Colcannon

Colcannon
Jennifer McGruther
Updated:

Colcannon is hearty and richly satisfying, a homey blend of creamy potatoes and kale or cabbage. Some recipes omit the green onions, but I find they lend a little brightness to the dish. Use a medium-starch potato, such as Yukon Gold, if you can find them. Russets also work well.

Serves 6
  • 2 pounds medium-starch potatoes, such as Yukon Gold, peeled and quartered
  • 4 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups coarsely chopped steamed kale
  • 4 tablespoons butter, softened
  • Salt, as needed
Arrange the potatoes in a medium pot, and cover with cold water by an inch. Bring it all to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil the potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes.

While the potatoes cook, tip the green onions into a small saucepan, then cover them with milk. Warm the milk and green onions together over medium-low heat.

When the potatoes are tender, drain them in a colander and return them to the cooking pot. Pour the hot milk and green onions over the potatoes, then dump in the steamed kale. Mash them all together until smooth and creamy, adjusting the seasoning as needed with salt.

To serve, transfer the colcannon to a serving bowl and make a well in the center of the mash with the back of a spoon. Drop the butter into the well and let it melt in the heat of the potatoes. Serve hot.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Jennifer McGruther
Jennifer McGruther
Author
Jennifer McGruther, NTP, is a nutritional therapy practitioner, herbalist, and the author of three cookbooks, including “Vibrant Botanicals.” She’s also the creator of NourishedKitchen.com, a website that celebrates traditional foodways, herbal remedies, and fermentation. She teaches workshops on natural foods and herbalism, and currently lives in the Pacific Northwest.
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