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Enjoy the easy and comforting classic Irish dish, Colcannon. This recipe for one mixes smooth mashed potatoes with fresh, crisp greens for a filling and satisfying meal. It’s great for any day and a lovely way to bring a touch of Irish tradition into your kitchen.
Enjoy a hearty meal by pairing rich, succulent pork tenderloin or a savory ham steak with Colcannon, accompanied by flavorful black eyed peas and warm, buttery cornbread.
Colcannon, a beloved Irish potato dish, varies widely in its preparation. In Ireland, nearly every cook and region boasts a unique take on this classic recipe. Our version, tailored for a single serving, features potatoes, cabbage, garlic, green onions, and a generous blend of milk or cream with plenty of butter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: This recipe simplifies the classic dish into manageable steps for a single serving, making it perfect for a quick and fulfilling meal.
- Versatile: Easily adapt it with substitutions or additions like bacon, kale, or chard to suit your taste.
- Nutritious: A hearty blend of vegetables and potatoes makes this a healthy choice.
- Flavorful: The combination of garlic, green onions, and butter creates a rich and comforting taste.
- Cultural Connection: Enjoy a piece of Irish heritage right from your kitchen, perfect for themed celebrations or everyday meals.
What Is Colcannon?
Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish made from mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage or kale, enriched with butter and milk. Its name, originating from the Gaelic ‘cál caineann’, translates to “white cabbage”, reflecting its humble yet nourishing ingredients.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this easy colcannon recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Potatoes: Our recipe uses 2 russet potatoes, weighing about 1 pound (16 ounces) in total. Ensure to peel and chop them into large chunks for even cooking. If you’ve got an extra potato or two, consider using it to make a Twice Baked Potato or Hash Browns.
- Butter: Salted butter is preferred for its flavor-enhancing properties. However, unsalted butter is a great alternative, especially if you want to control the saltiness. Adjust salt to taste after cooking.
- Cabbage: Incorporate 4 ounces of chopped green cabbage, approximately a lightly packed cup (113 grams). This can be substituted with chopped kale or other leafy greens for a different texture and taste. Extra cabbage can be used in Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos or Coleslaw.
- Green Onion and Garlic: The inclusion of 1 green onion and 1 garlic clove imparts a subtle yet distinct flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Milk: While 2% milk is recommended for a balance of richness and lightness, feel free to experiment with different milk fat percentages. For those preferring creamier potatoes, heavy cream or half-and-half are excellent options.
- Salt: A crucial ingredient for seasoning, it brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
These carefully selected ingredients ensure that our Colcannon not only tastes delicious but also caters to various dietary preferences and needs, making it a versatile and enjoyable dish for all.
Recipe Variations
Experiment with these creative twists to personalize your colcannon. Each variation adds a unique flavor or texture, making this classic dish even more enjoyable.
- Bacon-infused: For a smoky flavor, fry a couple of strips of bacon, crumble them, and mix into the colcannon. Alternatively, cook the cabbage and green onions in bacon drippings instead of butter.
- Cheesy Colcannon: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar or your favorite cheese right after mashing the potatoes for a gooey, cheesy colcannon.
- Herb Infused: Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary for an aromatic touch and a burst of fresh flavor.
- Spicy Colcannon: Give your colcannon a kick by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
- Root Veggie Mix: Mix in other root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or turnips with the potatoes for added nutrition and a variety of textures.
How To Make Colcannon
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a small batch of colcannon. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Put the potatoes in a small pot and cover with cold water by at least one inch. Add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and bring to a boil. Boil until the potatoes are fork tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes in a colander.
- Return the pot to the stove and set over medium-high heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter.
- Once the butter has melted, add the cabbage. Cook the cabbage for 3-4 minutes, or until wilted. Add the garlic and green onions and cook for 1 minute longer.
- Pour in the milk, mix well, and add the potatoes. Reduce heat to medium.
- Use a fork or a potato masher and mash the potatoes, mixing them up with the cabbage. Add salt, to taste and serve hot with plenty of butter.
Expert Tips
- Even Cooking: Cut the potato into even sizes for uniform cooking.
- Potato Choice: Use russet potatoes or Yukon gold for the best results in texture and flavor.
- Salted Water: Add salt to the boiling water for cooking the potatoes, enhancing their taste.
- Butter Generosity: Use a liberal amount of butter in the mashed potatoes for richness and flavor.
- Creaminess: Mash potatoes well and add milk/cream gradually to reach desired consistency.
- Bacon Twist: Consider frying 1-2 slices of bacon until crispy, then use the bacon drippings to cook the onions, adding a smoky depth to the Colcannon.
How To Serve Colcannon
Explore these delightful serving suggestions to elevate your colcannon, whether you’re looking for a complete meal or a tasty accompaniment.
- With Protein: Pair with baked Jerk Chicken or Stuffed Fish for a complete meal.
- As a Side: Serve alongside a hearty Irish stew or Pot Roast for a comforting dinner.
- For Breakfast: Top with a fried egg for a filling start to your day.
