Colcannon, is a wonderful Irish style of mashed potatoes. If you have never tired colcannon before, you are in for a real treat.
Colcannon is mashed potatoes cooked with cabbage or kale. If you have never tried this before, you might think this is an odd way to prepare mashed potatoes, but it is really good. Creamy mashed potatoes are a great vehicle for lots of mixins. Thanks to the Irish we have colcannon. Ham or bacon can be added for additional flavor.
Table of Contents
Colcannon – What makes these mashed potatoes so special?
Colcannon used to be an Irish staple, it used to be served all year long. During the 1600 and 1700s potatoes and cabbages were very inexpensive, and it was very common for people to eat colcannon as part of their staple diet. For a real treat, bacon or ham was added into these potatoes.
More recently it is served in the fall. It is served in the fall when the kale is harvested. You can make colcannon any time of year. You can make these potatoes with either kale or cabbage. My personal favorite is the cabbage variety of these potatoes.
Thanks to the Irish immigrants we have colcannon in the United States. When the potatoes were brought to America pats of butter were added to the hot bowls of wonderful Irish-inspired mashed potatoes.
What type of potatoes should you use to make mashed potatoes
A good bowl of colcannon is made with the right potatoes. You will want to use a starchy potato like a Russet potato, or even a Yukon gold potato. Both offer good flavor and have just the right amount of starch to make a fluffy and smooth mashed potato.
You should try colcannon, it is great for St. Patrick’s Day, but honestly, these delicious, and complex potatoes are great for any night of the week!
Need more great mashed potato recipes? Try some of these mashed potato recipes.
You Can Make Delicious Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Champ – Irish Mashed Potatoes
Saltgrass Steakhouse Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Colcannon – Irish Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes
- 3 cups thinly shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Peel potatoes and dice into one inch cubes. Place potatoes into a pot, and cover with water, and place over a medium to high heat. Simmer them for about 15 minutes or until tender. During the last five minutes of the potatoes cooking time, add the cabbage so it will cook. Drain all vegetables and place into a bowl or back into the pot. Add heavy cream and butter; mash the potatoes and cabbage together with either a potato masher or a hand held mixer. Season to with salt and pepper to taste, before serving.
Tootsie
I use leeks instead of cabbage and a little green onion.
Stephanie Manley
I would love this with leeks.
Stephanie Manley
Thank you for your suggestion I will see what I can do.
Jimmer
Save the boiled cabbage from your boiled dinner to add to your mashed potatoes to make your colcannon!!!!
Stephanie Manley
Great idea!
Reusecrafter@yahoo.com
I linked and pinned this post on my blog for a St. Patrick’s Day Favorites Pinterest Roundup. http://miraclemakinmommy.blogspot.com/2012/03/st-patricks-day-favorites-pinterest.html
Stephanie Manley
Thank you very much.
Pennmacd73
Yum. Made them and they are great. BTW it’s “peeks” through, not “peaks” 🙂
Pennmacd73
Yum. Made them and they are great. BTW it’s “peeks” through, not “peaks” 🙂
Stephanie Manley
Thank you for the correction.
sandi
if you mash everything up well and then saute in bacon fat you get bubble and squeak, great way to use leftover mash to go with your breakfast the next morning
Stephanie Manley
I love bubble and squeak.
Pat
This has been a staple of my home for many years. Only difference is my family adds a bit of ham to the mix. You can add it when you add the cabbage if you just want the meat or boil the ham bone first, then cook your potatoes and cabbage in the same broth for a stronger flavor. Very good.
Stephanie Manley
I bet that is the bomb 😉
Suwannee Terry
Most of my cooking is based on my German heritage. Have always made this with a bit (tablespoon or two) of vinegar along with your ingredients. Real comfort food!
Fran
I bought a big head of cabbage last week and have potatoes. I kept thinking I was going to make colcannon, but all the recipes I found said cabbage and a green like kale or spinach or something. I didn’t have any of that in the house so I kept putting it off until I could get to the market again, but seeing your recipe I think I’ll make it tomorrow.
Looks good!
Stephanie Manley
I would love to hear what you are going to do this year for St. Patricks Day.