Southwestern Kale Colcannon is a tasty take on a traditional dish! It’s said every Irish family has their own recipe for colcannon. I’m not Irish but this version takes a delicious regional twist!
I posted this recipe for Southwestern Kale Colcannon several years ago and it’s stood the test of time!
This traditional Irish dish is pure comfort — what’s more comforting than mashed potatoes? Check out the Smithsonian Magazine’s article (and its own recipe) about the history of colcannon.
You only need a handful of ingredients to make this comforting side dish. If you’re making a traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal (and even if you aren’t), give this colcannon recipe a try. I think you’ll love the zip the green chiles add!
For another tasty potato-based dish, try my Italian Potato Salad with Swiss Chard.
Southwestern Kale Colcannon
Traditional colcannon is a creamy potato side dish that includes cabbage in the mix. I’m a kale fan (and that’s what I had on hand), so that’s what I used. Plus, the kale turns this dish a vibrant green! If you’re interested in more delicious green dishes to serve, try my Split Pea Soup with Parmesan-Thyme Crisps!
One of my previous coworkers is Irish and he told me how he makes his colcannon. I loved the idea (he adds green chiles) and asked if he minded if I do a riff on his recipe. He told me to, “Go for it!”
I included kale and Hatch green chiles (to take this to the Southwestern side of things) in this potato dish. Add in some heavy cream (or regular milk), some butter, and garlic, and you’re ready to roll! If you don’t have green chiles, try another pepper or hot sauce instead.
No kale? Add spinach or broccoli for a touch of green. Or go more traditional and use cabbage.
Kale fans looking for more ideas will love this recipe for Sautéed Kale on Toast with Poached Eggs.
This Southwestern Kale Colcannon is easy to make, and easy to personalize with what you have on hand. Make this to help celebrate St. Patrick’s Day – or any day of the year!
Calories
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Patricia Conte/Grab a Plate
Serves Serves 4
You'll love this twist to a traditional Irish dish! Kale and Hatch green chiles bring out the best in this side dish, perfect for St. Patrick's Day!
Save Recipe5 based on 3 review(s)
Ingredients
- 4 large Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 small bunch kale, stripped from the stem, chopped small
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons green chiles (I used Hatch green chiles that I had frozen)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
- 4 ounces heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter, more to taste, prior to serving
- Salt and black pepper for seasoning
Instructions
- Add the kale to a pan of salted boiling water (enough water to cover the potatoes that you’ll add later) for just a few minutes, until the kale turns a vibrant green color.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the kale from the water and transfer to another dish. Add the potatoes to the water. Boil the potatoes until they’re fork-tender, about 20-30 minutes).
- Add the oil to a sauté pan over medium-low. When hot, add the kale, green chiles, and the garlic. Cook, stirring, 3-5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
- Drain the potatoes when they’re ready, and transfer to the bowl with the kale mixture.
- Add the butter to the mixture, and the heavy cream, a little at a time. Stir and mash until desired consistency.
- Season with salt and black pepper before serving, along with extra butter, if desired.