Delicious and Healing: Exploring the World of Irish Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) Recipes

For individuals navigating autoimmune diseases, dietary choices play a crucial role in managing symptoms and promoting healing. The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet, a specialized approach within the Paleo framework, aims to reduce inflammation and support gut health by eliminating potential trigger foods. This article delves into the realm of Irish-inspired AIP recipes, offering a flavorful and comforting way to adhere to the protocol while celebrating the culinary traditions of Ireland.

St. Patrick's Day AIP Style: Festive and Healing Recipes

When following the AIP, festive occasions can sometimes feel restrictive. However, St. Patrick's Day doesn't have to be one of them! There are numerous AIP-friendly recipes that capture the spirit of the holiday while remaining compliant with the diet. These recipes often incorporate green ingredients and creative substitutions to deliver both flavor and fun.

Green Goodness: Examples of AIP St. Patrick's Day Recipes

• AIP Irish Stew: A classic dish reimagined with AIP-friendly ingredients. Celeriac replaces traditional potatoes, offering a hearty and nutritious base for this comforting stew.
• AIP Zucchini Bread: The green specks from zucchini add a festive touch to this delicious bread, making it a perfect snack or breakfast option.
• AIP Shepherd's Pie: This stunning dish is a feast for the eyes and the palate, featuring a flavorful ground meat base topped with a creamy vegetable mash.
• Chilled Zucchini Soup: A light and refreshing soup that's perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
• Matcha Lattes: A creamy and dreamy beverage that provides a fun and festive pick-me-up.
• Green Smoothies: Frozen mango adds a tropical twist to this vibrant smoothie, making it a kid-friendly way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

Reimagining Irish Classics for the AIP Diet

Traditional Irish cuisine often includes ingredients that are excluded during the elimination phase of the AIP diet, such as potatoes, dairy, and nightshades. However, with some creative substitutions, it's possible to enjoy AIP-friendly versions of beloved Irish dishes.

AIP Irish Beef Stew: A Hearty and Healing Staple

This AIP Irish Beef Stew is perfect for an autoimmune-friendly Saint Patrick’s Day celebration, or for any day of the year! Traditionally, Irish Stew uses lamb, but lamb is difficult to come by, and it’s definitely not the most economical meat choice. If you have the ability and the means to purchase lamb for this recipe, please do! Traditional Irish Stew also includes white potatoes. So, to make this AIP Irish Beef Stew AIP-friendly, white sweet potatoes are used instead. Some Irish Stew recipes also include things like tomatoes, tomato paste, and/or red wine. But, in the interest of keeping this recipe AIP-compliant and as simple as possible, these ingredients are omitted.

Recipe Highlights:

• Key Ingredients: Beef, carrots, white sweet potatoes, onion, garlic, coconut aminos, thyme, and bone broth.
• Substitutions: White sweet potatoes replace traditional potatoes, and coconut aminos provide a savory flavor without soy.
• Preparation: The stew can be made in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop. The meat is browned, then simmered with vegetables and broth until tender.

Instant Pot Instructions:

1. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté and add the avocado oil.
2. Turn the Instant Pot off and add the chopped onion, garlic, coconut aminos, sea salt, thyme, bay leaf and broth. Seal and set to the stew setting for 30 minutes. When the cooking cycle is complete, do a quick release of the pressure, taking care not to burn yourself on the steam.
3. Remove the bay leaf, and add the chopped carrots and white sweet potato. Seal the Instant Pot and set to high pressure for 4 minutes. When the cooking cycle is complete, do a quick release of the pressure again, taking care not to burn yourself on the steam.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a starchy side dish like AIP Irish Soda Bread or AIP Biscuits.
• If white sweet potatoes are unavailable, regular orange sweet potatoes, parsnips, or rutabagas can be substituted, but the flavor will be different. If you tolerate potatoes, you could also swap in regular ol’ potatoes.

Irish Colcannon: A Comforting Mash with a Twist

This version of Irish Colcannon (AIP/Paleo) uses both kale and cabbage. The word colcannon actually refers to white cabbage (according to research). If you are like many, using potatoes is a no-go because potatoes are a nightshade. So, white sweet potatoes are used here. If white sweet potatoes are not available where you live, see if you can find Japanese yams (purple-y skin, white flesh). They will work just as well. You won’t need any special equipment for this recipe - except a potato masher. If, however, you prefer your mashed potatoes to be very smooth, using an immersion blender is recommended.

