Traditional Irish Colcannon Recipe
Today, we're exploring the comforting and hearty flavours of a beloved Irish dish: traditional Irish Colcannon recipe. This traditional recipe combines creamy mashed potatoes with sautéed greens, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavours that's perfect for any occasion.
History
Colcannon has deep roots in Irish history, often enjoyed during Halloween. Traditionally, charms like a ring, coin, or thimble were hidden in the dish, each symbolising different fortunes for the finder. A ring predicted marriage, a coin wealth, and a thimble spinsterhood. This playful tradition made Colcannon a favourite among families, bringing both deliciousness and a bit of fun to the dinner table.
Serving Suggestions
Colcannon is a versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains. Consider serving it alongside roasted meats such as lamb, beef, or pork for a complete meal. It also complements fish dishes beautifully. For a touch of freshness, add a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for an added pop of colour and flavour.
Storing Instructions
To store leftovers, place the colcannon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When freezing, consider portioning it out for easier reheating later.
Reheating Instructions
For the best results, reheat colcannon in the oven. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Transfer the colcannon to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy making and tasting this traditional Irish Colcannon. It's a dish rich in history and flavour, perfect for bringing a taste of Ireland to your home. We'd love to hear how your colcannon turned out! Share your thoughts and any variations you tried in the comments below. Don't forget to subscribe for more delightful recipes and culinary stories.
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How to Make Traditional Irish Colcannon
Experience the heartwarming flavours of traditional Irish cuisine with our Colcannon recipe. This classic dish combines creamy mashed potatoes with sautéed greens, offering a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy meal at home, Colcannon brings comfort and a touch of Irish heritage to your table. Enjoy it as a delicious side dish paired with your favourite mains.
- 1 kg potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and cut into large chunks (2 lbs)
- 200 g green cabbage or kale, finely chopped (7 oz)
- 4 green onions (scallions), finely chopped (scallions)
- 120 g unsalted butter, divided (1 stick)
- 240 ml whole milk or cream (1 cup)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish
- Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Allow them to steam dry for a few minutes.
- While the potatoes are cooking, melt 60 g (4 tbsp) of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped cabbage or kale and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender and slightly browned. Add the green onions and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Mash the steamed potatoes with a potato masher or ricer until smooth.
- Heat the milk or cream in a small saucepan until warm, then add it to the mashed potatoes along with the remaining 60 g (4 tbsp) of butter. Mix until creamy and well combined.
- Fold the sautéed greens into the mashed potatoes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Transfer the colcannon to a serving bowl. Make a small well in the center and add a pat of butter to melt.
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and serve hot.
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 250kcal
- Calories from Fat 126kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 14g22%
- Saturated Fat 9g45%
- Cholesterol 35mg12%
- Sodium 150mg7%
- Potassium 620mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 28g10%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 4g8%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 30 mg
- Calcium 60 mg
- Iron 1.5 mg
- Vitamin E 0.5 IU
- Vitamin K 80 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk or cream.
- Add additional vegetables like leeks or spinach for extra flavour and nutrition.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, use a potato ricer or food mill to mash the potatoes.
- For a richer taste, try using half and half instead of milk.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits for a delicious twist.
Fiona O'Sullivan is the passionate editor of Great Food Ireland, a popular blog dedicated to celebrating traditional Irish cuisine and culinary heritage. With a rich background in food writing and a deep love for Ireland's gastronomic culture, Fiona brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to her role. She curates authentic recipes, shares culinary stories, and explores the vibrant food scene across Ireland. Fiona's dedication to promoting Irish food traditions has made Great Food Ireland a beloved resource for food enthusiasts around the world.
