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Traditional Irish Colcannon Recipe

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Colcannon is a traditional Irish mashed potato dish with cabbage that is a hearty, comfort food classic in Ireland. If you love mashed potatoes and cabbage, this is a simple-to make-dish you will want to try. It makes the perfect side dish for St. Patrick’s Day, or just because!

A rustic, earthenware bowl brims with colcannon, where creamy mashed potatoes meet finely shredded cabbage. Topped with more cabbage and a sprinkle of black pepper, this classic dish invites comfort in every bite.

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Colcannon is a year-round staple, although it also makes special appearances on holidays, including St. Patrick’s Day, and most especially on Halloween, where sneaky chefs conceal lucky charms or coins within its body.

Traditionally, Colcannon incorporates cabbage or kale into the mashed potatoes.

Colcannon Ingredients

Here is a quick list of the ingredients you’ll need:

  • Potatoes: I prefer russet potatoes, but Yukon Gold potatoes work well too.
  • Green cabbage is my preference but shredded kale is traditional too.
  • Milk: You can use whole milk or half-and-half
  • Butter for flavor
  • Scallions for another layer of aromatic flavor

How to Make Colcannon

Here’s how to make colcannon in three easy steps. Detailed instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

  1. Cover peeled, cut potatoes with water in a large pan and bring to a boil. Cook until fork tender, about 15 minutes, depending on the size of the chunks.
  2. Transfer potatoes to a bowl and added shredded cabbage and scallions to simmering water. Cook for 1-2 minutes (or until tender).
  3. Mash potatoes with butter and milk until desired consistency and season with salt and pepper. Stir in drained cabbage and scallions.
Traditional stone cottage in rural Ireland.

So loved is Colcannon that it has inspired a traditional Irish song by its own name or by the name, “The Skillet Pot,” and has been recorded by many artists.

LYRICS

“Did you ever eat Colcannon, made from lovely pickled cream?
With the greens and scallions mingled like a picture in a dream.
Did you ever make a hole on top to hold the melting flake
Of the creamy, flavoured butter that your mother used to make?”

The chorus:

“Yes you did, so you did, so did he and so did I.
And the more I think about it sure the nearer I’m to cry.
Oh, wasn’t it the happy days when troubles we had not,
And our mothers made Colcannon in the little skillet pot.”

Click here to hear Mary Black sing this tune on YouTube.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use cabbage or kale in my Colcannon?

Both are traditional, so use whichever you prefer or whichever you have on hand.

What should I serve with Colcannon?

Anything with a rich sauce, but I like to serve it with this Traditional Irish Lamb Stew made without the potatoes.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Sure, just substitute the butter and milk with your favorite plant based alternatives.

Close up of the cabbage on top of a serving of Colcannon.

More Irish Recipes You May Also Enjoy

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A rustic, earthenware bowl brims with colcannon, where creamy mashed potatoes meet finely shredded cabbage. Topped with more cabbage and a sprinkle of black pepper, this classic dish invites comfort in every bite.

Traditional Irish Colcannon Recipe

Colcannon is a traditional Irish mashed potato dish, and is a hearty and comfort food classic in Ireland.
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Stephanie Wilson

Ingredients 

  • 4 russet potatoes Yukon Gold potatoes work well too
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2/3 cup whole milk or half and half
  • 1/2 small green cabbage or small bunch kale shredded
  • 4 scallions sliced diagonally
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Peel the potatoes and cut them into large chunks and place into a large saucepan. Cover with water and add salt. Bring the potatoes to a boil and then reduce to a simmer and allow to cook about 15 or 20 minutes or until fork tender.
  • Remove potatoes from the simmering water and put into a bowl, and add the shredded cabbage and scallions to the simmering water. Allow it to simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, or until tender.
  • Meanwhile, mash potatoes with a hand masher, add salt, pepper (to taste), butter and milk until desired consistency. Then add drained cabbage or kale and scallions. Stir well until light and fluffy. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 263kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 116mg | Potassium: 1005mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 563IU | Vitamin C: 77mg | Calcium: 127mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

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Course: Sides
Cuisine: Irish
Keyword: colcannon, colcannon recipe, Irish Colcannon, potatoes and cabbage

6 Comments

  1. Pingback: Traditional Irish Colcannon - I Can So Make That
    1. Thank you! Love the Colcannon too – mashed potatoes and cabbage – you can NEVER go wrong with that! ? – The apple cake is one of our favorites too ?

5 from 3 votes (1 rating without comment)

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