Read also: Healthy Irish Cuisine

Recipe Highlights:

• Key Ingredients: White sweet potatoes, kale, cabbage, leeks, coconut milk, olive oil, and mace.
• Substitutions: White sweet potatoes replace traditional potatoes.
• Flavor Enhancers: Leeks, kale, and cabbage add depth of flavor and nutritional value. Mace, derived from the same plant as nutmeg, provides a warm and aromatic spice.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes in a large saucepan of water until they slide off easily when pierced with a knife.
2. While potatoes are boiling, place 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium low heat. Add leeks. Stir occasionally, and keep an eye on them.
3. When the potatoes are done boiling, drain them. Add coconut milk, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and salt. Mash with a potato masher, or use an immersion blender to whip them to smoothness.
4. After mashing potatoes, turn heat under the leeks to medium high. Add cabbage, and sauté for 1 minute. Add kale, and sauté until wilted, but still bright green.
5. Add greens and mace to the mashed potatoes. Stir to combine. Taste for salt, and adjust if necessary.

Time-Saving Tip: Start your water boiling first. Then prep all your ingredients so you’ll have everything ready. Things will go much smoother this way.

Hearty Irish Lamb Stew: A Flavorful and Nutrient-Rich Dish

This hearty lamb stew replaces potatoes with white sweet potatoes. Sprinkle in the thyme.

Recipe Highlights:

• Key Ingredients: Lamb shoulder, coconut oil, red onions, garlic, celery, carrots, thyme, bone broth, turnips, celeriac, and parsley.
• Preparation: The lamb is browned, then simmered with vegetables and bone broth until tender. Celeriac adds a unique texture and flavor.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Heat a large heavy based lidded casserole (Dutch oven). Add the lamb in small batches and brown the pieces all over, putting aside in a medium sized bowl as you go.
3. Once the meat is browned and removed, add the tablespoon of fat to the casserole, together with the onion wedges, garlic, celery and carrots and cook, stirring from time to time, on a medium heat for 3-4 minutes until slightly singed. If at any point your pan is looking overly brown and parched, a tablespoon of water will help release the sediment, so quickly scrape it up and incorporate into the vegetables before the moisture has evaporated. This adds extra flavour!
4. Now pour in the broth, throw in the thyme, cover with a lid and place in the oven for 1 hour.
5. Remove the casserole from the oven and add the turnips. Replace the lid and cook for a further 30 minutes.
6. Take the stew out of the oven again and add the riced celeriac. Put it back into the oven (again, with the lid on) and cook for a final 16-18 minutes or until the celeriac is slightly softened, with just a little bite.
7. Discard the now leafless thyme stalks, ladle the stew into large bowls and scatter parsley over the top.
8. Serve with collard greens, sautéed in coconut oil (or other solid fat) and extra slices of garlic if you like.

AIP Ground Beef Recipes: Versatile and Convenient

Ground beef is a versatile and accessible protein source that can be incorporated into a wide variety of AIP-friendly dishes. The following is a round-up of AIP Ground Beef Recipes shares the 29 best Autoimmune Protocol ground beef recipes with you - to make delicious, healthy meals that much easier and more accessible! Being AIP, the following recipes are nut-free, dairy-free, egg-free and anti-inflammatory in other subtle ways, too. A lot of them are also Low FODMAP, which I’ve labeled so you know which ones.

Why Choose Grass-Finished Ground Beef?

If it’s grass-finished, the answer is YES! You want beef that’s been raised on pesticide-free grass its whole life, not just for a short time (like most grass-fed beef). If you’re able to get grass-finished ground beef, then it’s high in omega-3 fatty acids! Grass-finished beef purchased directly from the farmer is more affordable. Ask around to see who might be growing regenerative beef in your town or a nearby city.

