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Traditional Irish Colcannon

Name: Traditional Irish Colcannon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2 pounds starchy potatoes (e.g., Russets); 4 cups finely chopped green cabbage; 4 chopped green onions; 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream; 4 tablespoons butter; Salt and pepper to taste

Posted on February 27, 2025

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When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? For me, it’s a steaming bowl of traditional Irish colcannon—creamy mashed potatoes mingling with vibrant greens and a hint of butter. The aroma fills the kitchen like an invitation to snuggle up on the couch with a good book or perhaps a cheeky pint of Guinness.

Picture this: it’s a blustery evening in March. You’re wrapped in your favorite blanket, and outside, the wind is howling like a banshee. Then you sit down to a plate of colcannon that warms not just your belly but also your soul. Trust me when I say this dish has the uncanny ability to make any dreary day feel like a celebration.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This traditional Irish colcannon is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal prep time
The flavors are rich and comforting, perfect for cozy evenings at home
Its vibrant colors create an eye-catching presentation that impresses guests at any gathering
Plus, it pairs beautifully with meats or can shine as a vegetarian main dish

I remember the first time I made colcannon—it was St. Patrick’s Day, and my friends were convinced I had turned into some sort of culinary wizard! The laughter around the table was infectious as they devoured every last bite.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Potatoes: Use starchy varieties like Russets for the fluffiest mash; their texture works perfectly.
Cabbage: Green cabbage adds a lovely crunch; make sure it’s finely chopped for even cooking.
Green Onions: Freshly chopped green onions provide a mild onion flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
Butter: Use good quality butter; it makes everything better by adding richness and flavor.
Milk or Cream: Choose whole milk or heavy cream for an extra creamy finish; it’ll elevate your colcannon.
Salt and Pepper: Season generously to enhance all those lovely flavors hiding in your ingredients.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

First things first—let’s get our hands dirty! Making traditional Irish colcannon is as straightforward as pouring yourself another cup of tea (or something stronger).

Prepare the Potatoes: Start by peeling about 2 pounds of starchy potatoes and chopping them into even chunks. Place them in a large pot filled with cold salted water—this helps them cook uniformly until fork-tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes.

Cook the Cabbage: While those potatoes are happily bubbling away, heat some butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in 4 cups of finely chopped green cabbage along with salt and pepper; sauté until it’s wilted but still vibrant—about 5-7 minutes.

Add Green Onions: Once your cabbage is looking fabulous, add in 4 chopped green onions and cook for another couple of minutes until they soften slightly. The smell will have you dreaming about Ireland itself!

Mash It Up!: Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to their pot. Add in half a cup of milk or cream along with about 4 tablespoons of butter—trust me on this one! Mash until smooth and creamy while keeping an eye on consistency.

Combine Everything!: Gently fold in your sautéed cabbage mixture into the mashed potatoes until well combined; give it a taste test! Adjust seasoning if needed—you want it seasoned just right.

Serve Hot!: Transfer your glorious colcannon to a serving bowl. If you’re feeling fancy (and who wouldn’t?), create a little well in the center and add another pat of butter there—it’ll melt delightfully when served!

Now you’ve got traditional Irish colcannon ready to steal hearts—and stomachs! Serve it alongside grilled sausages or enjoy it solo as pure comfort food bliss.

In conclusion, try your hand at making this charming dish filled with history and flavor—it’s bound to become one of your favorites too! Enjoy every bite while relishing those delightful memories created around the dinner table!

You Must Know

Colcannon is more than just a dish; it’s a hug in a bowl
The creamy potatoes combined with savory greens make for an irresistible comfort food that warms both the belly and the heart
Don’t skip the butter on top—it’s non-negotiable!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the potatoes until tender, then sauté the cabbage and green onions while mashing. This sequence ensures everything is perfectly cooked and flavors meld beautifully.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in kale instead of cabbage or add crispy bacon bits for extra flavor. Experimenting can lead to delightful new versions of this classic dish!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a microwave, adding a splash of milk for creaminess if needed.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To get the perfect texture, use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds
Avoid over-mashing to keep your colcannon creamy but not gluey
Always taste as you go—seasoning can make all the difference!

A family friend once told me that her grandmother used to make colcannon every St. Patrick’s Day. It became a tradition we happily adopted, bringing warmth and joy into our kitchen each year.

FAQs

FAQ

What is traditional Irish colcannon made of?

Traditional Irish colcannon consists of mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage or kale and green onions.

Can I freeze traditional Irish colcannon?

Yes, you can freeze colcannon. Just ensure it’s in an airtight container.

How can I make colcannon vegan?

Use plant-based butter and substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk for vegan colcannon.