A Delightful Twist on Irish Comfort Food

If you’re looking for a delicious and creative way to enjoy leftover mashed potatoes, look no further than Colcannon Cakes. This hearty, crispy dish combines the creamy goodness of Colcannon Irish mashed potatoes with savory corned beef, making it a perfect choice for breakfast, brunch, or even a comforting dinner. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, these cakes are sure to become a family favorite.

What Are Colcannon Cakes?

Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish made from mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage or kale, butter, and cream. It’s a dish steeped in history and loved for its simplicity and heartiness. Colcannon Cakes take this classic comfort food and elevate it into a crispy, golden patty that’s perfect for frying and serving with your favorite dips or garnishes. This recipe is an excellent way to repurpose leftover Colcannon or mashed potatoes while adding a modern twist with corned beef.

These cakes are perfect for anyone who loves simple, satisfying recipes with a touch of Irish flair. Whether you’re cooking for St. Patrick’s Day or just want a cozy, flavorful dish, this recipe is a winner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a delicious dish ready in no time.
Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or main course.
Great for Leftovers: This recipe is ideal for using up leftover mashed potatoes or Colcannon.
Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients or add your favorite seasonings to make it your own.

Ingredients for Colcannon Cakes

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cakes:

2 cups Colcannon Irish mashed potatoes
1 cup corned beef, cooked and finely diced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying
Optional: sour cream or mustard for serving
Garnish: fresh chives or chopped green onions

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Mixing bowl
Large skillet or frying pan
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Paper towels for draining

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the Colcannon Irish mashed potatoes and diced corned beef. Mix well to ensure the corned beef is evenly distributed. Add the flour, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, forming a sticky batter.

2. Heat the Skillet

Heat a thin layer of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.

3. Shape the Cakes

Scoop about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture and shape it into a patty with your hands. Gently place the patty into the hot skillet. Repeat with the remaining mixture, leaving enough space between each cake to flip them easily.

4. Fry the Cakes

Cook the cakes for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to flip them carefully.

5. Drain and Serve

Once cooked, transfer the cakes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve them warm, optionally with sour cream or mustard, and garnish with fresh chives or green onions.

Tips and Tricks

Leftover-Friendly: This recipe works beautifully with leftover mashed potatoes or Colcannon.
Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
Add More Flavor: Incorporate shredded cheese, chopped herbs, or spices like paprika or onion powder for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the corned beef and replace it with cooked, diced mushrooms or shredded cheese for a vegetarian version.

Storage and Reheating

Storing: Store any leftover Colcannon Cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Place the cooked cakes on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or place them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Colcannon Cakes are versatile and pair well with various dishes and beverages:

Breakfast or Brunch: Serve with fried or poached eggs and a side of fresh fruit.
Lunch or Dinner: Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a light yet satisfying meal.
Drinks: A crisp lager or a glass of dry white wine complements the savory flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cakes in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the cakes just before serving for the best texture.

Can I bake instead of frying?

Absolutely. Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the cakes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What can I use instead of corned beef?

You can substitute diced ham, cooked bacon, or even shredded chicken for the corned beef. For a vegetarian option, try cooked lentils or mushrooms.

Can I use regular mashed potatoes?

Yes, but the flavor won’t be as rich as traditional Colcannon. Add a bit of cooked kale or cabbage to mimic the authentic taste.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Colcannon Cakes are a delightful way to transform simple ingredients into a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re embracing your Irish heritage, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, or just looking for a creative recipe to try, these crispy, savory cakes won’t disappoint.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and family. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes, cooking tips, and inspiration. Happy cooking!

0 Shares