Featured AIP Ground Beef Recipes

1. Hamburger Macaroni Pasta: Hamburger, pasta and a super simple sauce make such a great comfort food dinner. You can’t go wrong with this classic combination, and it’s SO nice to have pasta on AIP. (Low FODMAP)
2. Coconut Ground Beef Curry with Turmeric: This is that meal change-up we’re all looking for - curry for dinner, but easy, too! So good. This recipe is one of the most popular on the blog and THE most popular AIP ground beef recipe on the internet, woohoo. (Low FODMAP)
3. Dill Pickle-Ground Beef Soup: Dill Pickle-Ground Beef Soup is the perfect bowl of comfort food each fall, winter and spring - when we want hearty food that’s also sprightly - gives us a spring in our step! Full of nutritious and fun ingredients, you can even make this delicious soup for guests: Everyone loves it! A new reader favorite!
4. Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage, Apples and Cranberries: Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage, Apples and Cranberries is a delicious, exciting meal that celebrates fall and winter foods and coziness. This recipe is versatile because it allows you to use ground beef, which is what I use myself when I make it. Don’t be surprised when you click through: The main title says “Baked Potatoes”, but just pop on down to the Notes section below the recipe to see the AIP version made with acorn squash.
5. Paleo AIP Shepherd’s Pie: An easy sauté of ground beef and veggies gets topped with fabulous Mashed Parsnips, and baked until browned around the edges. Slice into squares, and serve with freshly minced parsley. Easy, impressive and comfortingly Irish. There is nothing like a casserole! Pop it in the oven, clean up the kitchen, relax, and then serve when it’s ready with a little easy side salad.
6. AIP Mexican Ground Beef (Tacos or Taco Salad): Serve this exciting spiced beef in a big compliant taco salad, or make tacos with these Plantain Taco Shells, Avocado Crema and nightshade-free Strawberry Pico de Gallo, for a truly incredible meal.
7. Beef and Apple Breakfast Sausages: It’s about time that more of us start enjoying beef for breakfast! 🙂
8. Asian Beef Bowl: One my family always welcomes, this meal comes together in just 15 minutes with great Asian flavors.
9. Meat Stock from Ground Beef: Need a quick broth (stock) that’s full of flavor and quick to make? Look no further than affordable and easy to grab ground beef! This wonderful stock can be made on the stove top or in the Instant Pot. And you’ll love how rich and delicious it is. (Low FODMAP)
10. Sausage Biscuits: The original recipe uses turkey or pork, but we’ve started making these with beef, and they’re fabulous. A savory pastry in your hand, meets burger, I guess! Lovely and so satisfying.
11. Biscuits and Gravy: This comfort food main dish recipe includes making a wonderful AIP Gravy and lovely (newly updated) AIP Biscuits. The beef’s in the gravy for a delicious comfort food meal.
12. Italian Sausage Pasta: My teenage son and his best friend love this pasta dish. It’s hearty, has lots of interesting ingredients, and it fills you up! Make it as a loose pasta dish, or make the AIP Cheese to make it into a casserole. You’ll sub beef into this recipe for the pork, for a healthier meal, and one that’s still fully Italian. (Yes, AIP-compliant artichoke hearts are now available!)
13. Beef, Apples and Onions Hash: The original recipe uses ground turkey, but we love this one with beef, too. Beef and sauteed onions are always good. Added apples bring a sweetness that reminds me of good Jewish cooking. (Optional: Add chopped dried fruit to accentuate this, in the last few minutes of cooking: prunes or apricots are the most traditional.)
14. Best AIP Chili Recipe: This Best AIP Chili Recipe gives you the gentle comfort food heat and spice + all the rich cozy deliciousness you want from hearty Southwest food, but without the nightshades or legumes … and with a Low FODMAP option.
15. White Minestrone Soup: Follow the AIP instructions for this white version of minestrone, but sub ground beef for the ground turkey.
16. Paleo AIP Ground Beef and Carrots: Paleo AIP Ground Beef and Carrots is a new favorite dinner. With one of the gentlest veggies that’s anti-inflammatory and fits most diets, carrots! - a veggie that also caramelizes - plus, the richness and joy of affordable ground beef, this one-pan dish and the sauce are just so welcome, comforting and delicious. Includes a make ahead/meal prep option. (Low FODMAP)
17. Paleo Ground Beef Gyros: In this recipe, you’ll sub ground beef for the ground turkey. A very fun AIP meal, and a nice change from the usual. (Low FODMAP)
18. Sheet Pan Teriyaki Meatballs: Sheet Pan Teriyaki Meatballs use either ground turkey or ground beef. Baked with a medley of veggies and an incredibly delicious Teriyaki Sauce, this sheet pan dinner is easy to bake and serve. (No sides needed.)
19. Zucchini Galette: Savory galettes are right up there with our favorite dinners! Like pizza, but made with pastry dough and no cheese, this recipe works so well for the AIP diet. Sub ground beef for the ground sausage. (Low FODMAP)
20. Beef and Savory Herb Muffins: Paleo AIP Beef & Savory Herb Muffins are an awesome combination of both meat and carbs, a meal in your hand! Serve for breakfast, lunch, snack or dinner. Grab and go, or serve with a salad, and eat it with a fork and knife.
21. Ground Beef and Parsnip Poppers: Ground Beef and Parsnip Poppers are delicious crispy savory treats, perfect on their own or for dipping. Lovely for dinner, an appetizer, lunch, leftovers or even for breakfast or brunch.
22. Potsticker Soup: This is one more recipe that does really well with ground beef being subbed in for another ground meat, in this case pork. Potsticker Soup in the most popular recipe on the blog, and ground beef just makes it healthier. You will love this recipe.
23. AIP Sheet Pan Pizza: Super fun and delicious, sub ground beef into this recipe for the ground pork.
24. Asian Meatballs Sheet Pan Dinner: Different than the Teriyaki meatballs recipe above, this one features cabbage, daikon and a Lemon-Mint Pistou sauce to pour over …
25. Carrot and Beef Pie: Carrot and Beef Pie is a savory pie that’s made of two simple layers, and no extra ingredients: deliciously seasoned ground beef on the bottom, and a lovely carrot top - a bit like a shepherd’s pie, but much simpler (and Low FODMAP).
26. AIP Burgers and Fries Sheet Pan Dinner: Forget that you’re on a restricted diet with this dinner. It cooks itself and ends up being one of the yummiest dinners! One of my personal favorites. (Low FODMAP)
27. Paleo AIP 7-Layer Dip: Such a fun recipe! Everything’s compliant for AIP, so pull up a chair and chow down, or enjoy this one standing as a party appetizer.
28. Spaghetti with Meat Sauce: Cook up a batch of No-Tomato Sauce or “Nomato” (this sauce is so DELICIOUS); cook up some ground beef in a pan; combine the two. Pour over cooked Jovial Cassava Pasta. (See how to cook cassava pasta in your Instant Pot here.) One of my favorite dinners!
29. Zucchini Ginger Bisque Soup: See the section on how to garnish this soup, to find the ground beef version. Make this delicious spicy veggie soup, and add ground beef, for a hearty, healthy, easy meal. (Low FODMAP)

