Cozy Colcannon 🥔🥬

Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish that embodies warmth and comfort. With its creamy potatoes blended with hearty greens, it’s perfect for chilly evenings or as a festive side dish. This recipe is simple to make and can be easily adjusted to your liking. Serve it with your favorite main dish for a truly satisfying meal! 🍽️

Ingredients

For the base

• 1 pound of cabbage or kale
• 1 pound of potatoes
• 2 leeks (both green and white parts)

For the mash

• 1 cup of milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pinch of ground mace (optional)
• 1/2 cup of butter

Instructions

1. Prepare the cabbage: In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil and add the cabbage. Cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes, then remove, chop, and set aside, keeping it warm.

🌱 If using kale, follow the same steps for a slightly different flavor and texture.

2. Boil the potatoes: In the same pot, boil the potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside.

3. Cook the leeks: Chop the leeks and simmer them in enough milk to cover, until they are tender and soft, about 10 minutes.

4. Mash it all together: Mash the potatoes until smooth, then stir in the cooked leeks and their milk. Blend in the chopped cabbage or kale, mixing until everything is a lovely pale green fluff.

5. Finish with butter: Create a well in the center of the mash and pour in the melted butter. Mix everything thoroughly.

🧂 Adjust seasoning to your taste. The ground mace adds a lovely warmth, but feel free to skip it if you prefer a simpler flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• For extra flavor, consider adding some grated cheese right before serving.
• Pair your colcannon with sausages, roasted meats, or as a hearty component of a vegetarian plate.

Variations

• Vegan: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk of your choice.
• Add-Ins: Mix in chopped green onions or crispy bacon bits for extra texture and flavor.
• Herbs and Spices: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to give the dish a fresh twist.

Enjoy your cozy colcannon as a warm hug on your plate! 🥰