What to Serve with Colcannon: 5 Delicious Side Dishes to Elevate Your Irish Feast!

Updated on 
5 May, 2023

What To Serve With Colcannon

Colcannon is a delicious Irish dish that's perfect for any special occasion. It's a simple combination of mashed potatoes, cabbage and butter, but it packs a flavorful punch.

If you're looking for something to serve with colcannon, you won't have to look far. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create side dishes that bring out the best in this traditional dish.

Here are some ideas for what to serve with colcannon that will wow your guests and keep them asking for more. From hearty stews to tangy salads, there are many options to choose from when creating the perfect sides to accompany your colcannon dish.

Each one adds its own unique flavor profile and texture that will take your dinner to the next level. Whether you like bold flavors or something more subtle, there's sure to be an accompaniment that suits your taste buds.

So let's get started cooking up some delicious sides that pair perfectly with colcannon!

Hearty Stews

Colcannon is the perfect accompaniment to a cozy evening spent with friends and family. It's like a warm hug for your taste buds, enveloping them in creamy mashed potatoes, buttery cabbage, and herbs that tickle the tongue. But it begs the question - what else could you serve alongside this comforting dish?

Hearty stews are a wonderful choice. They can be anything from beef bourguignon to chicken curry - whatever your preference! A savory stew will add depth of flavor to colcannon and help blend the flavors together. If you're feeling adventurous, why not try making a stew with some unique ingredients? You could jazz up a classic beef stew by adding shiitake mushrooms or roasted chestnuts for an unexpected twist.

For something lighter, consider adding white wine or vegetable broth instead of beef stock to create a flavorful yet delicate broth. Serve it alongside your colcannon and you'll have an unbeatable duo that will leave your guests talking long after they've left! And speaking of conversations... salads with tangy dressings are another great option for setting off the warming notes of colcannon.

Salads With Tangy Dressings

Switching gears from the savory stews, let's dive into some delicious salads with tangy dressings! Salads are a great way to add healthy vegetables and fruits to your meal. Plus, the right dressing can make a salad even more creative and flavorful.

Here are four ways to make salads that will tantalize your taste buds:

  • Start with greens like arugula, kale, or spinach as a base.
  • Add fresh fruit such as strawberries, apples, oranges, or pears.
  • Top it off with crunchy nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pistachios.
  • Finish it off with a zesty homemade dressing made from olive oil and vinegar.

If you want to take the salad experience one step further, you can also add grilled chicken or seared fish for some additional protein. Whatever you choose to do with your salad creations is up to you; just don't forget about the tastiness of tangy dressings!

With this in mind, roasted vegetables is our next topic of discussion.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are the perfect accompaniment to colcannon. Not only do they bring a delicious flavor, but they also provide a nutritious component that helps to make the meal complete.

Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and can be done in a variety of ways. Whether you choose to roast them in the oven or on the grill, you'll get a wonderful caramelized flavor that complements any dish.

To prepare your vegetables for roasting, start by selecting hearty vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, onions, and squash. Peel and dice them into cubes or slices and toss them with oil, salt, pepper and any other herbs or spices you like.

Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place it in an oven preheated to 375 F (190 C). Roast the vegetables until they’re golden brown and tender – about 25-30 minutes.

With roasted vegetables accompanying your colcannon, you have a meal that is both flavorful and nourishing! To add some additional flair to your plate, consider serving grilled meats such as steak or chicken alongside your roasted veggie medley.

Grilled Meat Dishes

Grilled meat dishes are a great option to pair with colcannon.

A well-cooked steak, with its savory flavor and juicy texture, is a classic pairing. And the smoky aroma of grilled chicken or pork chops can add another layer of complexity to the meal. If you want to make it a truly special evening, try grilling some lamb or veal; the flavorful marinades and seasonings used in these dishes will bring out the best in both your colcannon and your main course.

Vegetarian options are also great for serving alongside colcannon. Grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, peppers and onions can be served as an accompaniment or put together into a hearty vegetable medley. For something even more exotic, consider grilling some pineapple slices for a sweet contrast to the creamy mash.

No matter what you choose to serve with your colcannon, be sure to keep it simple and let the dish shine through without overpowering it. With just a few carefully selected ingredients and some thoughtful preparation you’ll be able to create an unforgettable meal that everyone will love – no matter what they order off the menu!

