Colcannon Crumble

Colcannon Crumble is a modern twist on the traditional Irish dish Colcannon. This comforting meal consists of mashed potatoes combined with cabbage and other greens, then topped with a savory crumble topping that adds a delicious crunch to the classic flavors. Colcannon has its roots in Irish cuisine, originating as a traditional dish often served around Halloween alongside games and celebrations. Families would use coins and other charms in the colcannon as a form of entertainment and to tell fortunes. The popularity of colcannon spread far beyond Ireland, becoming a beloved comfort food for many around the world.

Ingredients

• Potatoes - 1kg, peeled and quartered
• Cabbage - 500g, finely shredded
• Milk - 100ml
• Butter - 100g
• Salt - to taste
• Pepper - to taste
• Spring Onions - 4, chopped
• Flour - 100g
• Oats - 50g
• Cheddar Cheese - 100g, grated
• Olive Oil - 2 tbsp

Preparation

Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the potatoes thoroughly under cold water before peeling them. Cut the peeled potatoes into quarters. Shred the cabbage into fine strips. Chop the spring onions and set them aside.

Making the Colcannon

1. Boil the potatoes in a large pot of water until tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. Test by inserting a fork; the potatoes should easily break apart but not crumble. While the potatoes cook, use this time to prepare the crumble.

2. Heat 25g of butter in a sauté pan. Add the shredded cabbage and spring onions. Cook on a low medium heat until soft, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Drain the boiled potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the remaining butter and milk, and mash until smooth and creamy.

4. Fold in the cooked cabbage mixture into the potatoes. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Preparing the Crumble Topping

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, and cheddar cheese. Pour the olive oil into the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This will form the crumble topping.

Assembly and Cooking

1. Spread the colcannon mixture evenly in a baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble mixture generously over the top, ensuring it's evenly distributed to cover all the colcannon beneath.

Cooking Time

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the topping is golden and crisp. For perfect timing, you can use a cooking timer to keep track.

Serving Suggestion

Serve hot, with an extra knob of butter melting into the top. Colcannon Crumble makes an excellent accompaniment to roasted meats or can stand alone as a hearty vegetarian main. Add extra vegetables on the side or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish.

In summary, Colcannon Crumble combines the best of traditional Irish comfort food with modern culinary techniques. The creamy texture of the mashed potatoes combined with the savory crumble offers a dynamic taste experience that's gratifying in every bite.