There’s something about the humble potato that just speaks to the soul, isn’t there? And when it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the simple yet enchanting magic of colcannon.
Imagine—fluffy potatoes mingling with buttery cabbage and scallions, whispering tales of Irish hearths and hearty laughter. It’s like a warm hug on a drizzly day.
I remember stumbling upon this recipe during a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, where the air was filled with the sound of fiddles and laughter—and the aroma of something divine from the kitchen.
Ever since, it’s been my go-to when the world outside feels a bit too much. Plus, it’s a breeze to whip up, even when your mind is elsewhere—like pondering the latest episode of your favorite show or debating whether AI will ever truly understand the joy of a perfect potato.
So, if you’re ready to indulge in this rustic delight, let’s dive into the deliciousness that is colcannon.
Steps
- Place peeled and chopped potatoes in a pot, covering them with cold water by at least an inch. Add salt and bring the water to a boil. Cook the potatoes until they are easily pierced with a fork, about 15 to 20 minutes, then drain them in a colander.
- Return the pot to the stove over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the chopped greens to the pot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing them to wilt and release some moisture. Stir in the green onions and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour the milk or cream into the pot and mix well. Add the drained potatoes and reduce the heat to medium. Mash the potatoes with a fork or potato masher, combining them with the greens until well mixed. Season with salt to taste and serve hot, placing a knob of butter in the center for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 russet potatoes (2 to 2 1/2 pounds), peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
- Salt, to taste
- 5 to 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for serving
- 3 lightly packed cups chopped kale, cabbage, chard, or other leafy greens
- 3 green onions, minced (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 cup milk or cream
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1512 | Fat: 104g | Saturated Fat: 64g | Cholesterol: 300mg | Sodium: 516mg | Carbohydrates: 132g | Dietary Fiber: 16g | Sugars: 12g | Protein: 20g | Vitamin C: 100mg | Calcium: 280mg | Iron: 8mg | Potassium: 3508mg
FAQ
- What is Colcannon?
- Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish commonly enjoyed on St. Patrick’s Day. It combines creamy mashed potatoes with greens like kale or cabbage.
- How do you serve Colcannon?
- To serve Colcannon, create a small well in the center of the mashed potatoes and add a knob of butter. When eating, dip each forkful of Colcannon into the melted butter.
- Can I vary the ingredients in Colcannon?
- Yes, you can substitute half of the potatoes with parsnips or add ingredients like chives, leeks, or bacon for additional flavor.
- Are there any recommended cookbooks for traditional Irish cooking?
- Two excellent cookbooks on traditional Irish cooking are “Irish Traditional Cooking” by Darina Allen and “The Country Cooking of Ireland” by Colman Andrews.
- What are some other popular Irish dishes?
- Some other Irish favorites include Colcannon Soup, Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew, Corned Beef and Cabbage, and Irish Soda Bread.
Tips
- Consider substituting half of the potatoes with parsnips for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.
- Enhance the flavor by adding ingredients such as chives, leeks, or even crispy bacon.
- Ensure that the potatoes are well-drained after boiling to avoid a watery mash.
- When serving, create a small well in the mashed potatoes and add a pat of butter to melt into the dish for added richness.
Equipment
- Potato Masher – Useful for mashing the potatoes and mixing them with the greens.
- Medium Pot – Necessary for boiling the potatoes.
- Colander – For draining the boiled potatoes.
