Dublin Coddle Recipe

Dublin Coddle Recipe

Cook Time: 225 minutes

Step 1: Begin by cooking the bacon. In a Dutch oven or a large oven-safe pot with a lid, heat the bacon over medium heat. Turn it occasionally until evenly browned, which should take about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Once the bacon is browned, add 2 tablespoons of butter, the chopped onions, and a pinch of salt. Cook everything until the onions become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add the minced garlic and chopped green onions to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Pour in 1 cup of stout beer and raise the heat to high. Stir occasionally and let the beer reduce by about 75%. While the beer reduces, season the mixture with 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves, 1/4 cup of chopped Italian parsley, freshly ground black pepper, kosher salt, and a pinch of cayenne. Let the mixture simmer until the beer has reduced.

Step 5: Once the beer has reduced, add the peeled and halved Yukon Gold potatoes and 4 cups of chicken broth to the pot. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 6: Preheat your oven to 300F (150C). While the oven is heating, prick 6 large pork sausage links on both sides with a fork, and then add them on top of the other ingredients in the pot.

Step 7: Cover the pot with a lid and place it into the preheated oven. Let it cook for about 2 1/2 hours, allowing the flavors to fully develop and the sausage to cook through.

Step 8: After 2 1/2 hours, remove the lid and continue cooking uncovered for an additional hour. This step helps the stew to thicken and the flavors to concentrate even more.

Step 9: After the hour is up, take the pot out of the oven and skim any excess fat from the top before serving.

Step 10: If desired, garnish the Dublin Coddle with more chopped green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

This hearty Irish stew is perfect when served with a slice of warm Irish soda bread. Enjoy this comforting dish, whether you're at home after a long day or sharing it with loved ones!

Chefs Note: If you prefer, the stew can be simmered gently on the stovetop instead of being baked in the oven. You can use any raw pork sausage for this recipe, making it adaptable to your taste.

The Story Behind Dublin Coddle

Dublin Coddle is a hearty Irish stew with deep roots in the everyday life of Dubliners. Its name comes from the cooking method to coddle, meaning to cook slowly and gently, which perfectly describes how the dish was traditionally prepared. In old Dublin households, a pot of coddle would be simmering on the stove while one spouse was out enjoying the evening at the local pub. By the time they returned home, the stew would be ready to serve, making it both a practical and comforting meal. This slow-cooking tradition reflects the Irish approach to home-cooked food: simple, nourishing, and full of warmth.

Regional Characteristics

While the basic ingredientssausages, bacon, potatoes, and onionsremain constant, Dublin Coddle shows subtle regional variations within Ireland. In the city of Dublin, sausages are typically Irish pork bangers and paired with a dark stout to enhance the flavor, whereas in rural areas, local sausages or even leftover meats might be used. Some cooks add cabbage or root vegetables, giving the stew a slightly different texture and taste, but the essence of a slowly coddled, meaty stew remains a defining trait.

How Dublin Coddle Differs from Similar Dishes

Dublin Coddle is often compared to the traditional Irish stew, yet it has distinctive features that set it apart. Unlike Irish stew, which usually incorporates lamb or mutton and has a thicker broth, coddle emphasizes pork sausages and bacon, producing a more savory, slightly smoky flavor. The cooking process is longer and gentler, allowing the sausages to release their juices into the potatoes and onions, creating a delicate, rich broth. Its less about chunks of meat and more about melding flavors slowly.

Where Dublin Coddle is Traditionally Served

This dish is commonly found in Dublin pubs and homes alike. Historically, it was an everyday meal for working families, but today it also features prominently in St. Patricks Day celebrations. Many local pubs serve it with soda bread, making it a comforting and hearty choice for tourists and locals seeking authentic Irish flavors. It is also popular at family gatherings during colder months, as it warms both the body and the spirit.

Interesting Facts About Dublin Coddle

  • There is a white version of coddle where all ingredients are simply boiled together, and a brown version where meats are browned first for extra flavor.
  • The dish was considered a practical fix-it-and-forget-it meal; leftovers were prized because the flavors deepened over time.
  • Some recipes call for Guinness or other stouts to enrich the broth, though traditional versions used only water or light stock.
  • Coddle has inspired many modern variations, including vegetarian versions using smoked tofu or plant-based sausages, showing its adaptability.
  • It is celebrated not only for its flavor but also for its connection to Dublins cultural heritage, embodying warmth, simplicity, and communal dining.

