Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes

There's something magical about the way Irish comfort food warms both body and soul, and this colcannon recipe is no exception. Born from centuries of Irish tradition, colcannon transforms humble potatoes into something extraordinary by marrying them with tender leeks and spring onions. This modern version adds a delightful twist with crispy oven-roasted kale, creating layers of texture that elevate this classic side dish into something truly special. Whether you're celebrating St. Patrick's Day or simply craving comfort on a chilly evening, these creamy mashed potatoes deliver nostalgia and nourishment in every spoonful.

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The secret to perfect colcannon lies in the quality of your potatoes and the gentle treatment of your aromatics. Yukon Gold potatoes create a naturally buttery, golden mash, while Russets offer a fluffier texture. The leeks and spring onions are sautéed until they're meltingly soft and fragrant, never browned, which keeps their delicate sweetness intact. Meanwhile, the kale transforms in the oven into crispy, almost chip-like pieces that provide both visual appeal and a textural counterpoint to the creamy base.

Ingredients

• 900 g (2 lbs) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 60 g (4 tbsp) unsalted butter
• 120 ml (½ cup) whole milk
• 60 ml (¼ cup) heavy cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 large leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced and rinsed
• 3 spring onions, finely sliced
• 1 small bunch kale (about 150 g/5 oz), stems removed and leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the crispy kale

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss the kale leaves with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread on a baking tray and roast for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway, until crisp but not burnt. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the potatoes

Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-18 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain well.

Step 3: Sauté the aromatics

While the potatoes cook, melt half the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add leeks and spring onions. Sauté gently for 6-8 minutes until soft and fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Warm the dairy

In a small saucepan, heat the milk and cream together until just warm.

Step 5: Mash the potatoes

Mash the drained potatoes with the remaining butter. Gradually add the warm milk and cream mixture until smooth and fluffy. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Combine and finish

Fold in the sautéed leeks and spring onions. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Serve

Spoon the mashed potatoes into a serving bowl. Top generously with crispy kale and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

The key to exceptionally smooth mashed potatoes is ensuring your dairy is warm before adding it to the potatoes. Cold milk can make the potatoes gummy and dense. For even fluffier results, use a potato ricer instead of a traditional masher. Be sure to rinse your leeks thoroughly, as dirt and sand often hide between the layers. Cut them lengthwise first, then slice thinly and rinse in a sieve under cold running water. When making the crispy kale, watch carefully during the last few minutes of roasting, as it can go from perfectly crisp to burnt very quickly. If you prefer your colcannon extra creamy, feel free to add an additional tablespoon of butter or cream.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and substitute the milk and cream with your favorite non-dairy alternatives like oat milk or cashew cream. If you want to add a smoky, savory element, stir in cooked bacon or pancetta pieces just before serving. Traditional Irish colcannon sometimes uses cabbage instead of kale, so feel free to substitute thinly shredded savoy cabbage, sautéed until tender. For a richer version, stir in some grated sharp cheddar cheese along with the leeks. You can also experiment with different herbs, adding thyme or chives for additional flavor complexity.

Serviervorschläge

This colcannon is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide range of main dishes. Serve it alongside traditional Irish favorites like corned beef, lamb stew, or bangers and mash. It's also delicious with roast chicken, grilled sausages, or pan-seared pork chops. For a vegetarian main course, top a generous portion with a perfectly fried egg, allowing the yolk to run into the creamy potatoes. The dish also works wonderfully as part of a holiday spread, complementing roasted meats and other seasonal vegetables. Leftovers can be shaped into patties and pan-fried for delicious potato cakes the next day.

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This Irish-inspired colcannon proves that the best comfort food doesn't need to be complicated. With just a handful of quality ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can create a side dish that's worthy of any celebration yet easy enough for a Tuesday night dinner. The combination of creamy potatoes, sweet sautéed leeks, and crispy kale creates a harmony of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you're honoring your Irish heritage or simply discovering this traditional dish for the first time, this colcannon is sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What type of potatoes work best for this dish?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture and ability to mash smoothly.

→ How do you achieve crispy kale topping?

Toss kale with olive oil and salt, then roast at 200°C (400°F) for 10-12 minutes until crisp but not burnt.

→ Can the dairy ingredients be substituted?

Yes, plant-based butter and milk can be used to make a dairy-free version without compromising texture.

→ What is the purpose of sautéing leeks and spring onions?

Sautéing softens them and brings out their natural sweetness, enhancing the flavor of the mashed potatoes.

→ How can this dish be served for variety?

It complements roast meats, sausages, or can be topped with a fried egg for a hearty meal.