Are you in search of an exquisite Irish side dish to elevate your St. Patrick’s Day feast to new heights of culinary delight? Look no further than the irresistibly creamy and bursting-with-flavor colcannon. This culinary masterpiece not only adds a dash of wholesome goodness to your plate, but it also showcases a breathtakingly vibrant hue, enticing both the eyes and the taste buds. While corned beef is a classic choice, prepare to be captivated by our kale-infused colcannon recipe, expertly laced with a tantalizing garlic essence. This imaginative twist on the traditional cabbage rendition not only adds a burst of mesmerizing colors to your plate, but it also elevates the flavor profile to a whole new level, making it the ideal companion for any main course.
What is Colcannon ?
Immerse yourself in the comforting embrace of Colcannon, a timeless Irish delicacy that transcends mere sustenance. Picture a symphony of flavors dancing upon your palate as velvety mashed potatoes intertwine with verdant green vegetables, resulting in an exquisite marriage of textures and tastes. While conventionally graced with the presence of cabbage or kale, we invite you to embark on a culinary adventure where scallions and kale collide, imbuing this dish with a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues and indulgent, nutty undertones.
Colcannon, with its rich heritage and captivating allure, serves as a verdant tapestry that elevates any culinary ensemble it accompanies. Be it a hearty main course or a simple dinner, this classic Irish side dish bestows a verdant surge of life upon its culinary counterparts, infusing them with an enchanting touch of greenery. Prepare to be transported to a realm where taste and visual aesthetics intertwine, allowing your senses to bask in the resplendent harmony of Colcannon’s vibrant medley.
Tips for making the best Colcannon
When preparing this dish, it is important to choose the right type of potatoes. While you have the flexibility to use any variety you have on hand, we highly recommend opting for Yukon Golds. These potatoes are favored for their exceptionally smooth and creamy texture, which enhances the overall quality of the mashed potatoes.
To achieve the desired level of creaminess in your mashed potatoes, we strongly advise using full-fat cream and whole milk in this recipe. Substituting these ingredients with alternatives will result in a less creamy outcome. The richness and thickness of full-fat dairy products are crucial for achieving the desired velvety consistency in the mashed potatoes.
When it comes to incorporating vegetables into this dish, don’t limit yourself to just cabbage or kale. Feel free to experiment and add a variety of vegetables to enhance the flavor and texture. Consider including Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or even kimchi, as they can bring a unique and delightful twist to the dish. Let your creativity shine by exploring different vegetable options.
When seasoning the mashed potatoes, be bold and generous. A crucial element of any excellent mashed potato recipe is the careful balance of salt and pepper. While it’s important to taste the dish as you go along, don’t hesitate to add ample amounts of seasoning. This will ensure that the flavors are well-developed and the dish is properly seasoned, resulting in a truly satisfying culinary experience.
Colcannon - Irish Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 5 medium-sized Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 6 tablespoons of butter, divided
- 4 scallions, with the white parts thinly sliced and the greens sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 3 cloves of garlic, crushed and chopped
- 1 large bunch of kale, with the stems removed and sliced into 1/2-inch ribbons
- 3/4 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover them with water, and generously season with salt. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they become completely soft, which usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes. Drain the water and return the potatoes to the pot.
- In the meantime, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large pot. Add the scallions and garlic, and cook them until they begin to soften and release a fragrant aroma, which should take approximately 2 minutes. Next, add the shredded kale, milk, and cream to the pot. Allow the mixture to cook for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the milk reaches a simmer and the kale wilts.
- Using a potato masher, mash the kale mixture into the potatoes until you achieve a smooth consistency. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- To serve, top the dish with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and sprinkle some additional cracked pepper on top.
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This is fantastic! The kale adds such a delightful twist to the creamy mashed potatoes. I prepared this dish to accompany corned beef and cabbage for a gathering with friends, and they were absolutely enamored with it.