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    Home » Sides

    Colcannon - Traditional Irish Potatoes

    Published: Mar 7, 2019 · Modified: Jun 19, 2020 by Carolyn Hetke · This post may contain affiliate links,

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    You don't have to be Irish to enjoy Colcannon. This traditional Irish mashed potato mix is amped up with cabbage and leeks, cream and butter.  Delicious!

    Irish mashed potatoes in a casserole.
    Jump to:
    • How To Serve
    • Related Recipes
    • Colcannon - Traditional Irish Potatoes
    • FAQs

    If I could only have one vegetable for the rest of my life, it wouldbe potatoes for sure!  There is a joke that says 'Potatoes give us french fries, chips and vodka... it's like the other vegetables aren't even trying!'

    You can't really pick out any one additional flavour in this traditional Irish mash but the extras give it layers of flavour.  This would be a great way to incorporate additional veggie servings into your meal.

    How To Serve

    These make a delicious side to any roast or meatloaf like this one I call Jazzed Up Meatloaf!

    Sliced meatloaf with brown sugar ketchup topping.

    It also makes a great potluck addition.  You can make it ahead and gently reheat before serving.

    Leftovers make a great hash as well with the addition of some bacon, ham, pea, green onion -whatever else is going! In fact you may want to make a big batch to ensure you have leftovers.

    I make a variation on this sometimes if I have enough leeks.   I like this Potato Mash with Celeriac, Parsnip and Frizzled Leeks so much I sometimes top the colcannon casserole with Frizzled Leeks as well.

    Potato Mash with Celeriac, Parsnips and Frizzled Leeks
    The ultimate potato mash with celeriac, parsnips and frizzled leeks
    Colcannon casserole with Frizzled Leek Topping
    Colcannon Casserole with Frizzled Leek Topping

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    Colcannon casserole

    Colcannon - Traditional Irish Potatoes

    Leeks and cabbage nestled in the creamy mashed potatoes make for a satisfying Irish dish!
    Author: Carolyn Hetke

    If you tried this, or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know it went in the 📝 comments below!

    4.50 from 2 votes
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    Course: Main Dish
    Cuisine: Irish
    Prep Time: 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 30 minutes mins
    Total Time: 50 minutes mins
    Servings: 6 servings

    Ingredients

    • 6 medium Yukon Gold potatoes
    • 6 Tbsps butter divided 4 + 2
    • 2 medium leeks white and light green parts only
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 3 cups green cabbage finely shredded
    • ½ cups milk
    • ½ cup cream I used 10%
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • ¼ cup fresh parsley finely chopped

    Optional Fried Leek Topping

    • 1 medium leek white and light green part only, finely sliced
    • 3 Tbsps vegetable oil

    Instructions

    • Peel and quarter potatoes. Cover with water and a dash of salt. Bring to a boil and simmer 25-30 minutes until fork tender.
    • While potatoes are cooking, heat 4 Tbsps of butter in a large skillet. Add the leeks and cook over medium heat about 10 minutes til leeks are soft. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute. Add the cabbage and cook another 10 minutes or so until cabbage is wilted and soft. Stir often.
    • When potatoes are cooked drain them and mash roughly. You want them to be quite coarsely mashed. Add the cabbage mixture and stir to evenly incorporate.
    • Add the milk, cream,remaining butter, salt and pepper and stir thoroughly. Add the parsley last and mix in. Transfer to serving bowl and pass with additional butter if desired.
    • Optional Fried Leek Topping: Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet (cast iron is great). Test it with 1 piece of leek. It should sizzle when the leek hits the oil. Add the leeks when the oil is ready. Cook, stirring until the leeks turn golden brown. This can take about 7 minutes. Stir often and watch so they don't burn. When done transfer leeks to a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Top the colcannon casserole dish with fried leeks.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 382kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 350mg | Potassium: 1030mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g
    Tried this recipe?Mention @thewineloverski or tag #thewineloverski!

    FAQs

    Can I Use Russet Potatoes?

    Yes, you can use russets. Just be sure to mash them well or even put them through a potato ricer.

    How Do I Store This?

    This will keep well in the fridge for a day or so. It will also freeze tightly sealed, and reheat well.

    Reader Interactions

    4.50 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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