Classic Colcannon Recipes

CLASSIC COLCANNON

Steps:

• Cook potatoes in boiling water till tender; drain, reserving water.
• Place in a large bowl.
• Mash with hand masher till well-mashed.
• (I find the electric mixer makes it too gooey).
• Add milk, salt and pepper and beat till fluffy.
• In the same saucepan as potatoes were cooked in, cook cabbage in reserved potato water for 6 to 8 minutes, until tender.
• Drain.
• Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons butter in frying pan and saute onion until tender.
• Add mashed potato and cooked cabbage to the onion.
• Heat throughly, stirring constantly.
• Place in a heated serving dish.
• Serve hot, topped with butter.

COLCANNON

Steps:

• Tip the potatoes into a large saucepan of water. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 15-20 mins, or until the flesh is tender when pierced.
• Meanwhile, heat quarter of the butter in a saucepan, then fry the bacon and half the cabbage for 5 mins (see Kevin's tip, below, for how to use remaining cabbage). Turn off the heat and set aside. Drain potatoes in a colander and peel while still hot.
• Mash potato until smooth. Heat cream with remaining butter and, when almost boiling, beat into the potato. Add bacon and cabbage to potato and mix. Season if you want.

CLASSIC IRISH COLCANNON

Steps:

• Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a teaspoon of kosher salt. Add the whole potatoes to the boiling water and cook for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. (Check this by sticking the largest potato to the center with a sharp knife. If it comes out smoothly on its own, the potatoes are done).
• Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter and half a teaspoon of kosher salt. When the butter melts, add the cabbage and stir to coat. Place the lid on the pan and cook for a minute. Stir the cabbage.
• Cook the cabbage for 3-4 minutes, stirring after each minute so the cabbage doesn't burn. When the cabbage begins to wilt, stir in the water and place the lid on the pan to steam the vegetable. Steam for 3-4 minutes or until the water has mostly evaporated. Set aside.
• Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
• Use a potato masher to roughly mash the cooked potatoes (skins and all). Add the butter and half and half a little at a time and continue to mash and blend the potatoes. They should be fairly smooth, but rustic. (Note: if your potatoes seem too stiff, you can add addtional half and half 2 tablespoons at a time).
• Add the remaining half teaspoon of kosher salt and black pepper. Mix well.
• Stir in the cooked cabbage until well combined. Taste for seasoning and adjust as necessary.