Colcannon Potatoes

Colcannon potatoes is a traditional Irish dish that combines mashed potatoes with cooked cabbage or kale, along with other ingredients like butter, milk, and sometimes onions or scallions.  It's a hearty and flavorful side dish that is often served with meat, particularly on St. Patrick's Day.

To make colcannon potatoes, you'll need the following ingredients:

- 2 pounds of potatoes (such as Russet or Yukon Gold)

- 1 small head of cabbage or a bunch of kale

- 4 tablespoons of butter

- ½ cup of milk or cream

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Optional: 1 onion or 4-6 scallions (green onions), chopped

Here's a step-by-step guide to making colcannon potatoes:

1.Peel the potatoes and reduce them into chunks. Rinse them under cold water to remove any excess starch.

2.Place the potatoes in a huge pot and cowl them with water. Add a pinch of salt to the water, which helps to season the potatoes as they cook. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat and cook the potatoes until they are tender when pierced with a fork (usually around 15-20 minutes).

3. While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the cabbage or kale. If using cabbage, remove the tough outer leaves and core, then chop the cabbage into small pieces. If using kale, remove the tough stems and chop the leaves.

4. In a separate pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped cabbage or kale and cook until it's wilted and tender (around 5-7 minutes). If you prefer a milder flavor, you can blanch the cabbage or kale in boiling water for a few minutes before sautéing it.

5. If using onions or scallions, you can sauté them with the cabbage or kale for additional flavor. Cook until they become translucent and slightly caramelized.

6. Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, milk or cream, and season with salt and pepper. Mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy. You can use a potato masher or a handheld mixer for this step.

7. Add the cooked cabbage or kale (and onions or scallions, if using) to the mashed potatoes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

8. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired.

9. Serve the colcannon potatoes hot as a side dish. They pair well with roasted meats, particularly corned beef or roast chicken.

Colcannon potatoes are a comforting and delicious way to enjoy potatoes and greens together. They can be a great addition to any meal, not just on St. Patrick's Day. Enjoy!