An Uncommon Colcannon By Irish Chef Lesa Sullivan Recipes

COLCANNON

Steps:

• Peel the potatoes and cut them into 2-inch pieces. Add them to a Dutch oven and cover with 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of salt. Boil, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are very tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes in a colander and set aside.
• In the same Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cabbage or mixture of greens, the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, and the pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the cabbage mixture ;is softened, about 5 minutes.
• Reserve 1/4 cup of the green onions for garnish and add the remaining green onion and garlic into the cabbage mixture. Cook, stirring often, until the garlic is lightly browned, about 2 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the half-and-half and cook 2 to 3 minutes until warm. Add the potatoes, then mash and stir until the mixture is well combined. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.
• Transfer the colcannon to a serving dish and top with more butter, if preferred. Sprinkle with the reserved 1/4 cup green onions.

COLCANNON RECIPE

Steps:

• Place the potato chunks into a large pot. Add cold water until the potatoes are covered with an inch of water. Add 1 - 2 Tablespoons of salt to the water (depending on taste preference).
• Bring to a boil, and boil until the potatoes are fork tender (roughly 15 to 20 minutes). Drain the potatoes in a colander.
• Return the pot to the stove over medium heat, and melt the butter. Add the kale and saute until tender and wilted (about 3 to 4 minutes). Add the green onions and saute for an additional minute. Pour in the half and half, and stir to combine. Turn the heat off.
• Add the potatoes, and use a potato masher to mash. Stir to mix the mashed potatoes with the greens.
• Taste and adjust salt to your preference. Serve hot with a dab of butter.

COLCANNON WITH CRISPY LEEKS

Steps:

• In a medium pot, combine the potatoes with enough water to cover them by 2 inches and a large pinch of salt. Boil until tender enough to easily pierce with a fork, 15 to 25 minutes. Drain.
• Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt butter, along with a drizzle of oil, then add leeks and a pinch of salt. Sauté over medium heat for 5 or so minutes. When the leeks are golden, spoon some out onto a plate to use for garnish.
• To the leeks in the pan, add the garlic cloves, and cook them for a minute until fragrant. Then, toss in the greens. Season with more salt and cook, tossing them, until the greens are wilted and very tender. If the pan looks dry, add a splash of water.
• Now add the potatoes to the skillet and mash them (so they're either smooth or chunky), and add some milk or vegetable broth, if you like, and a lot of butter. Taste, and add more salt and lots of pepper. Scatter on the fried leeks and more butter to melt in little pools across the top.
• Top with a fried egg or some smoked salmon, or serve a simple green salad on the side.