of this Irish classic.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb grass-fed beef brisket
- 4 cups water
- ¼ cup sea salt
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp mustard seeds
- 1 tbsp black peppercorns
- 1 tsp allspice berries
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground cloves
Instructions:
- Brining the Brisket:
- In a pot, combine water, salt, sugar, mustard seeds, peppercorns, allspice, garlic, bay leaves, ginger, and cloves. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Place the brisket in a glass container or large resealable bag and pour the cooled brine over it. Cover and refrigerate for 5-7 days, flipping the brisket once per day.
- Cooking the Corned Beef:
- After brining, rinse the brisket well under cold water.
- Place it in a pot with fresh water, adding an extra bay leaf, a few cloves, and peppercorns.
- Simmer gently for 3-4 hours, until fork-tender.
- Slice and serve with sautéed cabbage and root vegetables for a true Irish meal.
This homemade version skips the artificial preservatives while delivering all the rich, traditional flavors!
Simply28 Healthy Shamrock Shake
No St. Patrick’s Day celebration is complete without a Shamrock Shake—but the fast-food version is loaded with sugar, artificial colors, and processed ingredients. Instead, try my Simply28 Healthy Shamrock Shake, a naturally sweetened, dairy-free, and nutrient-packed alternative.
Get the full recipe here: [Insert link to recipe on your website]
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day the Real Food Way!
By choosing real, nourishing ingredients, you can enjoy the flavors of traditional Irish cuisine while supporting your health. Whether it’s a warm dish of Paleo Shepherd’s Pie, homemade corned beef without additives, or a refreshing Healthy Shamrock Shake, these recipes bring the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day to your table—without the processed junk.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to ya! 🍀
