Potatoes Colcannon
Potatoes Colcannon is an Irish dish of mashed potatoes and kale or cabbage. In this version, we've added turnips for a boost of nutrition and flavor. This is a very adaptable recipe – sees notes below for other recipe modification ideas.Colcannon is traditionally served on Halloween (a holiday with ancient Celtic origins) and is one of many fortune-telling foods served that day. A coin, ring or other item was often hidden inside and whatever trinket you found in your potatoes predicted your future. A coin meant wealth in the coming year, a ring meant you were soon to wed, etc… Due to the risk of choking or swallowing foreign objects, we don't recommend this practice!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes Russet (or Yukon Gold – see notes below) peeled and cut into chunks – 2 quarter; dice or larger
- 1 pound turnips peeled and cut into 1 quarter; chunks (optional)
- 6 Tablespoons butter divided
- 1 bunch scallions sliced thinly
- 1 bunch kale stems removed, leaves washed and chopped
- 1/2 cup milk as needed
- salt and pepper to taste, plus a scant dusting of nutmeg, if desired
Instructions
- In a medium pot, cover the potatoes and turnips with salted cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, until tender. Drain well. Transfer to a large bowl, dot with 3 Tbs. of butter and mash coarsely.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 3 Tbs. of butter over medium-high heat. Add scallions and cook for 3-5 minutes to soften, stirring frequently. Add kale and cook for another 6 minutes more over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Add kale/scallion mixture to the mashed potatoes and turnips. Stir sparingly to combine. If mixture is light and dry, add milk a bit at a time, stopping to test after each addition. Add spices and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Yukon Gold potatoes, with skin on, may substitute for Russets. Due to high moisture content, milk may not be needed.
- If turnips are not available, substitute additional potatoes.
- Onions or leeks may substitute for scallions – quarter (lengthwise for leeks) and slice thinly – roughly 1.5 cups.
- Well-dried cabbage may substitute for kale.
Nutrition Facts
Potatoes Colcannon
Amount per Serving
Calories
262.3
% Daily Value*
Fat
12.4
g
16
%
Saturated Fat
7.6
g
38
%
Sodium
177.3
mg
8
%
Potassium
925.2
mg
20
%
Carbohydrates
34.5
g
12
%
Fiber
4.8
g
17
%
Sugar
5.2
g
Protein
5.5
g
11
%
Vitamin A
2587.2
µg
287
%
Vitamin C
72.4
mg
80
%
Vitamin D
0.5
µg
3
%
Vitamin K
164.8
µg
137
%
Calcium
102.5
mg
8
%
Iron
1.8
mg
10
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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