Traditional Irish Colcannon…bumped up several flavor notches!

Ah, potatoes.  What would life be without them?  Yet for the longest time everyone in the world did just that – lived without them.  All except the residents of southern Peru, that is, where the potato originated.  While it’s hard to imagine Irish cuisine without potatoes, they weren’t introduced to Ireland until the late 1600’s.  But the Irish embraced them with such enthusiasm that they have forever remained an integral part of Irish fare.

Historically potatoes were the food of the peasants, cheap and filling, and when combined with kale, cabbage, butter and cream, the Irish were able to catch a taste of heaven after a hard day’s work.  This dish became known as Colcannon, first recorded in 1774 though likely much older, and became a satisfying staple food that was traditionally eaten all year round.  It has remained one of Ireland’s most iconic national dishes.  And we’re just crazy about it!

A treasured dish for generations, Colcannon has even been praised in verse and in song like in this traditional Irish folk song, “Colcannon” (aka “The Skillet Pot”):

Did you ever eat Colcannon, made from lovely pickled cream?
With the greens and scallions mingled like a picture in a dream.
Did you ever make a hole on top to hold the melting flake
Of the creamy, flavoured butter that your mother used to make?

Yes you did, so you did, so did he and so did I.
And the more I think about it sure the nearer I’m to cry.
Oh, wasn’t it the happy days when troubles we had not,
And our mothers made Colcannon in the little skillet pot.

Why “ultimate” colcannon?  Because it’s a LOADED version traditional Irish colcannon.

Colcannon traditionally combines the potatoes with either kale, cabbage or leek.  We’re using all three to get the best of each flavor (leek especially adds an incredible flavor).  Traditionally cream and butter are used – we’re also adding bacon and folding in some Irish white cheddar!

Combine that all together – mashed potatoes with lots of butter, cream, sauteed cabbage, kale, and leek, green onions, bacon and Irish white cheddar – and you’ve got a bowl of absolute heaven!

Let’s get started!

Chop the kale, shred the cabbage and chop the leek (be sure thoroughly rinse and drain the leek in a colander).

Fry the bacon until crispy then use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate until ready to use.  Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan.

Add the chopped greens to the pan and saute them in the bacon grease until soft, 7-8 minutes.

Boil the potatoes in salted water until soft.  Very thoroughly drain all water from the potatoes.

While the potatoes are still piping hot, add 2/3 of the butter, warm milk and cream.  Use a manually masher to mash the potatoes.

Add the cooked greens, bacon, green onions and white cheddar (reserving a little bacon and green onions for garnish).  Stir to combine.  Add the salt and pepper.  Taste and add more salt according to preference.

Spoon into a serving bowl, make a small well in the center and add the remaining 1/3 butter in the well.  Garnish with the reserved bacon and green onions.  Serve immediately.

Enjoy!

 

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