Irish Cast Iron Skillet Corned Beef and Colcannon 🇮🇪🍽️

This hearty dish combines the beloved elements of traditional Irish comfort food: tender corned beef paired with colcannon, a creamy mix of mashed potatoes with cabbage and scallions. Cooked together in a cast iron skillet, this recipe brings a delightful crust to the beef while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Perfect for St. Patrick's Day or any day when you're craving a taste of Ireland! 🥔🥩

Ingredients

For the Corned Beef

• 2 pounds of corned beef brisket
• 4 cups of beef broth
• 1 tablespoon of pickling spice (included with corned beef, if possible)
• 2 bay leaves

For the Colcannon

• 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup of green cabbage, finely shredded
• 1/2 cup of scallions, chopped (green part only)
• 1/2 cup of milk (or cream for a richer taste)
• 4 tablespoons of butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preparing the Corned Beef

1. Cook the Corned Beef: In a large pot, combine the corned beef brisket, beef broth, pickling spice, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then cover and cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours on low, until tender.

   ⏱️ Allow the brisket to rest for 15 minutes after cooking, then slice against the grain.

Making the Colcannon

2. Boil the Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a pot of salted water. Boil until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.

3. Sauté the Veggies: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the shredded cabbage and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the scallions and cook for additional 2 minutes.

4. Mash the Potatoes: In the pot with the drained potatoes, add the milk (or cream), cooked cabbage, scallions, and remaining butter. Mash everything together until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combining in the Skillet

5. Assemble in Skillet: Preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Layer the sliced corned beef at the bottom of the skillet. Spread the colcannon evenly over the beef.

6. Crisp the Top: Let it cook undisturbed for about 5-7 minutes, allowing a crispy layer to form on the bottom. If you want extra browning, pop it under a broiler for 2-3 minutes (just keep a close eye on it!).

7. Serve: Serve hot, drizzled with extra melted butter and sprinkled with additional scallions if desired.

🍽️ Serve with a side of mustard for dipping the corned beef and a pint of stout for a true Irish feast!

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the corned beef and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or tempeh for a plant-based version. Use vegetable broth for cooking the vegetables.
• Spicy Colcannon: Add a finely chopped jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the colcannon for a spicy twist!
• Leftover Makeover: Use leftover corned beef and colcannon to make delicious hash for breakfast; simply fry them together in the skillet until crispy.

Whether made for a festive occasion or a comforting family meal, this Irish Cast Iron Skillet Corned Beef and Colcannon is sure to become a favorite! 🌟