This Kentucky Take on a Classic Irish Dish is Perfect For St. Patrick’s Day

With St. Patrick's Day falling on Sunday this year, you have plenty of time to plan a themed lunch or dinner for the family.

Corned Beef and Cabbage, Irish Soda Bread, and green beer are all common traditional Irish dishes that make for dinner party favorites, and so is a dish called Colcannon. The perfect side for corned beef or sausages, it's the ultimate St. Paddy's comfort food.

Traditional Irish Dish, Colcannon

Typically made with only four ingredients, it could very easily be jazzed up with some bacon, chives, ham, or whatever floats your boat, really. It's such a popular traditional food there is even a little song about it. Here's how it goes:

How to Make Colcannon for St. Patrick's Day

Our friend Merritt Bates Thomas of The Kitchen Transition shares this delicious recipe:

Here's what you need:

• 4 russet potatoes (2 pounds) peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
• A small amount of salt, to taste
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 lightly packed cups of chopped cabbage
• 3 green onions, minced (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 cup milk

Put the potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water by at least an inch. Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt if desired and bring to a boil. Boil until the potatoes are fork-tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain in a colander.

Return the pot to the stove and set over medium-high heat. Melt the butter in the pot and once it's hot, add the cabbage. Cook the cabbage for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they are wilted and have given off some of their water. Add the green onions and cook 1 minute more. Pour in the milk mixing well, and add the potatoes. Reduce the heat to medium.

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Use a fork or potato masher and mash the potatoes, mixing them up with the greens. Now it's ready to serve! Just put it in a serving bowl and sprinkle some more green onions on top or whatever garnish you'd like if you want. Erin Go Braugh!

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