Sweet Potato Cakes: A Versatile AIP Side Dish

These potato cakes are savory and crispy on the outside with a luscious, creamy center. This recipe calls for white sweet potatoes - they’re slightly less sweet and a bit more like a traditional potato.

Read also: Successful Weight Loss Stories

Recipe Highlights:

• Key Ingredients: White sweet potatoes, avocado oil or coconut oil.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
2. Divide into 6 balls (use your hands or a cookie scoop).
3. Add a good drizzle of avocado oil or coconut oil to a large skillet, and warm over medium heat. Once the pan is hot and oil is glistening, add the sweet potato cake balls directly to the pan and squish them down a bit to form a patty. You may need to cook these in two batches, depending on how large your skillet is. I fit all 6 patties in a 12″ skillet , no problem. If you do need to cook in batches, be sure to add oil to the pan in between batches and allow it to heat up again. * These potato cakes are pretty sticky and will stick to the pan if there isn’t enough oil. *To reheat, warm a skillet over medium-low, add a small drizzle of oil and heat the potato cakes through for just a few minutes, until warm* If you don’t have any pre-made mashed sweet potatoes, just peel and chop a few white sweet potatoes, cover with water in a saucepan and boil for a few minutes, until potato chunks are easily pierced with a fork.

Navigating the AIP Diet: Key Considerations

• Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods: Prioritize whole, unprocessed foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Read Labels Carefully: Be vigilant about hidden ingredients that may not be AIP-compliant.
• Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how different foods affect your symptoms and adjust your diet accordingly.
• Work with a Healthcare Professional: Consult with a doctor or registered dietitian to create a personalized AIP plan that meets your individual needs.

Read also: Low-Carb Irish Cream

tags: #Irish #autoimmune #diet #recipes