Colcannon Potatoes

Colcannon Potatoes is a classic Irish dish that has been passed down through generations. This recipe, originating from the author’s father’s family in Ireland, holds a special place in their St. Patrick’s Day menu. Alongside lamb chops, carrots, and soda bread, Colcannon Potatoes bring a taste of Irish tradition to the table.

The recipe requires 10 minutes of preparation time and 35 minutes of cooking time. It yields 12-16 servings, making it perfect for gatherings or larger meals. The dish begins by boiling shredded cabbage in water until tender. The cabbage is then drained, with the cooking liquid reserved. In a separate saucepan, potatoes are boiled until tender. Once cooked, the potatoes are mashed and combined with a mixture of milk and chopped green onions. The mashed potatoes are then blended with the cooked cabbage, seasoned with salt and pepper, and drizzled with melted butter. Finally, the dish is garnished with crumbled cooked bacon and minced fresh parsley.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 pounds cabbage, shredded
• 2 cups water
• 4 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup chopped green onions
• Salt and coarsely ground pepper to taste
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• Crumbled cooked bacon (optional)
• Minced fresh parsley (optional)

PREPARATION:

1. In a large saucepan, bring shredded cabbage and water to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until tender. Drain the cabbage, reserving the cooking liquid. Keep the cabbage warm.
2. Place the reserved cooking liquid and quartered potatoes in a large saucepan. Add enough additional water to cover the potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 15-17 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Drain the potatoes and keep them warm.
3. In a small saucepan, bring milk and chopped green onions to a boil. Remove from heat.
4. In a large bowl, mash the cooked potatoes. Add the milk and green onion mixture to the mashed potatoes and beat until blended. Stir in the cooked cabbage, salt, and coarsely ground pepper.
5. Drizzle the melted butter over the mashed potatoes and cabbage. Garnish with crumbled cooked bacon and minced fresh parsley, if desired.

YIELD: 12-16 servings

PREP TIME: 10 minutes

COOK TIME: 35 minutes

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon.
• Customize the dish by substituting kale for the cabbage.
• Adjust the seasoning of the colcannon potatoes by adding more salt and pepper according to taste.

TIPS:

• Serve colcannon potatoes as a side dish with traditional Irish mains such as lamb chops, corned beef, or roasted chicken.
• Add some grated Irish cheddar cheese to the mashed potatoes for an extra indulgent twist.
• Leftover colcannon potatoes can be enjoyed the next day as a delicious filling for potato cakes or used as a topping for shepherd’s pie.

Colcannon Potatoes, a classic Irish dish, hold a special place in the author’s St. Patrick’s Day menu. Passed down through their father’s family in Ireland, this recipe brings a taste of tradition to the table. Colcannon Potatoes are a delightful combination of mashed potatoes and tender cabbage, flavored with milk, green onions, and butter. The dish is garnished with crumbled cooked bacon and minced fresh parsley, adding extra flavor and visual appeal.

To make the dish, shredded cabbage is boiled until tender, drained, and kept warm. In a separate pot, potatoes are boiled until tender and then mashed with a mixture of milk and chopped green onions. The mashed potatoes are combined with the cooked cabbage, seasoned with salt and pepper, and drizzled with melted butter. Crumbled cooked bacon and minced fresh parsley can be added as optional garnishes for extra texture and taste.

Colcannon Potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses, such as lamb chops, corned beef, or roasted chicken. They provide a comforting and flavorful addition to any meal, not just on St. Patrick’s Day. Leftover colcannon potatoes can be repurposed the next day in potato cakes or used as a topping for shepherd’s pie.

Experience the heartiness and satisfaction of this Irish peasant dish, which has become a beloved classic. Whether enjoyed on a special occasion or as a comforting side dish, Colcannon Potatoes are sure to please and bring a taste of Irish tradition to your table.