Who doesn't love some mashed potatoes? This traditional recipe for Vegan Irish Colcannon is gluten-free, allergy-free, paleo, made with cabbage, but without the dairy! A cheap and easy staple Irish side dish that will quickly become a comforting family dinner staple!
Calling all potato lovers! One way to know you have the Irish blood running through your veins is if you have an unwavering love for all the spuds in the world! And how about mashed potatoes? They're like a soft, pillowy pile, or creamy fluffy clouds. How could you not like mashed potatoes?! Did you know that the Irish have their own version of mashed potatoes? Irish mashed potatoes are called "Colcannon" and they contain a little something extra along with those spuds!
What is colcannon made of?
Irish colcannon is made of mashed white potatoes with shredded cabbage (or kale), cream, and butter. Additional ingredients can include a type of onion, either scallion, leeks, chives or simple white onion. A little garlic, salt, and pepper to taste; finished with some parsley to tie it all together.
How do you make colcannon?
You can make colcannon all in one pot! You start by boiling your potatoes (unpeeled!), then drain them in a colander. In the pot you used, add the shredded cabbage, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and butter. Saute the veggies for about 5 minutes, then add in the boiled potatoes. Give them a rough mash with the sauteed cabbage before pouring in the milk, and using a hand blender to get the mashed potatoes to your desired consistency.
Why is it called colcannon?
The "col" of colcannon comes from the Irish word "cál", which means cabbage. The "cannon" is a bit more debated, but may come from the Irish "ceann-fhionn", meaning "white head" (i.e. white head of cabbage). It can also be summed up entirely by the Gaelic term "cal ceannann", meaning white-headed cabbage. Either way, colcannon is through and through Irish and should be made with cabbage.
Should you use cabbage or kale in colcannon?
This is where things get muddy and you start to see all the different regional variations come in. You'll see many recipes for Irish colcannon calling for kale which is totally acceptable. However, if we look at the etiology of the word "colcannon", we clearly see that cabbage is the green veggie that should be used in the mashed potatoes! So if you want a truly traditional, by the books, Irish colcannon, use cabbage! Don't get me started, but some recipes say to use green chard.
What do you eat with colcannon?
Typically, Irish colcannon is served with some type of meat, like corned beef, sausage (bangs and mash!), bacon, or ham. So, if we want to veganize this entire meal, a nice lentil loaf, whole roasted cauliflower, or cauliflower steaks would be fantastic!
What are some great St. Patrick's Day recipes?
While colcannon is a staple in Irland because it's just such an easy and cheap dish, you may find it perfect to add to your St. Patrick's Day menu! Along with this vegan colcannon, you may want to whip up some vegan shepherd's pie and the BEST gluten-free Irish soda bread you will ever taste! Talk about some comfort food! End it off with a little something sweet like Irish Potato Candy!
Traditional Vegan Irish Colcannon
Traditional Vegan Irish Colcannon (Gluten-Free, Allergy-Free, Paleo)
Who doesn't love some mashed potatoes? This traditional recipe for Vegan Irish Colcannon is gluten-free, allergy-free, paleo, made with cabbage, but without the dairy! A cheap and easy staple Irish side dish that will quickly become a comforting family dinner staple!
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Side
- Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients
- 3.5 lbs of White Potatoes (cubed)
- 1.5 lb Green Cabbage (about 4-5 cups shredded)
- 1 Cup Chopped Scallions (or white onion)
- 1 Stick Vegan/Soy-Free Butter
- 1 Tsp Minced Garlic
- ½ Tsp Black Pepper
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 Cup Unsweetened Non-Dairy Milk*
- Fresh Parsley (optional, to serve)
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, add the cubed potatoes and enough water to cover them. Bring the pot to a boil, cover, and let the potatoes boil until fork tender.
- In the meantime, shred the cabbage and scallions together a food processor.
- When the potatoes are done, drain them out in a colander and set aside.
- In the now drained pot, add the stick of butter, cabbage, scallions, garlic, pepper, and salt.
- Saute, over medium heat, the veggies for about 5 minutes until softened before adding the boiled potatoes to the pot.
- Give the potatoes and veggies a rough mash together using a hand masher before adding the milk and then using an electric hand blender to bring the colcannon together.
- Blend until relatively smooth or to your desired consistency.
- Serve with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
*I used light canned coconut milk. Any milk will work though.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Varies
I don't know about you, but I've never met a potato dish I didn't like and this vegan Irish colcannon is no exception! So whether you're hosting that vegan, gluten-free, allergy-free St. Patrick's Day dinner or you just want to change up your traditional mashed potatoes, colcannon is the way to go! Potatoes and cabbage? Who knew these two simple veggies could be so delicious?!
So tell me:
+ Will you go cabbage or kale?
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Betty
OMG...This is fantastic! My family and I really enjoyed!
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
So glad to hear that!
Kate
Perfect comfort food and great it is vegan with so many moving to veganism now. Funnily enough until last year, I thought I was 100 percent Irish but a DNA test says only actually 25 percent but still love anything with potatoes!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Even a touch gives us all a love for the spuds!
JASMINE VARGAS
Wow this actually looks tasty!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
"Actually"? And...it didn't?
Peyton
Definitely making this with cabbage! Can't wait to try it out.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope you'll let me know what you think!
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen
I haven't had Colcannon yet and this looks delicious and something that I would like. Thanks for sharing.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Super easy to give it a try!
Julie I Aloha Lovely
Looks delish! I don't get to eat potatoes as much as I'd like, my family are more rice fans, hehe.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, wow! I eat potatoes every day! More for you then!
Kayvona
This looks delicious! I love potato dishes so I definitely what to give this a try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Just a great regional way to amp up your typical mash!
Leah Ashley
I love this dish! my favorite part is how the cabbage brings a natural sweetness to the dish with the creamy combination from the potatoes. It is truly heavenly!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is? I didn't notice that...
Mandy
Omg this looks so good!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks, Mandy!
Natalie
Mmmm! I'm definitely going to be trying this recipe out!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I'm glad to hear it! Enjoy!
Marina
Honestly speaking I've never heard of this recipe before. I'm a potatoes lover and I will this a try soon.
Will let you know x
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope you give it a whirl!
Amanda
This bowl is a big, giant hug and I can't get enough. Looks amazing.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
All the potato veggie goodness for yea!
Tessa
I am absolutely potato-obsessed! This recipe would be a new twist on an old favorite for me. I can’t wait to give them a try!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I eat potatoes every.single.day! Haha! They are the best!
Maggie R Rouen
Irish runs deep through me too! I always think of Colcannon this time of yer 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's the perfect time to make it, although definitely something to enjoy year-round!
Lisa
Yum! This sounds delicious! I'll definitely go with cabbage - because my husband just refuses kale, haha.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, perfect! Cabbage is the way to do it!