Colcannon is a classic Irish dish that transforms simple mashed potatoes into a savory delight.
Traditionally, it combines mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale, but we’re adding a modern twist with buttery sautéed leeks and white cheddar cheese for an extra touch of richness.
Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just looking for a comforting side dish, colcannon is sure to please.
Let’s dive into making this mouthwatering dish!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs peeled and diced Yukon gold potatoes
- Salt to taste
- ½ cup butter, divided
- 2 large leeks, chopped
- 4 cups thinly sliced kale
- Optional: ¼ cup vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- Pepper to taste
1. Preparing the Potatoes
Start by peeling and roughly chopping the Yukon gold potatoes.
Place them into a large pot of salted water.
Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are fork tender, which should take about 20-25 minutes.
The goal is to have the potatoes soft enough to mash easily.
Once they’re done, drain them well.
2. Sautéing the Leeks
While the potatoes are cooking, heat ½ cup of butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped leeks to the skillet and cook them, stirring occasionally.
You’ll want to sauté the leeks until they are soft and slightly caramelized, which will take around 20-25 minutes.
To keep the leeks from burning, deglaze the pan frequently with a splash of vegetable or chicken stock.
This will add a depth of flavor to the leeks and help them cook evenly.
3. Adding the Kale
Once the leeks are beautifully caramelized, add the thinly sliced kale to the skillet.
Season with salt to taste.
Stir the kale into the leeks and cook until the kale is wilted and tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
The kale will become a vibrant green and will pair perfectly with the sweet and savory leeks.
4. Mashing the Potatoes
After draining the potatoes, you have the option to either rice them or mash them using a potato masher.
Ricing the potatoes will give a smoother texture, while mashing them will be a bit chunkier.
Either way, aim for a creamy consistency.
5. Mixing in the Flavor
To the mashed potatoes, stir in the remaining butter, shredded white cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.
Gradually add milk while stirring until the mixture reaches your desired consistency.
The cheese will melt into the potatoes, adding a deliciously creamy texture.
6. Combining Everything
Gently fold in the cooked leeks and kale mixture into the mashed potatoes.
Taste your colcannon and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
For an extra touch of indulgence, you can garnish with a bit of extra butter on top.
Optional: top with green onions if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Colcannon is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of main dishes.
Serve it alongside roast meats, such as beef or pork, or enjoy it with a hearty stew.
Its rich and creamy texture makes it a comforting addition to any meal.
Tips and Tricks
- Potato Variety: Yukon gold potatoes are ideal for colcannon because they have a buttery flavor and creamy texture. However, you can use other types of potatoes if you prefer.
- Leeks: Be sure to clean the leeks thoroughly before chopping them. They often hold dirt between their layers, so washing them well is important.
- Cheese: While white cheddar adds a wonderful flavor, you can experiment with other types of cheese based on your preference.
A Classic with a Modern Twist
Colcannon is a dish that beautifully marries tradition with modern flavors.
The addition of buttery leeks and sharp cheddar cheese not only enhances the classic recipe but also adds a delightful depth of flavor.
It’s perfect for special occasions or as a comforting side to your everyday meals.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional Irish fare or simply looking to try something new, this colcannon recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Enjoy making and savoring this delicious colcannon, and don’t forget to share it with family and friends.
It’s a dish that’s not only tasty but also brings a touch of Irish charm to your table. 🍀