Saint Patrick's Day Cabbage and Leek Colcannon 🥬🍀

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with this traditional Irish dish that combines creamy mashed potatoes with tender cabbage and fragrant leeks. This festive colcannon is not only a comfort food classic, but it also brings the vibrant colors of the holiday to your dinner table! Pair it with corned beef or enjoy it on its own; either way, it’s a hearty dish that’s sure to please everyone.

Ingredients

For the colcannon

• 2 pounds of potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet, peeled and quartered)
• 1 cup of milk (or plant-based milk for a vegan version)
• 1/4 cup of butter (or dairy-free butter)
• 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
• 2 leeks, cleaned and sliced (white and light green parts only)
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

For serving

• Crumbled crispy bacon (optional)
• Additional butter (for drizzling)

Instructions

1. Boil the potatoes: Place the quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender.

2. Prepare the cabbage and leeks: While the potatoes are boiling, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter, then sauté the leeks for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.

3. Add the cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the cabbage becomes tender and slightly wilted. Season with salt and pepper.

🥄 Don’t worry about the cabbage shrinking—you want it to reduce down to blend well with the potatoes! The combination of flavors is magical.

4. Mash the potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and return them to the pot. Add the milk and mash until smooth and creamy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

5. Incorporate the vegetables: Fold the sautéed cabbage and leeks into the mashed potatoes. Add the fresh parsley and mix until everything is well combined.

6. Serve: Spoon the colcannon onto plates and create a small well in the center of each serving. Add a pat of butter for extra richness, and top with crispy crumbled bacon if desired.

🍽️ For an authentic touch, you can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chives on top before serving. This will elevate the dish to another level!

Variations

• Vegan version: Substitute the butter for olive oil or vegan butter, and use plant-based milk. You can also skip the bacon or use crispy chickpeas for a crunchy topping.
• Add-ins: Consider mixing in other vegetables like chopped scallions or sautéed kale for a colorful twist!
• Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or dill to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
• High altitude: At higher elevations, you might need to increase the boiling time for the potatoes slightly, as they take longer to cook through.

Enjoy this hearty, delicious, and festive Saint Patrick's Day Cabbage and Leek Colcannon—it's sure to become a beloved favorite in your household! ☘️💚