Colcannon With Crispy Leeks
An Irish dish of mashed potatoes and greens, colcannon is one of the most nourishing, comforting dishes you could make. The fried leeks aren’t traditional: Usually, the alliums are stewed more slowly in butter, if they’re used at all. But they lend a deeper flavor, and a crisp, savory finish. For a full meal, crown it with a fried egg or some smoked salmon, or serve a simple green salad on the side. (This recipe is part of the From the Pantry series, started in the days after the coronavirus lockdown.)
- Total:
- Serves: 4 persons
Ingredients
- 2pounds any kind of potatoes, peeled if you like, cut into 2-inch chunks
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 2to 3 tablespoons butter, plus more as needed
- Olive oil
- 1cup sliced leeks or alliums of choice (shallots, onions, scallions)
- 2garlic cloves, sliced
- 2quarts of sliced sturdy greens (cabbage or kale, broccoli rabe, chard, collard greens or mustard greens)
- 2to 4 tablespoons milk or vegetable broth (optional)
- Fried egg, smoked salmon, or a simple green salad (optional)
Instructions
Step 1
In a medium pot, combine the potatoes with enough water to cover them by 2 inches and a large pinch of salt. Boil until tender enough to easily pierce with a fork, 15 to 25 minutes. Drain.Step 2
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt butter, along with a drizzle of oil, then add leeks and a pinch of salt. Sauté over medium heat for 5 or so minutes. When the leeks are golden, spoon some out onto a plate to use for garnish.Step 3
To the leeks in the pan, add the garlic cloves, and cook them for a minute until fragrant. Then, toss in the greens. Season with more salt and cook, tossing them, until the greens are wilted and very tender. If the pan looks dry, add a splash of water.Step 4
Now add the potatoes to the skillet and mash them (so they’re either smooth or chunky), and add some milk or vegetable broth, if you like, and a lot of butter. Taste, and add more salt and lots of pepper. Scatter on the fried leeks and more butter to melt in little pools across the top.Step 5
Top with a fried egg or some smoked salmon, or serve a simple green salad on the side.