A first time for everything.
The first time I made colcannon I was having one of those “I don’t know what I’m doing for dinner” nights. So I just set some potatoes to boil while I brain-stormed. Isn’t that what most people do? Normal people? Someone please tell me I’m not the only one who does this…
While the potatoes were boiling away, I remembered a recipe I had seen for Irish colcannon. I don’t remember where I saw it, but it was probably Pinterest. Since I had potatoes ready to go and cabbage in the fridge, I decided now was the time to try it out.
Garlic Parmesan Colcannon.
If you’ve never had it before, colcannon is really a pretty simple dish. You really only need two ingredients: boiled potatoes and boiled cabbage. It’s a traditional Irish dish of mashed potatoes with kale or cabbage mixed in, most commonly made with potatoes, butter, milk and kale. Some versions add in things like ham, or bacon, or cream, but I don’t usually have any of those things on hand, so I just add in what I’ve got! Garlic and parmesan cheese.
If you’re dairy-free, you can easily leave out the parmesan, and exchange the butter and milk for broth or water from boiling the veggies. No matter which version you make, it’s a simple recipe that everyone will surely enjoy.
Easy sides/meals.
After our first try, colcannon became one of my family’s favorite side dishes. Though truth be told, we never eat it as a side. I always serve it as a main dish. Also truth be told, most of my lunches consist of side dishes that I serve as main dishes. ‘Cause #momlife. Someone please tell me I’m not the only one who does that, too…
Here are a few more “side dishes” that can regularly been seen gracing our table as an entree, too.
- Quick & Simple Coleslaw
- Grain-Free Scalloped Potatoes
- Grain-Free Potato Latkes with Garlic & Onion
- Gluten-Free Bacon Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread
- Savory Turkey Rice
- Scalloped Zucchini & Crookneck Squash
- Sweet Potato Oven Fries
In the recipe card I’ve linked to some of the products from my affiliate partners that I like to use. Purchasing through these links won’t cost you anything extra. Thanks!
Garlic Parmesan Colcannon
Free from grain, gluten, eggs, and sugar.
Ingredients
- 6 large russet potatoes
- 1 small head cabbage (or about 6 cups, chopped)
- 1/2 cup whole or raw milk, cream, stock or water from boiling
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- Himalayan salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Slice potatoes into bite-sized chunks. In large pot, bring potatoes to a boil in just enough stock or water to cover. Reduce heat and simmer until tender.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the potatoes to a large bowl and smash/mash (I used my Kitchen Aid mixer, but you can use a hand masher, too) along with the butter, milk, and garlic.
In the same pot and water, add in the cabbage, covering with a little more water, if needed. Boil until tender.
Strain out water, and add cabbage to the mashed potatoes.
Add parmesan, parsley, and salt and pepper to taste.
Enjoy.
Did you ever eat colcannon, made from lovely pickled cream?
With the greens and scallions mingled like a picture in a dream.
Did you ever make a hole on top to hold the melting flake
Of the creamy, flavoured butter that your mother used to make?
Yes you did, so you did, so did he and so did I.
And the more I think about it sure the nearer I’m to cry.
Oh, wasn’t it the happy days when troubles we had not,
And our mothers made Colcannon in the little skillet pot.
“Calconnon” a traditional Irish folk song
Joining you from the Barn Hop… I had to see what in the world a colcannon is! That's a new one to me. My family's not to enthused about cabbage, but I sure like it. Maybe with potatoes like this it would be a hit! I'd definitely keep the butter, and probably add some sour cream. 😉
Thanks for stopping by! My second oldest doesn't like cabbage either, but she didn't complain about this. I bet sour cream would be a great addition! : )
My kids would definitely enjoy this I think! I would love for you to share it at what i am eating http://www.townsend-house.com/2013/04/what-i-am-eating-comfort-food.html
Thanks Heather! I will. : )
Your recipe sounds good….Thank you for sharing with the Clever Chicks Blog Hop this week; I hope you’ll join us again!
Cheers,
Kathy Shea Mormino
The Chicken Chick
http://www.The-Chicken-Chick.com
Thanks Kathy. : )
I absolutely love colcannon! I don't know why I've never thought to put chicken in it before. Conveniently, I have a head of cabbage in my fridge right now (how random) and some chicken in the freezer. I need to make this ASAP!
Natashalh
: )
Who doesn’t love some creamy potatoes!
😉 Exactly, Rebecca!
I’ve never tried Colcannon. Looks delicious.
Cheers,
Chrystal
Thanks, Chrystal! 🙂
This sounds so yummy! What a perfect side dish for Easter coming up!
Thanks, Keeley! It would make a great Easter side. 🙂
Yum! I’m a huge Colcannon fan! My mom loved it so much, I loved getting to make it for her. I get so excited when I see Colcannon recipes 🙂 Yours looks great Raia!
Thanks so much, Emily! 🙂 It’s such an easy and comforting dish.
This is PERFECT for St. Patty’s Day. I have never had Colcannon, but I love the addition of garlic and parmesan. That would definitely be a hit at my house!
It’s a super easy dish, Brianna! And yep, it’s perfect for St. Patty’s. 😉
I’m definitely with you on just starting to make something and then figuring out what to do with it. 🙂 We like all sorts of mashed potatoes, so I’m thinking we’d really enjoy these too!
Haha, glad I’m not the only one! 😉 Thanks for stopping by, CJ!
This looks really good!
Thank you, Bethany!
Hi Raia,
Sounds really yummy especially with the cheese added. Thanks for Real Food Fridays. Pinned & tweeted!
Everything is better with cheese added. 😉 Thanks for stopping by, Marla!
Hi Raia,
I would love to make these for this month’s club meeting.The ladies would love this dish! I am so delighted that you shared your healthy and delicious Irish-inspired Garlic Parmesan Colcannon at the Healthy Happy Green Natural Party! I’m Pinning and sharing this!
Thanks, Deborah! I hope your ladies group enjoys it! 🙂 Thank you for pinning and sharing!
Thanks for introducing a delicious dish also sharing with Hearth and soul blog hop, pinning and tweeting.
Glad to share, Swathi. Thank you so much for stopping by! 🙂
Yum! This looks so good. Pinning now and planning to try soon. Thanks for sharing at Inspiration Thursday!
Thanks, Lela! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Yum! Might have to make this tomorrow with my corned beef. Thanks for sharing with us at Throwback Thursday. Pinned!
I hope you enjoy it, Quinn! Thanks for stopping by and pinning. 🙂
Oh now I’m hungry! I’ve never thought to add cabbage to my potatoes. Good way to healthy those up a little. pinning for my own personal use as well as the party. Thanks for joining us at From The Archives Friday!!
Thanks, Ashley! I hope you get a chance to enjoy it! 🙂
Oh my gosh this looks so good! I will definitely give this a try.
Thank you, Tiffany! I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
This looks absolutely delish! Thanks for joining Let’s Get Real link party. 🙂
Thanks, Nicole! Glad to share. 🙂
Raia,
Hi! It looks delicious!! Thank you for sharing it! I just bookmarked it!
Thank you so much, Barb! 🙂
I like this combo. In Belgium we make a similar dish called “stoemp” by mixing mashed potatoes with any other vegetable(s). Wonderful winter dish and way to add in a vegetable serving. Thanks!
It does seem to be a pretty versatile dish. 😉 Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Looks like something my family will love!
It’s a great family dish! 🙂