In summary, Dublin Coddle is more than just a stewits a culinary emblem of Dublin life. Its slow-cooked, savory nature reflects Irish traditions of comfort, practicality, and communal enjoyment, making it a dish that resonates well beyond the borders of Ireland.

FAQ about Dublin Coddle Recipe

Yes, you can use other types of sausage, such as bratwurst or chicken sausage, but keep in mind that the flavor profile might change. It's important to use a sausage that holds its shape when cooked for best results.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months. When reheating, ensure it's heated thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Yes, you can make Dublin Coddle in a slow cooker. After sautéing the bacon and onions on the stove, add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the potatoes are tender and the sausage is fully cooked.

Yes, you can substitute the beer with a non-alcoholic beer or use a combination of beef or chicken broth for the liquid. The flavor will differ slightly, but the stew will still be delicious.

Dublin Coddle is traditionally served with crusty bread or Irish soda bread. The bread helps soak up the flavorful stew. You could also serve it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

While Yukon Gold potatoes work best due to their creamy texture, you can use other types of waxy potatoes, such as Red Bliss or fingerling potatoes. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets, as they may break apart too much.

If the stew turns out too salty, you can balance the flavors by adding a little more broth or water to dilute the saltiness. Another option is to add extra potatoes to absorb some of the salt.

Dublin Coddle should cook for about 3 1/2 hours in total: 2 1/2 hours covered in the oven, followed by an additional hour uncovered. You can adjust the time depending on your oven or stove, but the long, slow cook time is key to developing the deep flavors.

Yes, many people like to add carrots, parsnips, or cabbage to the stew. If you add carrots or other vegetables, it's best to add them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they don't become too soft.

This recipe contains bacon and sausage, which may not be suitable for people following vegetarian, vegan, or certain religious diets. You can substitute the bacon with plant-based options and choose a vegetarian sausage to make it more inclusive.

Comments

William Sanchez

02/20/2024 06:43:33 AM

I followed the recipe exactly but also included carrots along with the potatoes. My only feedback is that it doesn't actually serve 4 people as stated. With 2.5 lbs of sausage and 3 lbs of potatoes, my 2.4 lbs of Irish garlic sausage (picked up at the market for St. Patrick's Day) amounted to 10 links, similar in size to those Chef John used in the video. The dish turned out delicious, and I'm looking forward to enjoying the leftovers later on.

Michael Nguyen

09/12/2024 12:51:02 AM

Chef John is my go-to for foolproof recipes. His coddle recipe turned out perfectly when I followed it to a tee. One important tip I have is to refrain from adding salt initially. Taste first, and adjust with salt later if necessary, as the bacon and type of sausage you use already bring enough saltiness to the dish. The sausage and potatoes were incredibly flavorful, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a subtle malty bitterness that elevated the dish. I opted for 10 brats instead of the recommended 5, and I'm glad I did as it resulted in a wonderfully tender and delicious coddle that leaves you craving more. Overall, an excellent dish that exceeded my expectations.

Justin Mitchell

12/16/2023 12:48:52 AM

I absolutely adored this recipe! I couldn't locate Irish sausage, so I used regular bratwurst instead and enhanced it with corned beef spices, coriander, black pepper, and dried thyme. The result was simply amazing!

Betty Edwards

02/02/2024 09:21:56 AM

I am at a loss for words to express how amazing this recipe is. If I could, I would give it 10 stars. So, it's the day before St. Patrick's Day and I went to the local butcher for a pork sausage recommendation, and he suggested a Polish sausage! I wasn't sure if that was what Chef John had in mind, but it turned out to be perfect! I cut the sausages in half before adding them to the pot. I followed the recipe exactly, just cooked it entirely on my stove - simmering on the lowest setting for 2.5 hours covered, then uncovered for 35 minutes. Most of the potatoes were almost dissolved, and the texture was similar to split pea soup, but it was incredibly delicious and spicy! We literally cleaned our bowls. I usually love corned beef for St. Patrick's Day, but this might just surpass it! I will definitely make this recipe again, although it does require some time management - it's totally worth it! Thank you, Chef John!

Laura Rodriguez

09/22/2024 03:40:09 PM

I cooked up this dish for St. Patrick's Day, and it was a hit with my family! I went with Guinness Extra Stout and the flavor was absolutely fantastic. I also sliced the sausages diagonally so each bite of the stew was just the right size - no need for knives! We paired it with some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious liquid. The stew has a nice, hearty consistency. My family has already asked me to make it again, not just for St. Patrick's Day. Thanks for such a wonderful recipe!

