Authentic Irish Colcannon

There is nothing like a dish of wonderful mashed potatoes on a cold winter day. One of my favorite one dish meals to make during winter is Irish Colcannon.

What is Colcannon? It is traditionally a mashed potato dish made with cabbage. It came about in Ireland and Scotland in the 16th century. Current recipes will use kale instead of cabbage but I love the original recipe.

Here is how to make it.

Ingredients:

6-8 large potatoes - peeled and chopped

1 large head of cabbage - outer leaves removed (approx 3 cups chopped)

1-2 yellow onion - diced

1 cup whole milk - for cooking the onion

3-5 Tbsp. Irish Butter - Kerry gold is my favorite

1/2 cup or more of warm milk

Optional - ham hock. Add whole into the water for the cabbage. Scrap the pieces of the ham after it is cooked and add into the potatoes.

Directions:

1) Boil potatoes in lightly salted water until very tender.

2) Boil the cabbage in lightly salted water until tender. If using a ham hock add along with the cabbage.

3) Place the onions and the milk into a small pot. Bring the milk to a boil then reduce the heat to low. Simmer the milk until the onions are tender.

When everything is ready - mash the potatoes by hand until they are broken. Add a small amount of heated milk and stir. Add the cabbage, ham and onions next. Mix with a fork adding more warm milk until you reach a nice consistency. Try not to over mix the potatoes.

Add 3 Tbsp of butter and stir. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper.

Many people love to add a large Tbsp of butter on top of their bowl of Colcannon when ready to eat.

Quick Tip - if you want to serve a meat along side - boiled ham is a great choice.

ENJOY!!