Irish Colcannon Recipe

The Heartwarming Irish Colcannon Recipe You’ll Adore

Comfort and tradition beautifully merge in this hearty irish colcannon, a potato dish that whispers stories of cozy kitchens and farmhouse warmth.

Generations have savored these creamy, buttery mashed potatoes blended with tender green cabbage or kale.

Rustic and simple, this recipe connects you to ireland’s culinary heritage with every smooth, velvety bite.

Farmers and home cooks have long relied on these affordable, filling ingredients to nourish hungry families.

Potatoes dance with vibrant greens, creating a symphony of texture and rich, satisfying flavor.

Salt, pepper, and a generous dollop of butter elevate this humble side dish into something truly memorable.

Let the magic of irish colcannon transport you to a countryside kitchen where love is served steaming hot.

Why People Can’t Get Enough Of Deliciously Creamy Real Irish Colcannon Recipe

  • Simplify Kitchen Adventures: This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a delightful Irish classic, perfect for home cooks seeking comfort food without complex techniques.
  • Boost Nutritional Value: Packed with nutrient-rich potatoes and greens, colcannon offers a balanced meal that delivers both taste and wholesome goodness in every bite.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The creamy texture and rich flavors make this dish a universal favorite that connects people through shared culinary joy, appealing to all ages and tastes.
  • Celebrate Cultural Heritage: Dive into traditional Irish cuisine with a recipe that carries generations of family cooking wisdom, bringing authentic flavors right to your dining table.

What Goes Inside Deliciously Creamy Real Irish Colcannon Recipe

Potato Base:
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that form the creamy foundation of this traditional Irish dish.
Greens:
  • Cabbage, Kale: Fresh green vegetables that add texture and nutritional value to the colcannon.
  • Green Onions: Mild onions that provide a subtle, fresh flavor to the dish.
Dairy and Seasoning:
  • Butter, Milk or Cream: Rich dairy ingredients that create a smooth, luxurious texture and enhance the overall creaminess.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the potatoes and greens.

Steps To Make Deliciously Creamy Real Irish Colcannon Recipe

Step 1: Boil Potato Goodness

Toss diced potatoes into a large pot filled with cold water. Sprinkle some salt for extra flavor. Crank up the heat to high and bring the water to a rolling boil. Once bubbling, lower the heat and let the potatoes simmer until they’re fork-tender, around 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Blanch Green Treasures

Fill another pot with water and bring it to a vigorous boil. Drop in your green goodness:
  • Shredded cabbage
  • Kale

Let the greens dance in the boiling water for 3-4 minutes until they’re soft but still bright. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Create Potato Clouds

Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add:
  • Butter
  • Milk or cream

Mash everything together until the potatoes become fluffy and smooth like delightful clouds.

Step 4: Blend Veggie Magic

Fold in the blanched greens and chopped green onions into the creamy potato mixture. Season with salt and pepper until the flavors sing.

Step 5: Serve With Love

Scoop the colcannon into warm bowls. Crown each serving with a pat of butter, letting it melt into golden rivers across the surface. Dive into this authentic Irish comfort food that hugs your soul!

Helpful Tips For Deliciously Creamy Real Irish Colcannon Recipe

  • Prevent Watery Potatoes: Drain potatoes thoroughly and let them steam dry in the pot for a minute to remove excess moisture, ensuring a creamy and thick texture.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Sauté green onions in butter before mixing them into the potatoes to release their rich, aromatic essence and enhance the overall taste profile.
  • Achieve Perfect Texture: Use a potato masher or ricer for smooth, lump-free mashed potatoes that blend seamlessly with the greens.
  • Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute dairy milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the dish's creamy consistency.
  • Add Extra Richness: Incorporate crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions on top for a delightful crunch and additional flavor dimension.

