Ham hock colcannon

Story behind the dish

Imagine a cozy Irish kitchen, where the aroma of hearty comfort food fills the air. Ham hock colcannon is a timeless classic, blending creamy mashed potatoes with tender greens and smoky ham, topped with a perfectly fried egg. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, making it perfect for chilly evenings or Sunday family dinners. This recipe invites you to create a bowl of warmth and tradition, one spoonful at a time.

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 lbs (800 g) floury potatoes
• 3 1/2 tablespoons (50 g) butter
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 small cabbage, chopped
• 8 spring onions, sliced
• 1/2 cup (100 ml) double cream
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• 6 1/2 oz (180 g) smoked ham or ham hock
• 4 eggs

Step-by-step

1. Peel and cut the potatoes into even, medium-sized chunks. Place them in a large pot with cold salted water, bring to a boil, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until a knife easily pierces the potatoes.
2. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic, cabbage, spring onions, and a pinch of seasoning. Stir occasionally and cook until the cabbage is wilted but still has a bit of bite. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Drain the potatoes, then leave them to steam-dry for a couple of minutes. Mash the potatoes directly in the same saucepan with the double cream, mustard, and seasonings. Stir in the cooked cabbage and ham. Keep the mixture warm over low heat.
4. Reheat the same pan used for the cabbage (no need to wash it), add a splash of oil, then crack in the eggs. Cook to your preferred doneness—fried to golden perfection.
5. To serve, divide the creamy colcannon into bowls and top each with a fried egg. Serve immediately and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

• For extra richness, stir in a bit of grated cheese into the mash before serving.
• Serve this hearty dish with crusty Irish soda bread or some warm soda muffins on the side.

Closing thoughts

There’s something uniquely comforting about the marriage of mashed potatoes, greens, and ham—like a warm hug on a plate. Ham hock colcannon isn’t just a meal; it’s a little slice of Irish tradition, perfect for sharing with loved ones and making memories around the dinner table. Enjoy every bite of this rustic, heartwarming dish!