Irish Colcannon
Today’s post is brought to you by Elle Sorbet.
Want to hear a cool story before we get into the guest post?
I know you do. I’m full of stories, right? So why would today be any different?
I’ve actually *known* Elle for a long time. And when I say long time, I mean about 6 or 7 years. Elle and I were members of the same forum years ago. I talked to her but I guess I never realized what her real name was over the years. When I saw she was looking for a way to expand her portfolio and I bugged her about an Irish recipe, that’s when I learned that she actually appreciated all the advice I had given to members of the forums for so many years. That made me feel good. Sometimes there are lurkers in forums that don’t gab on as much as I do. And it really made my day to know that all my great words of wisdom (HA!) helped someone. So, thanks for that Elle.
Ok, now let’s get on with this Colcannon recipe already!
Growing up with my mom, she would always make the same New England Boiled Dinner for St. Patricks Day. That tradition if you will, never changed over the years. To this day it’s still the same – fill a big cooking pot with water, corned beef, carrots, potatoes, and a head of cabbage quartered, with plenty of pickling spice – let it cook for at least 4 hours. Don’t get me wrong, it was good, but now that I’m out on my own and my palate has matured, I do things a little differently.
Right off the bat, I decided long ago that I didn’t want everything just all boiled together. My corned beef I still boil with pickling spice, but then when the boiling has finished, I coat it in brown sugar and pop it into the oven for 20 – 30 minutes so it can caramelize. Carrots I saute with some butter, honey, and a little rosemary. I love tender crisp carrots. Now, the potatoes and cabbage I put together into one tasty Irish dish called colcannon.
Colcannon is an Irish dish, traditionally served at Halloween. A ring and thimble are hidden and a maiden who finds the ring is said to be the next to marry. One who finds the thimble gets the bad news that they will be a spinster for life. Now, I don’t need to bum out my cat or myself on who gets to be the spinster, so I leave out the trinkets upon serving it.
Colcannon is really tasty and even though the look of it can be offputting (oh my, green potatoes!), it’s worth a try. It would go great with chicken, steak, meatloaf – pretty much any meat and potatoes type meal, it doesn’t just have to be left for corned beef.
Irish Colcannon
Ingredients
- 6 medium size potatoes russet work best
- 6 green onions
- 3 Tbsp Butter
- 1 Tbsp. Melted Butter
- ½ cup milk
- salt
- black pepper
- ½ small cabbage remove core and shred finely
Instructions
- Cut potatoes up into chunks and boil for 15 to 20 minutes in salted water. Remove potatoes to a bowl with slotted spoon, removing excess water from them. Do not discard water they were boiled in.
- Mash potatoes with potato masher until smooth and add the butter and milk.
- Stir well.
- Add more milk, as needed, for a smooth and creamy consistency. Salt to taste.
- Add shredded cabbage to the potato water and boil for 2 to 3 minutes until soft. Drain thoroughly through colander or strainer, squeezing out any excess water. Mix cabbage into potatoes and then stir in the green onions after retaining a small handful to use as a garnish.
- Salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with scattered onions and a drizzle of melted butter.
I have never heard of this before. It sounds really yummy though!
I am loving this like you won’t believe. It looks tasty but the tradition behind it is so fun.
My mother is Irish and she would always try to get us to eat cabbage when we were kids. we weren’t fond of it then but lately I have been trying to incorporate it more often, This looks like a great way to slowly introduce it to my kids as well.
I think I might have been a strange kid… I’ve always liked cooked cabbage, even as a kid. I still hate purple cabbage though. blech
I’ve never heard of colcannon, but it certainly sounds yummy. Being easy to make is a definite bonus, as well!
I actually think hubby would love this. He love anything with potatoes. I might give it a try and hear what he has to say.
My hubby is Irish. I’ll ask him if he’s ever heard of this.
I’ve never heard of Colcannon before, but it looks pretty durn good!
This Irish Dish looks so good. What a great idea to add cabbage in the mix
Oh this is a tradition I will be incorporating this year!
Way to go Irish friends!
When I occasionally make corned beef and cabbage I pretty much make it the way your Mom did. Your way sounds really delicious!! Colcannon-never heard of it but from those ingredients I know I would love it.
I am not Irish, but this looks like something I would at least try once!
I love this recipe and will make it for my Irish mom. I’m sure she’ll love it!
Every time I come to your site I am blown away by another dish I have never heard of! This looks super yummy!
When I had some friends visit from Ireland, they made colcannon for us to try. It was really good, but I haven’t had it since then!
My son’s grandmother was Irish and as a teenager I would love her cooking! I’m certainly not an Irish type of cook, however – so I’m missing that
I remember when you shared this last year, but I didn’t really get much of a chance to check it out. This looks like a combination of mashed potatoes and cabbage. Am I incorrect in that basic assumption?
My husband is Irish and we love a good hearty Irish meal. He is all for shepherd’s pie most days, but this is something that would hit the belly in just the right spot too!
This looks delicious. I have not tried Colcanon before.
We’ve been to Ireland a couple of times and I can’t believe I’ve never heard of this! It looks delicious, and I love the story behind it. Will have to try it.
I love that you had a history together and didn’t even know it. 🙂 The dish sounds like a good one!
I have never heard of Colcannon before. Definitely sounds like a great recipe!
While not my taste, my husband and parents would love this. I may make it for them for St Pat’s day and make them all super happy!
I always make Cabbage & Corned Beef for St Patty’s, but I think this year I’ll do the corned beef brisket & make this Colcannon instead. Thanks for the recipe!
You are so welcome!
I have never had this before and never heard of it, but it looks good. Thanks for sharing it 🙂
I have never heard of this before. But I love anything with potatoes!