Looking for an easy and delicious Irish meal to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Look no further than colcannon, a beloved Irish dish made with creamy mashed potatoes, cabbage, and a touch of ham. This comforting meal captures the heart of traditional Irish cooking.
And for the perfect side, try Irish soda bread—another simple recipe that doesn’t require yeast, making it quick and easy to prepare. Together, these dishes bring a taste of Ireland to your table, ideal for celebrating the holiday without the hassle.
Colcannon Recipe
Colcannon is a classic Irish dish that combines mashed potatoes with sautéed cabbage and sometimes ham or scallions. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Traditionally, it’s a dish that’s made to celebrate the harvest, using simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and filling side dish or main course. Whether you’re serving it as a part of your St. Patrick’s Day feast or just looking for a cozy meal, colcannon is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds of potatoes, scrubbed
- 1 cup butter
- 1 1/4 cups hand and half or whole milk
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 head cabbage, cored and finely shredded
- 1 pound ham or bacon, pre-cooked
- 4 scallions, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp parsley leaves, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes: Wash the potatoes and place them in a steamer pot, leaving the skins on. Steam for about 30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Mash the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are done, peel them using a knife and fork, discarding the skins. Place the potato flesh into a large bowl. Mash the potatoes until smooth and free of lumps.
Add Butter and Cream: Stir in 1/2 cup of butter in small pieces, letting it melt into the hot potatoes. Gradually add half and half, stirring constantly to achieve a creamy consistency. Season with black pepper to taste and set aside.
Cook the Cabbage: While the potatoes cook, fill a large pot with unsalted water and bring it to a boil. Add the shredded cabbage and cook until it turns a slightly darker color, about 5-7 minutes. Once the cabbage is ready, add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pot, cover, and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat.
Combine: Drain the cabbage well and add it to the mashed potatoes. Chop cooked ham or bacon into small pieces and stir it into the mixture, along with chopped scallions.
Serve: Transfer the colcannon to a serving dish. Create a small well in the center of the potatoes, add a dollop of butter, and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a final touch.
Traditional Irish Soda Bread
Traditional Irish soda bread is simple to make and full of flavor—no yeast needed! It has a nice, crusty outside and a soft, slightly crumbly inside that’s perfect for enjoying with your colcannon. The bread gets its unique taste from baking soda and buttermilk, which gives it a little tang. It’s easy to make, and the addition of Kerrygold butter makes it even more delicious. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just in the mood for something homemade, this bread is a must-try!
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking soda. Whisk together until well mixed.
Make the Dough: Using a wooden spoon, create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the buttermilk into the well. Gently stir with the spoon, starting from the center and working your way out. The dough will be rough and sticky—that’s exactly what you want!
Knead the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Gently knead the dough about 4 times until it comes together and the surface is a little smoother. Shape the dough into a round loaf using the palms of your hands.
Prepare for Baking: Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly sprinkle the top with a bit of flour. Using a sharp chef’s knife, make a large X on top of the dough.
Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 15 minutes at 450°F. Then, lower the temperature to 400°F, rotate the pan 180°, and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is deeply golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool for at least 20 minutes. Serve warm with Kerrygold salted butter for an extra delicious treat.
The Perfect Ending
Looking for a way to top off your meal?
How about a warm, cozy Irish coffee paired with some festive cookies?
After enjoying your hearty colcannon and traditional Irish soda bread, Irish coffee is the perfect way to unwind. It’s smooth, rich, and a great way to wrap up your St. Patrick’s Day feast.
Pair it with your favorite cut-out cookie recipe, decorated with green icing and sprinkles to keep the celebration going. I’ve included a recipe for Irish coffee below. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Irish Coffee
Irish coffee is a classic cocktail made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and a layer of cream on top. Irish coffee is often enjoyed as a dessert drink or after a meal.
- Brew a strong cup of coffee.
- Add a shot of Irish whiskey (like Jameson).
- Stir in sugar to taste (usually brown sugar).
- Top with a generous layer of lightly whipped cream.