- In a Bowl: Enjoy as is, in a cozy bowl, maybe with a sprinkle of cheese.
- Seasonal Twist: Add roasted butternut squash for a seasonal variation.
- Irish Soda Bread: Complement your colcannon with a slice of warm, freshly baked Irish Soda Bread, perfect for soaking up flavors and adding a traditional Irish element to your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.
Absolutely! To make more colcannon, simply double the ingredient quantities. Use a larger pot for cooking the potatoes and cabbage, and then proceed with the recipe as usual.
Yes, colcannon can be prepared ahead of time, up to a few days in advance. For reheating, use either the microwave or oven, ensuring it’s covered to heat evenly.
A 2-quart saucepan is perfect for making colcannon for one. Choosing a similar-sized pot will yield the best results, allowing for even cooking and easy mixing.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day With These Single Serving Delights
Embark on a festive culinary adventure this St. Patrick’s Day with these perfectly portioned Irish-inspired recipes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or just want to enjoy the holiday flavors in a smaller format, these single serving dishes bring the essence of Ireland to your table.
- Irish Stew: A comforting, hearty stew made with tender meat and vegetables, scaled down to a single serving for a satisfying meal.
- Mini Irish Soda Bread: Enjoy a personal-sized loaf of this classic, quick-to-make bread, perfect for pairing with your stew or enjoying on its own.
- Shamrock Shake: A festive, creamy, and minty shake to bring a little luck and flavor to your St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
- Guinness Float: Indulge in a decadent dessert beverage combining rich Guinness stout with creamy ice cream, creating a unique and delightful treat.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this traditional colcannon recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
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Colcannon For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 medium russet potatoes (1 pound), peeled and cut into large chunks
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons salted butter , plus more for serving
- 1 cup lightly packed chopped cabbage
- 1 green onion , chopped
- 1 clove garlic , minced
- ½ cup 2% milk
Instructions
- Put the potatoes in a small pot and cover with cold water by at least one inch. Add salt, and bring to a boil. Boil until the potatoes are fork tender, 15 to 20 minutes.Drain the potatoes in a colander.
- Return the pot to the stove and set over medium-high heat. Melt the butter.Once the butter has melted, add the cabbage. Cook the cabbage for 3-4 minutes, or until wilted. Add the green onions and garlic and cook for 1 minute longer.
- Pour in the milk, mix well, and add the potatoes. Reduce heat to medium.
- Use a fork or a potato masher and mash the potatoes, mixing them up with the cabbage. Add salt, to taste and serve hot with plenty of butter.
Notes
- Even Cooking: Cut the potato into even sizes for uniform cooking.
- Potato Choice: Use russet potatoes or Yukon gold for the best results in texture and flavor.
- Salted Water: Add salt to the boiling water for cooking the potatoes, enhancing their taste.
- Butter Generosity: Use a liberal amount of butter in the mashed potatoes for richness and flavor.
- Creaminess: Mash potatoes well and add milk/cream gradually to reach desired consistency.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I just had the colcannon alongside your smothered pork chop recipe. I just want to say that since I found your colcannon I do not eat plain mashed potatoes anymore. I do go the easy route and throw a fistful of greens, any kind, in with the potatoes while I cook them and then whip them with a hand blender and a large dollop of sour cream. Never again playing mashed potatoes, thank you
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the colcannon! It sounds like you’ve perfected it with your own twist. I love hearing how you’ve made it your go-to over plain mashed potatoes. Thanks for sharing, and it’s always a pleasure to hear from you.
What a great way to use up leftover cabbage either fresh or cooked. I had a quarter of a head of cabbage to use up, so my ratio of cabbage two potatoes was higher than the recipe. I also added caraway seed because in my house there is no such thing as cabbage without caraway seed. I also had some sour cream to use up so I mashed it with sour cream instead of milk. Finally stirred in some radish greens also. Turned out great, I loved it.
Love potatoes and anything you can add turns it into a meal by itself! Where were you with these delicious one serving dishes when I was eighteen! No matter, as now I’m a senior citizen who can use the single person serving!
How fine to chop the cabbage and how long to cook?
I like to just roughly chop the cabbage, into 1/2 to 1-inch pieces. It doesn’t need to be finely chopped unless you prefer it that way.
SCRUMPTIOUS! Have always enjoyed this dish. Please make a video.
Thank you for sharing small batch & single serve recipes. I am finding your recipes to be delicious and very enjoyable to cook.
Being Irish, I grew up on this combination, and have been introducing it to my friends and neighbors for years without ever a complaint. I add bacon and when I feel really decadent I throw in some cream cheese or sour cream.
This was so good. The cabbage blended in well with the potatoes. Plain ingredients but not a plain result. I will make again.
I’m so happy you enjoyed the colcannon.
I am 93 years old – and my birthday is St-Patrick Day;
Being in a retirement home, I use many of your recipes – it passes the time.
This recipe is my birthday gift – Thank you‼
Patricia, I’m so happy to know you are enjoying the recipes. Please let me know how you enjoy the colcannon and I hope you have a very happy birthday!