Colcannon is a comforting Irish dish of fluffy mashed potatoes mixed with tender cabbage or kale, often with scallions and usually with plenty of butter. While it has become a tradition to enjoy colcannon on Samhain, an ancient Celtic festival from which Halloween is drawn, it’s also a fine dish to celebrate any Irish holiday, including St. Patrick’s Day. For Samhain, treasures would be buried in the dish; depending on what you found in your portion, your fortune for the coming months would be revealed. In some cases, a ring suggested marriage, while a coin promised future wealth. Use russet potatoes for a fluffier mash or Yukons for a creamier texture. Omit the cabbage and kale entirely and you’ve got a different Irish classic: champ! Fry tablespoons of leftover colcannon the next day for wonderful potato pancakes to serve under a runny egg.
Colcannon (Mashed Potatoes and Cabbage)
By Kristina Felix for New York Times Cooking
INGREDIENTS
Yield:4 to 6 servings
- Kosher salt
- 3 pounds potatoes, such as russet or Yukon Gold
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 to 4cups loosely packed chopped green cabbage or kale
- 1 bunch scallions, chopped
- 1 cup light cream (milk or heavy cream can be substituted)
Preparation
Step 1 – Fill a large pot halfway with water and add 2 tablespoons salt; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. While water heats, peel and cut potatoes into 1½- to 2-inch chunks, adding them to the pot as you go. Boil the potatoes until very tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Drain potatoes, set aside and return the empty pot to the stove.
Step 2 – In the empty pot, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Reserve a handful of scallion greens for garnish; add remaining scallions, cabbage and 1 teaspoon salt to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 7 minutes. Add the cream, bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes. Adjust the heat to medium-low, add the potatoes and 2 tablespoons butter, and mash to desired consistency (either smooth or with some texture), making sure to incorporate the cabbage and scallions throughout. Keep on heat just until potatoes are heated through, stirring so that the bottom doesn’t burn. Remove from heat, taste and add more salt if needed.
Step 3 – Transfer to a serving dish. Make a well in the center with the back of a spoon and add remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Sprinkle with reserved scallions and serve immediately.
