Kale: Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes & Halloween

One of the best things about having this blog is discovering how other cultures use ingredients. I was thrilled to learn about another use for kale in Irish colcannon – mashed potatoes. Coincidentally, colcannon is a favorite this time of year for Halloween.

Colcannon (“cal ceann fhionn” or “cal ceannann”) is an Irish version of mashed potatoes with extra goodies like kale and cabbage added. It is one of Ireland’s national dishes. Early recipes of colcannon date back to the early 1700s. Later the dish was introduced to the English who then modified it to create their version called “bubble and squeek.”

Colcannon potatoes are typically served year-round by home-cooks and restaurants, but colcannon’s more interesting tale is its association with Hallow’s Eve.

In some parts of Ireland, various objects with symbolic meaning were folded into the mashed potatoes. Finding a ring in your spuds meant you were sure to marry in the next year, a coin a sign of wealth, a thimble meant you’d be a spinster, and a button a bachelor.

In other parts, young unmarried ladies  were also purported to fill their socks with spoonfuls of colcannon and tie them to their front doors. Apparently, the first available man to walk through the door would be a suitor.

I don’t know about colcannon’s powers for divination, but these mashed potatoes are a welcome alternative to regular ones.

Although colcannon was originally considered peasant food, these creamy mashed potatoes made with lots of butter and sautéed kale, cabbage, garlic and nutmeg are not skimp on flavor. I’d much rather fill up my belly than some socks with this version. But, then again, I already have my husband.

Tidbits on Kale:

1. Kale has been cultivated for more than 2000 years.
2. Northern Europeans were fond of kale because of its high vitamin content – it has ample amounts of vitamins A and C, folic acid, calcium and iron.
3. Choose kale that is rich in color; leave should not be limp or yellowing. Store it the coldest section of the refrigerator. Eat within 3 days or before the leaves start to turn limp.

Irish Colcannon – Mashed Poatatoes with Kale & Cabbage

Serves 8

Ingredients

2 ½ pounds potatoes (I prefer new or Yukon gold), washed (skin on) and cut into even sizes (quartered)

8 tablespoons butter (1/2 cup)

1 cup milk

1 bunch kale, deveined and chopped to make about 4 cups loosely packed

1 small white cabbage (about 1 pound), cored and coarsely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Salt

Black pepper

Method

1. Place potatoes in a large pot, add enough water to cover the potatoes by 2 inches and generously salt the water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and then reduce heat to maintain a rolling boil. Cook until potatoes are tender throughout when pierced with a fork, about 15 to 20 minutes.
2. During the last 10 minutes of the potatoes cooking, melt the butter in a large heavy skillet. Set aside and keep warm all but about 3 tablespoons of the melted butter. Saute the cabbage in the remaining butter left in the skillet for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to soften. Add the minced garlic and saute for about 2 minutes. Add the chopped kale, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the kale begins to soften, stirring occasionally. (During the last minute or two, the mixture may become dry – do not burn the garlic; add about ¼ cup of the potato water to the cabbage and kale mixture). Season with salt and pepper. The cabbage and kale are done when tender, but still toothsome.
3. Heat the milk and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until simmering or in the microwave.
4. When the potatoes are done, remove from the heat and drain off the water. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher/potato rice/or hand mixer. Slowly incorporate the butter/milk mixture. Season with nutmeg, salt and pepper. Fold in the cabbage and kale. Adjust seasoning. Serve hot.

Tags: comfort food, Halloween

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