To take this meal up another notch, transitioning into baked goods would be the perfect way to end the night on a sweet note.

Baked Goods

Grilled meats can be incredibly flavorful and satisfying, but they don't always need to be the star of the show. When served with colcannon, grilled meats can become the perfect accompaniment to a hearty meal.

Baked goods make for excellent side dishes that offer a sweet and savory balance to any plate. From flaky biscuits to rustic pies, there are endless possibilities when it comes to pairing baked goods with colcannon.

When selecting baked goods for your colcannon dish, consider what flavor profiles you want on your plate. If you’re looking for something light and airy, opt for something like a classic scone or an almond-flavored pastry. For something heartier, try a rich and buttery biscuit or a slice of pound cake. If you want something more exotic, consider making pain aux raisins or a spiced apple tart.

All of these options will pair perfectly with the starchy goodness of colcannon. No matter which baked good you choose to accompany your colcannon dish, be sure to keep texture in mind; light and flaky pastries should contrast nicely with the creamy mashed potatoes found in this classic Irish dish.

With some creativity and experimentation, you can find the perfect combination of flavors and textures that will truly elevate your meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type Of Potatoes Should Be Used For Colcannon?

For the perfect colcannon, you want to be sure you’re using the right potatoes.
While some recipes call for any potato, Yukon Golds are popularly used in traditional Irish recipes. Their creamy texture and buttery flavor make them ideal for a creamy mash that forms the base of colcannon.
Plus, their golden color will give your dish an inviting and appetizing look that's sure to draw people in for a taste!

How Long Should Colcannon Cook For?

Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish that's easy to make and takes just minutes to cook.
To achieve the perfect colcannon, you'll want to cook it for at least 20-25 minutes.
You'll know your colcannon is done when the potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors have blended together nicely.
It's worth taking the time to get this one right - after all, there's nothing quite like a perfectly cooked batch of Colcannon!

Are There Any Vegan Or Vegetarian Versions Of Colcannon?

Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish of potatoes mashed together with cabbage and/or kale, but it doesn't have to be just for meat-eaters.
There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian versions of this classic that can be made by substituting the butter and bacon found in the traditional recipe with plant-based alternatives like olive oil, vegan butter, or even nutritional yeast.
So if you're looking for a flavorful dish that's suitable for vegetarians or vegans, why not try colcannon?

Do I Need To Use Butter Or Cream When Making Colcannon?

Can you believe it? Butter and cream are not always necessary when making colcannon! Shockingly, the traditional Irish dish can be made with simple ingredients like potatoes, cabbage and a few herbs.
And while the creamy texture of butter or cream may add an extra layer of deliciousness, it's not absolutely essential. So why not try something new today - make colcannon without the butter or cream and see if you can still enjoy a tasty meal!

Can Colcannon Be Served Cold?

Colcannon, a traditional Irish dish made with potatoes and kale, is typically served hot. However, it can also be enjoyed cold!
Just make sure to refrigerate the dish after it has cooled completely. To serve cold, simply place a scoop of colcannon on each plate and enjoy as-is or add a dollop of butter for extra flavor.
With its unique and flavorful combination of potatoes and kale, cold colcannon can be a great addition to any meal!

Conclusion

In conclusion, colcannon can be a delicious and easy to make side dish. Potatoes and cabbage are the main ingredients, but you can also add seasonings for extra flavor. To cook it correctly, use russet potatoes, boil them until soft and mash them before mixing with shredded cabbage.

If you're looking for a vegan or vegetarian option, you can use olive oil in place of butter. And yes, colcannon is even delicious served cold! Some people may worry that colcannon won't have enough flavor without butter or cream, but I promise it's still tasty.

Try adding garlic powder or onion powder for additional flavor, then adjust the seasonings to your taste. You'll find that colcannon is a great accompaniment to any meal - just give it a try!

Jennifer
Jennifer is a certified nutritionist and weight loss coach with a Master's in Nutrition from Cambridge. With over 10 years experience, she shares healthy recipes and science-backed slimming tips on SheCooksSheEats to help people reach their wellness goals. Jennifer stays up-to-date by regularly attending conferences and continuing her nutrition education. She aims to provide research-backed advice to inspire balanced, happy living.
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