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The Ultimate Spice Bag Recipe

The spice bag is a beloved Irish takeaway dish that combines fried meat, crispy fries, and a flavorful blend of aromatic spices. This recipe guides you through crafting the perfect spice bag, with tips and tricks to achieve the ultimate balance of textures and flavors.
spice bag recipe
👥 Servings 4
Prep Time 20 minutes
🍳 Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 lb russet or Yukon Gold potatoes cut into thin fries
  • 1 onion sliced
  • 1 bell pepper sliced
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper or to taste
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Vegetable or peanut oil for frying

Instructions

  • Prepare the Protein: Rinse the chicken or pork and pat it dry with paper towels. Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes.
  • Prepare the Fries: Peel the potatoes and cut them into thin, even fries, about 1/4-inch thick. Place the fries in a bowl of cold water to prevent discoloration.
  • Make the Spice Blend: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir to mix well.
  • Fry the Protein: In a large, heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven, heat about 2-3 inches of oil to 350°F. Working in batches, fry the chicken or pork pieces for 4-6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain the fried protein on a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Fry the Fries: Drain the potato fries and pat them dry with paper towels. Carefully add the fries to the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until lightly golden. Drain the fries on a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine the fried protein, fries, onion, and bell pepper. Sprinkle the spice blend over the top and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Serve the spice bag fresh and hot, either in a paper cone or on a plate. Encourage your guests to dig in with their hands for the full authentic experience.

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 550
  • Total Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 30g