Steven Brown

12/10/2022 03:19:19 PM

Absolutely loved this dish! I woke up craving it this morning and immediately set out to make it. My husband and I rushed to the store to gather all the ingredients, opting for Guinness Extra Stout since that was the only option available. We also decided to throw in a small head of cabbage during the last hour of cooking, as we are big fans of cabbage. Following the rest of the recipe as instructed, we can't wait to enjoy the leftovers.

Richard Allen

06/01/2023 04:32:58 PM

Chef John knocked it out of the park with this recipe. I followed every step to a tee except for the sausages. I could only get my hands on pre-cooked Irish Bangers, so I waited and added them in for the last hour of cooking to warm them up. The result was amazing! Thank you, Chef!

Nicholas Smith

10/20/2024 07:21:52 PM

Absolutely loved this dish! I didn't have fresh garlic or stout on hand, so I substituted with garlic powder and a porter. Surprisingly, it still turned out amazing. My husband now insists on having this in our meal rotation regularly. This recipe is like a classic "set it and forget it" - so simple and easy to make!

Jennifer Sanchez

12/09/2022 08:03:27 PM

This recipe is absolutely amazing! Thanks to the review suggesting to add cabbage during the last hour, I decided to also throw in some mushrooms. The end result is truly irresistible!

Gregory Sanchez

01/05/2024 04:05:39 PM

Wonderful dish! Chef John makes the process seem so effortless, and it truly is - as long as you have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go, just like he does. Preparation is key here, as it not only sets you up for success but also allows you to double-check that you have everything you need. Once that's done, it's smooth sailing ahead. I decided to add a bit more cayenne than Chef John suggested, simply because I like a bit of extra kick. I also threw in some shallots to the onion mix for added flavor. One thing to be cautious of is the salt content, as both bacon and chicken broth are already salty, as well as the butter. This dish is absolutely perfect for a cozy day indoors during a storm.

Joseph Cruz

09/17/2024 03:22:42 PM

Great experience! Even though I accidentally skipped step 1 by browning the bacon and then removing it to a paper towel without pouring off the drippings first, the end result was still fantastic. The onions were sautéed in the retained drippings, which added a lovely flavor to the coddle dish. However, the excess fat and salt content might not be suitable for individuals sensitive to grease or sodium.

Debra Johnson

09/03/2023 10:36:10 AM

I prepared this dish for our church's St. Patrick's Day potluck, and it was a hit with everyone, especially my family! It was a bit challenging to find Irish sausages, so I ended up making my own, but the end result was fantastic!

Joyce Mitchell

05/28/2025 06:18:16 PM

It literally melts in your mouth!

Steven Clark

01/02/2024 10:26:28 AM

I decided to give this recipe a try, which is unlike my usual practice. For years, I had been making corned beef and cabbage to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, only to later learn that it's not truly an Irish dish. So, I searched online for a recipe that authentically hailed from Ireland and would be a hit with everyone. This recipe fit the bill perfectly! It has now become my go-to dish for St. Patrick's Day, paired with Guinness beer bread. Making this meal feels like honoring my Irish heritage by simmering some delicious sausages in a fantastic stew.

Katherine Cruz

06/17/2024 11:53:06 PM

I have been using this recipe as my go-to choice for a meal other than Irish Stew ever since I found it last year. The entire family adores it, and it never lasts long in our house. The preparation is simple, with the bacon cooking first and then the reduction of the bacon/onion/stout mixture. It's a breeze to double the recipe for larger gatherings. Perfect comfort food for chilly, rainy days.

Jacob Adams

03/28/2023 10:45:29 PM

Delicious! My friend who loves potatoes, sausages, and bacon really enjoyed it. He's quite a picky eater, so that says a lot!

Mark Torres

03/24/2025 12:21:14 PM

I first tried making this dish on St. Patrick's Day 2023, and it was a huge success with me and my friends. I decided to make it again a few months later, and somehow it turned out even better - not sure why! This year, I prepared it right before St. Patrick's Day and once again everyone loved it. The flavors were absolutely amazing. Thank you!

Janet Lee

03/10/2024 02:57:41 PM

I prepared this dish today for St. Patrick's Day. Usually, we would have corned beef with cabbage, but we decided to switch things up. I must say, this recipe was absolutely fantastic. It has now become our new St. Paddy's Day tradition. Chef John has yet again knocked it out of the park with this recipe!

Carol Collins

02/18/2024 07:31:31 AM

This dish was absolutely delightful. After trying it, I decided to ditch my usual St. Patrick's Day menu - this is definitely a winner!

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