Tasty Variations Of Deliciously Creamy Real Irish Colcannon Recipe

  • Vegan Veggie Colcannon: Replace butter and milk with plant-based alternatives like coconut butter and almond milk, using roasted cauliflower instead of traditional potatoes for a lighter version.
  • Herb-Infused Green Colcannon: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley to enhance the herb profile, incorporating roasted garlic for deeper flavor complexity.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Colcannon: Substitute potatoes with riced cauliflower, using Greek yogurt for creaminess and adding crispy bacon bits for extra protein and crunch.
  • Spicy Southwest Colcannon: Mix in roasted green chiles, sprinkle with smoked paprika, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty Mexican-inspired adaptation.

What Pairs Well With Deliciously Creamy Real Irish Colcannon Recipe

  • Elevate Comfort with Perfect Pairings for Irish Colcannon
  • Savor Irish Whiskey Flight: Select smooth Irish whiskeys like Jameson, Bushmills, or Redbreast to complement the creamy potato dish, offering a warming contrast with their rich, slightly spicy notes.
  • Pair with Hearty Protein: Serve alongside classic Irish bacon, tender corned beef, or succulent roasted lamb chops to create a robust and satisfying meal that highlights traditional Irish culinary elements.
  • Enhance with Fresh Salad: Create a light green salad with crisp lettuce, tangy vinaigrette, and fresh herbs to balance the rich, creamy texture of colcannon, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the dense potato dish.

How To Store Deliciously Creamy Real Irish Colcannon Recipe Smoothly

  • Store leftover colcannon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the dish tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain its creamy texture.
  • Transfer cooled colcannon to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal completely, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
  • Place colcannon in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk to restore moisture, and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
  • Warm colcannon in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a bit of butter or milk to revive its creamy consistency.

Questions About Deliciously Creamy Real Irish Colcannon Recipe Answered

  • Is colcannon a traditional Irish dish?

Colcannon is a classic Irish potato dish deeply rooted in Irish culinary history, often served during harvest festivals and special family gatherings across Ireland.

  • What kind of potatoes work best for colcannon?

Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal because they create a smooth, creamy texture when mashed and hold together perfectly in the recipe.

  • Can I use different greens in colcannon?

While traditional recipes use cabbage or kale, you can experiment with other leafy greens like Swiss chard or spinach for a unique twist on the classic dish.

  • How can I make colcannon more nutritious?

Add extra nutrients by incorporating finely chopped leeks, sautéed onions, or mixing in some cooked bacon bits for additional flavor and protein.

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Irish Colcannon Recipe

Irish Colcannon Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 30-34 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Irish colcannon brings rustic potato comfort straight from Ireland’s green countryside, blending creamy mashed potatoes with tender cabbage and green onions. Homemade warmth awaits you in this simple, soul-satisfying dish that connects generations through its humble, delicious ingredients.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds potatoes
  • 4 cups green cabbage or kale

Dairy and Seasoning:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup milk or cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Aromatics:

  • 4 green onions, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Place diced potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a vigorous boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
  2. Simultaneously prepare a separate pot of boiling water for blanching the greens. Submerge shredded cabbage or kale for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened but maintaining a vibrant color. Drain and set aside.
  3. Once potatoes are cooked, thoroughly drain and return to the pot. Add butter and milk, then vigorously mash until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency with minimal lumps.
  4. Fold the blanched greens and chopped green onions into the mashed potatoes. Season generously with salt and pepper, ensuring even distribution of ingredients throughout the mixture.
  5. Transfer the colcannon to a serving dish, creating a small well in the center. Place remaining butter in the depression, allowing it to melt and cascade over the warm potato mixture. Serve immediately while piping hot for maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use starchy, high-starch potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest, fluffiest texture that absorbs butter and milk perfectly.
  • Allow potatoes to steam dry after draining to prevent watery mashed potatoes, ensuring a rich and thick consistency.
  • Consider alternative greens like Swiss chard or spinach for a unique twist on traditional colcannon, adding extra nutrients and vibrant color.
  • Make this dish gluten-free and dairy-free by substituting butter with olive oil or vegan butter and using plant-based milk alternatives like almond or oat milk.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-24 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Side Dish
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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