Colcannon is an Irish mashed potato dish traditionally made with cabbage or kale. People eat Colcannon, sometimes spelled Colchannon, over Halloween. The dish is still popular today in Ireland and even has a song associated with it. One version of the song, taken from EuropeanCuisines.com describes the dish well:
"Did you ever eat colcannon
when 'twas made with thickened cream
And the greens and scallions blended
Like the picture in a dream?"
Colcannon Ingredients
- 4 medium red potatoes
- 2 shallots, minced
- 1 bunch of kale, chopped
- 1/2 cup or milk or cream, heated
- 1 1/2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup Asiago cheese, grated
- additional grated Asiago cheese for garnish
- sea salt
- black pepper
Wash and scrub the potatoes, removing any shoots. Skin the potatoes if you prefer, but they are healthier and just as tasty with skin. Chop the potatoes into large chunks and put them in a large pot. Cover the potatoes with water and bring to a boil. Boil the potatoes for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender enough to mash.
Heat up half of the butter in a skillet. Add the minced shallots and the chopped kale. Cook on medium to medium high heat until the kale wilts and softens. If you are using a non-stick skillet, add a few tablespoons of water to keep the kale from sticking. Remove from heat and set aside.
Mash the potatoes while adding the hot milk a little at a time. Keep adding milk until the potatoes become moist and creamy. Use cream for the best results, though whole milk tastes good and has less fat. Add sea salt and pepper to taste.
When your potatoes are mashed and creamy add the Asiago cheese and kale. Stir until mixed, but don't over do it. Sprinkle with extra Asiago cheese to garnish. Serve hot.
Recipe serves four as a side dish.
Nutritional Information
Potatoes provide complex carbohydrates and a good source of fiber if eaten with the skin. Red potatoes contain vitamin C, potassium, folic acid, and iron. The pigment in red potatoes may also provide antioxidants.
Kale is a member of the cabbage family which comes in a variety of colors. Kale is a low calorie food and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. One serving of kale also contains fiber, protein, calcium and iron.
Source
Europeancuisines.com " Irish Colcannon Lore. " (Accessed June 16, 2011)
USDA.gov "Colorful Potatoes Offer Nutrition, Variety." (Accessed June 16, 2011)
CDC.gov "Vegetable of the Month: Cooking Greens." (Accessed June 16, 2011)
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