Colcannon

Article By: Krissy Downey  

Colcannon is often associated with St. Patrick’s Day, but you can enjoy this hearty Irish side of mashed potatoes and cabbage throughout all the winter months. “Colcanonn combines the comfort of mashed potato, buttery cabbage and fresh bacon, and together it is magic,” chef Tyler Florence explains during a visit to Ireland. There, he transcribes a generations-old recipe from Irish potato farmer Christabel Rossiter. Read on for the recipe honed to perfection over so many years.

What Is Colcannon?

Colcannon is a dish of cabbage and potatoes that’s enjoyed in Ireland on a variety of special occasions. The cabbage is steamed until it’s tender and then mixed with silky mashed potatoes. In many cases, bacon or ham is added to colcannon for extra flavor and texture. Irish immigrants brought it over to the United States, and in the U.S., the dish is a St. Patrick’s Day favorite.

How to Make Colcannon Like a Pro

Peel the potatoes after they cook. Keeping the skin on while the potatoes steam creates a protective barrier between the water and the potato flesh, which prevents the potatoes from becoming water-logged and less flavorful.

Warm up the milk before adding to the potatoes. Warm dairy combines with potatoes seamlessly, whereas cold dairy straight from the fridge doesn’t absorb as well and requires much more stirring to incorporate. Warming up the milk guarantees a smooth, creamy texture.

Substitute your favorite leafy greens. While cabbage is the classic choice in a colcannon recipe, you can substitute any of your favorite leafy greens. Kale or collard greens are excellent choices that hold up well with potatoes. Feel free to use whatever greens you have on hand or the ones you like the best.

What To Serve With Colcannon

As a St. Patrick’s Day favorite, the most common dishes to serve with this recipe for colcannon would be Corned Beef or Irish Stew. However, we think colcannon is a wonderful side dish all winter long. It would be absolutely delightful with Pot Roast, Prime Rib, or Roast Chicken.