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Irish colcannon with sausage on a plate.
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Traditional Irish Colcannon Recipe

The perfect side dish to go with corned beef on St. Patrick's Day.
Course Potato side dish, Side Dish
Cuisine Irish
Keyword colcannon recipe, Irish colcannon, traditional Irish colcannon
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 231kcal
Author Joe Boyle

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1" pieces
  • 2 or 3 leeks, cleaned and thinly sliced, 1 to 1 1/2 cups
  • 4 to 5 cups chopped kale, small pieces
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup half and half or whole milk, heated for 45 to 60 seconds in a microwave oven.
  • 1 tsp salt
  • black pepper if desired

Instructions

  • Boil potatoes in salted water until soft, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • While the potatoes are boiling, in a large skillet, melt 4 tbsp butter and add the leeks, saute on low temperature, 3 or 4 mins.
  • Add the kale to the skillet and fold to fully coat with butter, cover the skillet with a lid and wilt for another 3 or 4 minutes.
  • Mash the potatoes with a hand mixer, masher, or with a potato ricer, adding heated half and half a little at a time until the desired smoothness.
  • In a large bowl or the potato saucepan if it is large enough, fold the sauteed kale and leeks together with the mashed potatoes. Taste and add salt and pepper to your liking. Serve the colcannon hot.

Notes

  1. You can substitute green cabbage or fresh, chopped spinach for the kale.
  2. Add crispy bacon or ham for extra flavor and texture. Also, you can garnish with chopped scallions, chopped chives, or shredded cheese.
  3. For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and vegan butter.
  4. Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
  5. Store leftovers covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  6. I have made this recipe during the day and kept it warm in a serving dish by covering the dish with plastic wrap and a lid and placing it into a 170° oven for several hours. 

Nutrition

Calories: 231kcal