Comforting colcannon
Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish featuring creamy mashed potatoes mixed with tender cabbage and aromatic chives. This comforting and hearty recipe showcases simple, wholesome ingredients for a satisfying meal.
Cook time 25 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
5 potatoes1/3 cup milk (1% fat)
1/3 cup light sour cream
1 tbsp butter
3 cups cabbage
2 tbsp chives
Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish that combines creamy mashed potatoes with tender cabbage and aromatic chives. Perfect for a comforting meal, this recipe is both hearty and nutritious, highlighting the humble ingredients often found in Irish cuisine. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying colcannon that will delight your taste buds.
Instructions:
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into chunks. This will help them cook evenly and more quickly.
- Place the potato chunks in a large pot.
- Fill the pot with enough water to cover the potatoes.
- Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer.
- Cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
- While the potatoes are cooking, finely chop 3 cups of cabbage.
- In a separate pan, add the cabbage and enough water to cover it.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 5-10 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
- Drain the cabbage thoroughly.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them well and return them to the pot.
- Add the 1/3 cup milk, 1/3 cup light sour cream, and 1 tablespoon butter to the potatoes.
- Use a potato masher or an electric mixer to mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy.
- Stir the cooked and drained cabbage into the mashed potatoes.
- Mix in the 2 tablespoons of finely chopped chives.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the colcannon to a serving dish.
- Optionally, garnish with some additional chives or a small pat of butter on top for extra flavor.
- Serve the colcannon hot as a comforting side dish. It pairs wonderfully with meats like ham, bacon, or sausages.
There you have it—a delightful and comforting colcannon, perfect for warming up on chilly days. This dish not only brings together the rich flavors of potatoes and cabbage but also adds a creamy texture with milk, sour cream, and butter. Enjoy this traditional Irish delicacy as a side or even as a main dish, and savor the comforting simplicity of this classic recipe.
Comforting colcannon FAQ:
Cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. This ensures they are soft enough to mash smoothly.
You can substitute light sour cream with Greek yogurt or plain yogurt for a similar creamy texture. If dairy-free is preferred, try a plant-based sour cream.
Store leftover colcannon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed.
Green cabbage is traditionally used for colcannon, but you can also use savoy cabbage for a slightly different flavor and texture. Just ensure it's finely chopped.
Yes, you can prepare colcannon ahead of time. Cook and mash the potatoes and cabbage, then refrigerate. Reheat before serving, adding a bit of milk to restore creaminess.
Tips:
- Choose starchy potatoes such as russet or Yukon gold for the best texture in your colcannon.
- Ensure the cabbage is finely shredded to allow it to cook evenly and blend seamlessly with the mashed potatoes.
- You can use an immersion blender or hand masher for a smoother potato consistency, depending on your preference.
- Consider adding a touch of garlic or onion powder for extra flavor, if desired.
- For a richer taste, you can substitute the light sour cream with a fuller-fat version or even use cream cheese.
- Garnish with additional chives or even some crispy bacon bits to elevate the dish further.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 280kcal
Protein 8g
Carbohydrates 50g
Fiber 7g
Sugar 6g
Fat 6g
More recipes
Cheesy pumpkin bake
Bake a comforting cheesy pumpkin dish with Parmesan and breadcrumbs.
30 Dec 2025Barbecued sweet potato with gremolata dressing
Grilled sweet potatoes topped with zesty gremolata dressing.
04 Jan 2026