Colcannon Recipe Traditional: Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Kale and Bacon

Looking for a traditional Irish side dish to complement your boiled dinner or Irish sausage, consider making a colcannon recipe traditional. This dish is a classic combination of creamy mashed potatoes, kale, and bacon that’s perfect for any occasion, especially around St.

Patrick’s Day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This colcannon recipe traditional is a hearty and comforting side dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of mashed potatoes, kale, and bacon is a match made in heaven, and the best part is that it’s a great way to get your daily dose of greens.

So, if you’re looking for a delicious and healthy side dish to add to your meal, look no further than this traditional Irish colcannon recipe.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a side dish for a variety of meals, from a traditional Irish boiled dinner to a simple weeknight meal.

It’s also a great way to use up any leftover mashed potatoes or kale you may have on hand.

Ingredients

Here is everything you need to make this colcannon recipe traditional from scratch.

4 5 large potatoes These will be the base of your colcannon, so choose high quality potatoes that are high in starch, like Russet or Idaho. This will help them to yield a light and fluffy mash.

1 head of kale Kale is a key ingredient in traditional colcannon, and it adds a delicious burst of nutrients and flavor to the dish. You can use either curly or lacinato kale, depending on your preference.

6 slices of bacon Bacon is a crucial component of colcannon, and it adds a smoky, savory flavor to the dish. Look for thick cut bacon that’s smoked to perfection.

1 onion A small onion will add a touch of sweetness and depth to your colcannon. Choose a sweet onion, like Vidalia or Maui, for the best flavor.

2 cloves of garlic Garlic is a fundamental flavor component in many Irish dishes, and it pairs beautifully with the kale and potatoes in colcannon. Mince your garlic finely to release its full flavor potential.

1/2 cup of butter Butter is essential for creating a rich, creamy mash. Use high quality, salted butter for the best flavor.

1/2 cup of heavy cream Heavy cream will add a luxurious texture to your colcannon. You can also use half and half or whole milk as a substitute if you prefer a lighter version.

Salt and pepper to taste Season your colcannon liberally with salt and pepper to bring out the full flavor of the ingredients.

Why These Ingredients

Potatoes

Potatoes are the foundation of colcannon, and they provide a comforting, familiar base for the dish. They’re also an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and several important vitamins and minerals.

When choosing potatoes, look for high starch varieties that will yield a light, fluffy mash.

If you want to substitute other types of potatoes, you can try using Yukon Gold or red potatoes. However, keep in mind that these varieties will yield a slightly sweeter, more waxy mash.

Kale

Kale is a nutrient dense superfood that adds a burst of flavor and nutrition to colcannon. It’s packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron.

When preparing kale, be sure to remove the tough stems and tear the leaves into bite sized pieces.

If you don’t have kale on hand, you can substitute other leafy greens like spinach or collard greens. However, keep in mind that these greens will have a milder flavor and softer texture than kale.

Bacon

Bacon is a crucial component of traditional colcannon, and it adds a smoky, savory flavor to the dish. Look for thick cut, smoked bacon that’s made from high quality pork.

When cooking the bacon, be sure to crisp it up in a pan until it’s golden brown and fragrant.

If you want to substitute other types of bacon, you can try using Canadian bacon or pancetta. However, keep in mind that these varieties will have a milder flavor and less smoky flavor than traditional bacon.

Instructions

Let’s walk through every step in detail so your colcannon recipe traditional turns out perfectly.

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes Fill a large pot with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil and carefully add the potatoes.

Cook the potatoes for 15 20 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 2: Prepare the Kale While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the kale by removing the tough stems and tearing the leaves into bite sized pieces. Rinse the kale in a colander under cold running water, and spin it dry in a salad spinner.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden brown. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel lined plate.

Leave the grease in the skillet and add the chopped onion. Cook the onion until it’s softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Mash the Potatoes Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, salt, and pepper, and mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until they’re smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Add the Kale and Bacon Add the chopped kale and cooked bacon to the mashed potatoes. Stir until the kale is wilted and the bacon is evenly distributed.

Step 6: Add the Heavy Cream Gradually add the heavy cream to the potatoes, stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

How To Serve

serve the colcannon alongside a traditional Irish boiled dinner, complete with corned beef, carrots, and cabbage. This is a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.

serve the colcannon as a side dish for a simple weeknight meal, such as grilled chicken or pork chops. This is a great way to add some extra nutrition and flavor to your meal.

serve the colcannon as a topping for a shepherd’s pie or cottage pie. This is a creative way to use up leftover colcannon and add some extra flavor to your meal.

serve the colcannon as a side dish for a holiday meal, such as St. Patrick’s Day or Easter.

This is a great way to add some extra flavor and nutrition to your meal, and it’s a nice change of pace from traditional side dishes.

How To Keep Leftovers

Room Temperature

you can store leftover colcannon at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Be sure to keep it in a covered container and refrigerate it as soon as possible.

When reheating, make sure the colcannon is hot and steaming, and serve it immediately.

Refrigerator

you can store leftover colcannon in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep it in a covered container and reheat it gently over low heat.

When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the colcannon’s creamy texture.

Freezer

you can store leftover colcannon in the freezer for up to 2 months. Be sure to keep it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and label it with the date and contents.

When reheating, thaw the colcannon overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it gently over low heat.

Top Tips

Use High Quality Ingredients

When making colcannon, it’s essential to use high quality ingredients, such as fresh kale, thick cut bacon, and real butter.

This will ensure that your colcannon has the best flavor and texture possible.

Don’t Overmix the Potatoes

When mashing the potatoes, be careful not to overmix them.

This can make the potatoes gluey and unappetizing, so stop mashing as soon as they’re smooth and creamy.

Add the Kale at the Right Time

When adding the kale to the potatoes, make sure to add it at the right time.

If you add it too early, the kale may become overcooked and mushy, so add it towards the end of the cooking time.

Final Thoughts

Colcannon is a delicious and traditional Irish side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and nutritious kale, it’s a hearty and comforting meal that’s sure to become a favorite.

So why not give it a try and experience the warm, cozy flavors of Ireland in your own home?