Braised Bacon With Colcannon Cakes Recipes

BRAISED BACON WITH COLCANNON CAKES

Steps:

• Put the bacon joint in a flameproof casserole dish or heavy-based saucepan and cover with water. Pop on a lid, bring to the boil, then simmer gently for 45 mins until cooked. Meanwhile, boil the potatoes in a pan of salted water for 20 mins. five mins before the end of cooking, add the cabbage. Drain well, return to the pan for 1-2 mins to dry out, then mash together.
• Add 1 tbsp of the oil to a frying pan with the onion and cook over a medium heat for 5 mins. add this to the potatoes and cabbage, and mix together with a little seasoning. Set aside. Meanwhile, drain the bacon and leave to rest for 10 mins.
• Put the flour on a plate. Shape the potato and cabbage mixture into 8 cakes, then roll them lightly in the flour, tapping off any excess. Add 1 tbsp oil to the frying pan and fry the cakes in 2 batches for 3-4 mins on each side until golden.
• Cover the potato cakes with foil and set aside. Wipe the frying pan with kitchen paper, then add the remaining oil. Crack in the eggs and cook until the white is set and the yolk is still runny.
• Slice the bacon and serve with the potato cakes, eggs and ketchup.

BEER BRAISED IRISH STEW AND COLCANNON

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until very hot, and brown the meat in 2 batches, stirring to brown the cubes on all sides. Return all the meat to the Dutch oven, sprinkle with flour, and stir lightly to coat the meat with flour. Stir in onion, carrots, dark beer, bay leaves, thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, and cover.
• Place the Dutch oven into the preheated oven, and cook for 45 minutes; uncover, stir the stew, and cook until the beef is very tender and the liquid is reduced by half, about 45 more minutes.
• Place the bacon in a large, deep skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate. Crumble the bacon and set aside.
• About 30 minutes before the stew is ready, make the colcannon: Place the potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and allow to steam dry for a minute or two.
• Place the cabbage into a microwave-safe bowl, and add 1 or 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and microwave on High for about 2 1/2 minutes; uncover (watch out for steam) and stir the cabbage. Cover and microwave for about 2 1/2 more minutes, until the cabbage is slightly tender but not mushy. Drain excess liquid, and set the cabbage aside, covered.
• Place the potatoes into a large bowl, and add milk, butter, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Beat the potatoes with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Stir in the cabbage, crumbled bacon, and parsley until well combined.
• To serve, place a scoop of colcannon onto a plate, make a hollow, and fill with braised beef stew.

DIANE'S COLCANNON

Steps:

• Place potatoes in a saucepan with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until tender.
• Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, reserving drippings, crumble and set aside. In the reserved drippings, saute the cabbage and onion until soft and translucent. Putting a lid on the pan helps the vegetables cook faster.
• Drain the cooked potatoes, mash with milk and season with salt and pepper. Fold in the bacon, cabbage, and onions, then transfer the mixture to a large serving bowl. Make a well in the center, and pour in the melted butter. Serve immediately.