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)

Sautéed Cabbage
Plate of cabbage mixed with shredded carrots.

Sautéed Cabbage

Earthy with a bit of sweetness, this tasty sauteed cabbage recipe only has 5 ingredients and is ready in 30 minutes or less.
The perfect side to any meal.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Vegetable and Rice Skillet Meal
Plate of rice and bean mix with vegetables.

Vegetable and Rice Skillet Meal

Warm spices of cumin, turmeric, and ginger combined with hearty potatoes and fresh veggies.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Sautéed Zucchini
Bowl of zucchini spears.

Sautéed Zucchini

This 4 ingredient recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy fresh summer zucchini. Customize by adding your favorite spices!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Rice with Black Beans and Sausage
Large dish of a simple rice, sausage and vegetable mix.

Rice with Black Beans and Sausage

A comforting dish of filling grains, tender beans, and spicy sausage.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 Cups
Stovetop Sorghum
Big bowl of small sorghum pellets.

Stovetop Sorghum

This nutrient-rich grain has a sweet and nutty flavor.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
1 hour
Makes:
2 ½ cups
Turmeric Lentils and Pasta
Plate of lentil and orzo mix topped with cilantro.

Turmeric Lentils and Pasta

A delicious recipe of tender spiced lentils and orzo pasta.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Was this page helpful to you?