Colcannon is pure traditional Irish comfort food at its absolute best. Nothing beats a good Irish potato recipe, especially one that combines those potatoes with lots of garlic, leeks, cabbage, and spring onions. This is one traditional Irish dish that will make it back to your family table time and time again.
Is Colcannon a St Patrick's Day Food?
I have such fond memories of growing up in Ireland, and the one that stands out the most is enjoying a big steaming hot bowl of colcannon while the rain pelted down outside.
Apparently, it is a St Patrick’s day favorite, however, as kids, we were usually out at the local St Paddie's Day festival and the (family-friendly) pubs, so I assume we were eating sausages and chips, rather than anything home-cooked.
For us, Colcannon was more of a comforting meal in itself, and we enjoyed it quite regularly.
I recently realized I have never actually made colcannon for my kids or husband before, which is weird because I ate it SO MUCH growing up, so I was super excited to try it out on them. I am happy to report they shoveled this down after a day out exploring at the park.
Colcannon's Secret Power
Just so you are in the know, Colcannon just so happens to be the perfect hangover food! So if you find you have celebrated a wee bit too much this St Patricks Day, get a bowl of this into you, and you will be set (speaking from a lot of experience in my college years).
I See A Lot of Butter...Can This Be Made Vegan?
If you are vegan, and still want to enjoy some colcannon (and why wouldn't you?), you are in luck! I gave it a bit of an experiment, and if you sub in the butter for 3 tablespoon dairy free milk and add 1-2 tablespoon nutritional yeast, you can get a similar flavor.
What About The Leftovers?
I mean seriously? Leftovers potatoes...(how is that even possible?)
If you do manage to have any leftovers, they will store well in the fridge for a couple of days. Just use some milk to loosen them up a bit when you reheat and you will be good to go.
If you want to try something different, then check out these Colcannon Tater Tots. They are a quick and easy way to use up those leftovers and I can guarantee that the whole family will devour them hot straight from the oven. Otherwise, they also make some great potato cakes!
Looking for some more Irish food inspiration for your celebrations? Check out these recipes:
- Creamy Irish Mushroom and Potato Soup;
- Instant Pot Potato Soup with Cheddar and Leek;
- Pillowy Potato Biscuits using Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Do you have any plans for St Patrick’s Day this year? Make sure you enjoy some Colcannon with a side of homemade sausages for the occasion 🙂 Happy eating
Recipe
Colcannon Irish Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 lbs potatoes of choice washed well and cut into large chunks (I used sierra red because I love the flecks of red skin in the dish)
- 2 whole cloves of garlic peeled, not minced
- 4 tablespoon good quality butter cubed. Plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 large leek white and light green parts only, sliced thinly
- ½ head cabbage sliced thinly
- 3 spring onions sliced thinly including the green bits
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Put the cubed potatoes and whole garlic cloves in a medium pot and cover with cold water by at least an inch. Add 1 tablespoon of salt, and bring to a boil. Boil until tender, about 15-20 mins. Once cooked, drain in a colander
- While potatoes are cooking, heat the avocado oil in a medium saucepan. Once hot, add in the leeks and cabbage and cook until wilted, and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 4 mins. Remove from heat
- Pop the drained potatoes back into the medium pot, add in the cubed butter, the cooked greens mixture and the chopped spring onions. Mash with a potato masher until really smooth and creamy. Add salt to taste and serve hot with a small indentation in top and a small knob of butter popped in there
Sandra says
I made these last year for a St Patrick’s Day dinner. They were a huge hit. I thought I had saved the recipe but when I went to use it today I could not find it. I searched over 4 hours. Yes they were that good they were worth the search.
So happy to find it again. I’ve made a couple copies.
Thanks so much for giving us ‘this deliciousness.
Donna says
Haha this comment made my day Sandra!! Hope you saved it this time for next year 🙂
Margaret says
Did the exact same thing! 💚☘️
Jordyn says
Hi there! Do I have to use avocado oil? Can I substitute it? Will it affect the taste if I do? I can't find anything on it. It says that the taste will vary depending on whether or not you use unrefined, or refined avocado oil. Looking forward to trying this. Thanks!
Donna1 says
Hi Jordyn, no you can use any cooking oil of your choice. I just use avocado oil because it has a high heat point, but I have used extra virgin olive oil in this recipe too. Hope you enjoy!
Steven says
I'm planning to try this recipe for an international potluck party. I'm just wondering if I discard the garlic cloves after the potatoes are cooked or do I mash then into the finished product?.
Donna says
Mash them into the finished potatoes. Enjoy!
Julie Ann says
Is it possible to make these a day ahead? I am looking at something for a St. Patrick's Day potluck and wanted to make it simple.
Donna1 says
Yes for sure. When you reheat you will just want to add a little bit more milk or cream to loosen them up again. I always make a huge batch and re-heat the next day and they taste just as good! Enjoy 🙂
Amanda says
I love this recipe. This dish is well loved in many countries, including the Netherlands. I have a friend from there who calls it stamppot or mash up. Such a great comfort food. There the traditional is with sauerkraut or kale. Thanks for the reminder. I have cabbage in the fridge right now!
Donna1 says
Oh yum, I NEED to try some with sauerkraut next time around - that sounds like it would be right up my alley 🙂
Elaine @ Dishes Delish says
Oh my word. So delicious!! When I visited Ireland last year, I had so many great dishes, but I missed this one. I can't wait to try it!
Donna1 says
I hope you love it!! It has been a huge hit around here 🙂
Dominique | Perchance to Cook says
I love this recipe! I can not wait to try it... it looks so cozy. 🙂 I spent some time in Ireland and this recipe brings back good memories.
Donna1 says
Oh thank you Dominique 🙂 Don't you just love those nostalgic recipes that remind you of awesome times!