Skip to main content

Red Potato and Cabbage (Colcannon)

This classic Irish dish is a satisfying combination of creamy mashed potatoes and flavorful cabbage.
Medium bowl of creamy potato and cabbage mix.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 pound red potatoes (about 3 to 4 cups chopped)
1 Tablespoon margarine or butter
½ cup chopped onion
6 cups thinly sliced green cabbage (about ½ head)
1 cup 1% or nonfat milk
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Scrub potatoes but do not peel. Cut into quarters. Cook in boiling water or steam until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
  3. While potatoes cook, heat butter or margarine in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add onion and cook until it becomes clear, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  4. Add cabbage and cook, stirring occasionally, until cabbage begins to brown, about 4 to 6 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Add milk, salt and pepper. Cover and cook until cabbage is tender, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  6. Drain potatoes. Add cabbage mixture to potatoes. Mash with a potato masher or large fork to reach desired texture. Serve warm.
  7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Use any all-purpose potatoes such as yellow or white. Russet potatoes are also good but you may want to remove the rough skin after scrubbing them.
  • Instead of cabbage, try adding any chopped leafy greens such as beet or turnip greens, spinach, kale or chard.
  • Try adding cilantro on top for more flavor.

Comments

I made Colcannon last night with purple cabbage and purple potatoes! It was entertaining to eat a dish of purple food, but the result was delicious! I did add some bright green chopped parsley for a bit of color. I love this recipe.

Made this recipe a couple of years ago.  I got it from the Spanish version calendar, so had to translate some items while I was cooking!   It is super-delicious and hearty, and great on a cold winter night...like tonight.  

Made this recipe for a pantry demo where they had lots of cabbage and potatoes. Prepared the recipe ahead of time, refrigerated it, then reheated in a skillet at the pantry. The wonderful smells made everyone want to taste it, and it was a total hit! Will be making this at home.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Peachy Keen Flavored Water
Glasses of fruit flavored water with sage.

Peachy Keen Flavored Water

Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
6 servings
Tuna Pasta Salad
Bowl of macaroni noodles with tuna and vegetable cubes.

Tuna Pasta Salad

Classic summer dish with macaroni, fresh veggies, and a creamy dressing.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Sautéed Onions
Browned onions on a plate.

Sautéed Onions

Sweet and tender onions are great for adding to other recipes including dips, pizzas, pastas, and topping meats.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
1 cup
Chilled Strawberry- Rhubarb Soup
Two bowls of Strawberry Rhubarb Soup displayed with fresh strawberries and rhubarb

Chilled Strawberry- Rhubarb Soup

Pair the sweet and tart flavors of strawberries and rhubarb for a refreshing dessert, snack or breakfast bowl topping.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Sweet Carrot Bread or Muffins
Moist carrot and raisin muffins and sliced bread.

Sweet Carrot Bread or Muffins

Sweet carrots, brown sugar, and warm cinnamon make the perfect combination for muffins or bread.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
60 minutes
Makes:
12 slices or muffins
Carrot Raisin Salad
Photo of Carrot Raisin Salad

Carrot Raisin Salad

Quick and easy side dish with a creamy and flavorful dressing. Only 4 ingredients and ready in 15 minutes!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 ½ Cups
Was this page helpful to you?