A Savory Dish from the Emerald Isle
You sit down in a cozy pub. The server hands you a menu. It’s still morning, so you’re looking for something classic…eggs, bacon, you know the drill. Right near the top of the menu is a “Full Irish Breakfast”. Sounds good, let’s take a look at what's in it.
Eggs? Check.
Bacon? Check.
Sausage? Check.>
Black Pudding? Hang on…
The Origins of Black Pudding
Black pudding goes back to early farming communities where wasting food wasn’t an option. This blood sausage, made from pork or beef blood, oatmeal, and seasonings, was a practical and nutritious way to use every part of an animal, including the blood. For centuries, it’s been a key part of rural diets, especially in colder months when high-calorie, nutrient-dense foods were needed.
Today, black pudding is still enjoyed across Ireland and it has even found its way onto gourmet menus around the world. Once a simple, rustic dish, black pudding is now recognized as a delicacy.
We mentioned the ingredients—pork blood, oats or barley, spices, and fat. These components are all mixed together and put into a sausage casing. After being cooked, the result is a dense, savory, and slightly spicy sausage with an earthy flavor. Black pudding often comes in tubes and rings. The proper presentation is slightly different from other sausages. The chef will slice the sausage into smaller discs that can be cooked and fried until they are slightly crispy.
Don’t let the idea of “blood” sausage throw you off. It’s actually milder than you might expect. But we get it, if you can’t get over the idea of pork blood, you can opt for white pudding. This version is made from all of the same ingredients, but without the pork blood.
Nutritional Benefits of Black Pudding
Black Pudding is more than just a tasty treat—it’s a nutrition powerhouse. Packed with protein and iron, it’s a great option for those looking for a nutrient-dense food. This is just one of the reasons why Irish farmers relied on it to fuel them for long days in the field during hot summers and cold winters. It’s especially beneficial for people who may be prone to iron deficiency, like those with anemia.
Black pudding can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, especially when paired with other nutritious foods.
How This Dish is Enjoyed Today
Traditionally, black pudding is a key component of the Full Irish Breakfast, where it’s fried alongside eggs, bacon, sausage, and other breakfast staples. But it’s not just for breakfast anymore! Chefs around the world are finding creative ways to incorporate it into modern dishes.
The versatility means it can be enjoyed in both traditional and creative dishes, making it a fun ingredient to experiment with at home.
Here are a few of our favorite ways to incorporate black pudding into breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Starting in the morning, there’s nothing better than waking up and tucking into a full Tommy Moloney’s Irish Breakfast. Skip the sugary cereals and give yourself enough energy to last the whole day.
If you’re looking for something light, but still has a savory snap, try a Mushroom and Black Pudding Salad. You can trust us when we say there is nothing better on a lazy summer or slightly crisp fall afternoon.
For lunch and dinner, try Tommy Moloney’s Black Pudding and Goat Cheese Frittata. The protein-packed pudding is offset with the light and airy taste of goat cheese for a delicious midday meal. The best part? This can be made ahead and reheated in just a few minutes!
Where to Find the Best Black Pudding
Don’t worry about booking a flight to Ireland to try black pudding—Tommy Moloney’s can bring it to you! Order our award-winning recipe online for delivery to the continental United States.
