Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish made with mashed potatoes and kale or other vegetables. It is a versatile food source and can be made vegan. Potatoes are important in Irish cooking due to their ability to grow in rough terrain. To make colcannon, boil potatoes and mash them with a milk and butter mixture, then add cooked kale or collard greens. The dish can be seasoned with spices and is often served as a side dish with meat. On Halloween, a coin or treasure is hidden in the colcannon for good luck.
Colcannon is a traditional Irish potato dish, closely related to champion. It is made with a base of mashed potatoes mixed with kale or kale and buttermilk cream. A number of other vegetables can be used in colcannon, and a vegan version can easily be made with margarine and soy milk. The dish is closely associated with Halloween, but is also made year-round, with slight variations in different regions of Ireland.
Potatoes play an important role in Irish cooking because they grow well in rough terrain and bad weather conditions. There are also myriad uses for potatoes, making them a highly versatile food source. Especially when mixed with dark leafy greens such as cabbage, as potatoes are often found in Ireland, they are also an excellent source of nutrition, even if potatoes alone are insufficient. When making colcannon, choose starchy potatoes like Russets that will hold up well during the cooking process.
To make colcannon, start by loosely chopping six large potatoes and boiling them until tender. As the potatoes near the end of their cooking time, simmer four tablespoons of butter with one-half cup of milk and chopped chives, leeks, green onions, or shallots. Drain the potatoes and mash them together with the milk mixture. Some cooks prefer to strain the milk to remove the flavors for a smoother texture.
In a separate skillet, cook the coarsely shredded kale or collard greens until tender. Drain and mash together with the potatoes and milk, creating a large bowl of mashed potatoes that will gradually turn slightly green. Add salt and pepper to taste, along with parsley and more butter, if desired. The additional butter will make the dish richer in flavor, though too much can make the colcannone greasy and unpalatable. After the colcannon has been satisfactorily seasoned, it is ready to serve.
The flavor can be varied with the addition of spices such as mace or nutmeg, for cooks who find mashed potatoes too boring. The colcannon is a frequent choice of Irish side dish, to accompany foods such as corned beef or roast meats. It can also be served straight, of course, and intrepid cooks may want to try frying up leftover colcannon in the morning for breakfast potato patties. On Halloween, the cook usually hides a coin or small treasure in the colcannon and the person who stumbles upon it can expect good luck for the coming year.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
