I’ll never forget the first time I tried making Colcannon Mash. It was during a chilly autumn evening in my small kitchen, with a playlist of Irish folk tunes softly playing in the background. I had never tried it before, but the moment I saw the creamy potatoes and vibrant green cabbage mingling together on the plate, I was hooked. The richness of the butter, the earthiness of the cabbage, and the fluffiness of the potatoes-this dish felt like home, no matter where I was.
Jamie Oliver’s take on Colcannon Mash is one I discovered much later, and it made me appreciate this humble, comforting dish even more. His recipe adds a few special touches, making it stand out without overwhelming the traditional flavors. If you’ve never tried it, get ready for a whole new spin on mashed potatoes.
Jamie Oliver’s Colcannon Mash Recipe
I’m a huge fan of Jamie Oliver because of his ability to make classic dishes accessible without compromising on flavor. When it comes to Colcannon Mash, he takes a straightforward recipe and enhances it with a few clever tweaks that elevate the taste. It’s not your average mashed potato-there’s something more to it, a sense of luxury in every bite.
Jamie’s Colcannon Mash brings together mashed potatoes with buttery cabbage, but it goes beyond that. He includes spring onions (or scallions), loads of creamy butter, and a generous splash of milk. The magic, though, comes from the simplicity of these ingredients harmonizing to create something rich, velvety, and downright delicious.
Ingredients Needed
Let’s dive into the ingredients Jamie Oliver uses for his Colcannon Mash. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, but the magic happens when all these elements come together.
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Potatoes (4 Large, Waxy Varieties Like Maris Piper Or Yukon Gold)
These potatoes create a creamy texture when mashed without turning too gluey.
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Savoy Cabbage (about Half A Head, Finely Shredded)
The cabbage provides a nice crunch and balance against the richness of the potatoes.
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Spring Onions (3-4 Stalks, Chopped)
These give the dish a fresh, slightly sharp bite that cuts through the creamy elements.
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Butter (about 4 Tablespoons)
It adds that silky richness you expect from any mash.
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Milk (roughly ¾ Cup)
A little milk helps loosen up the potatoes to make them extra creamy.
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Salt & Pepper
Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Colcannon Mash
I have this image in my head of a cozy evening with the steam rising off a bowl of freshly made Colcannon Mash. Here’s how to make that happen:
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Prepare The Potatoes
Peel and chop the potatoes into even chunks. Place them in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook them until tender, which takes about 15-20 minutes.
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Cook The Cabbage And Spring Onions
While the potatoes are cooking, heat some butter in a large pan. Add the shredded cabbage and cook it down until tender but still vibrant green. Toss in the spring onions for the last few minutes. You want them soft but not completely wilted.
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Mash The Potatoes
Once the potatoes are done, drain them and return them to the pot. Add in the butter and mash them until smooth.
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Combine Everything
Gently fold in the cabbage and spring onions, along with the milk. Stir until everything is well mixed and creamy. Taste, then add salt and pepper to your liking.
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Serve & Enjoy
Serve hot with extra butter if you’re feeling indulgent.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Each ingredient in Jamie Oliver’s Colcannon Mash plays a key role in both flavor and texture. The science behind these elements makes this dish special.
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Potatoes
The starch in potatoes breaks down when boiled, which allows them to absorb the butter and milk, giving the mash its smooth, creamy consistency. Waxier potatoes like Maris Piper hold their shape better than floury ones, resulting in a less mushy, more velvety texture.
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Cabbage
Cabbage is rich in fiber and antioxidants. Cooking it down softens its tough texture and makes it absorb the flavors of the butter and spring onions. Its slight bitterness balances out the richness of the potatoes.
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Spring Onions
These add a fresh, pungent flavor that cuts through the heaviness of the mashed potatoes. Their sharpness pairs perfectly with the mildness of the potatoes and the richness of the cabbage.
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Butter & Milk
Butter is made up of fat, which gives the mashed potatoes that creamy mouthfeel. The milk helps to loosen the mash, turning it into a silky, smooth texture without making it too runny.
Expert Tips
If you want to make this dish stand out even more, here are a few expert tips:
- Use the right potatoes: For the creamiest mash, choose waxy potatoes. They absorb butter and milk well, without turning too starchy or gluggy.
- Let the cabbage release moisture: Before adding the cabbage to the mash, make sure you’ve cooked it down until it’s tender. Let it release any excess water, so it doesn’t water down the mash.
- Add extra flavor: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a clove of garlic to the cabbage as it cooks. It will give the dish a subtle, aromatic kick.
- Finish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top adds color and a fresh, herbal note to the dish.
- Double the butter: If you’re looking for an even richer flavor, don’t be afraid to throw in a little extra butter.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan Version: Swap the butter and milk for plant-based alternatives. Almond milk and vegan butter work well without compromising the creamy texture.
- Bacon Lovers: Stir in some crispy bacon pieces for an added smoky crunch. You can even use the bacon fat in place of butter for a savory twist.
- Cheese Lovers: Add a handful of grated cheddar or Parmesan to the mash for a cheesy, indulgent flavor.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Colcannon Mash is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. It’s simple, satisfying, and packs a lot of flavors into each bite. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or serving it up for a cozy evening with friends, it’s a dish that always leaves an impression.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Colcannon Mash Different From Regular Mashed Potatoes?
Jamie’s colcannon mash includes creamy mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage, scallions, and butter for extra flavor and richness.
Can I Use Another Type Of Cabbage For Jamie Oliver’s Colcannon Mash?
Yes, you can swap the traditional cabbage for savoy cabbage or kale for a slightly different taste and texture.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Colcannon Mash Recipe Dairy-free?
You can use non-dairy butter and milk, like almond or oat milk, to make the dish dairy-free while still keeping it creamy.