Irish Colcannon

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Irish

Irish Colcannon is a comforting traditional dish combining creamy mashed potatoes with tender green cabbage and fresh green onions. Rich with butter and parsley, it's perfect for cozy dinners or St. Patrick's Day celebrations, offering hearty flavors and a delightful texture that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb. potatoes
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 4 to 6 green onions
  • 1 1/2 cup boiled green cabbage
  • 1 Tbsp. butter
  • 1 Tbsp. parsley
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Mash the potatoes until smooth.
  2. Chop the green onions.
  3. Mix the mashed potatoes with chopped green onions, boiled green cabbage, butter, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  4. Serve warm.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can also substitute kale for cabbage for a different flavor profile. If you're short on time, use pre-packaged shredded cabbage. Remember to season well with salt and pepper, as these ingredients can greatly enhance the dish's flavor. For a twist, try adding cheddar cheese or even bacon for extra richness.

Serving Suggestions

Colcannon is best served warm as a comforting side dish. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, such as chicken or pork, and is a great accompaniment to hearty stews. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh salad or incorporate it into a vegetarian feast. Consider pairing it with Candied Fruit Cake for dessert to round out the meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the colcannon in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk if it appears too dry.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Irish Colcannon contains roughly 1157 calories, with 43g protein, 164g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (228% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (153% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 959mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).

1157 kcal 58% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 42.8g 86% DV
Total Fat 44.5g 57% DV
Carbs 164.1g 60% DV
Fiber 42.7g 100% DV
Sugar 4.7g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 959mg 42% DV
Potassium 5000mg 100% DV
Cholesterol 11.5mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 120.7mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 205mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 309.7mg 24% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze colcannon?

While colcannon can be frozen, it may change texture upon reheating. If you plan to freeze it, ensure it's cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently, adding a little milk if needed.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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