Creamy Champ with Caramelized Onions
Experience the rich flavors of traditional Irish Champ, a delightful mashed potato dish that's both comforting and elegant. This version showcases sweet caramelized onions and vibrant spring onions, infused with creamy milk and butter. Serve it warm, allowing the melted butter to create a luscious pool in the center of each fluffy mound. Perfect as a side dish, it pairs beautifully with roasted meats or can be enjoyed on its own topped with herbs or greens. With variations aplenty across the Emerald Isle, this Champ recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
4
Servings
300
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onions
2 large (finely sliced)
Butter
100 g (divided)
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Potatoes
8 large (Irish or King Edward, peeled (optional) or unpeeled, depending on preference)
Salt
to taste (none)
Black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Spring onions
100 g (trimmed and sliced, including dark green bits)
Milk
225 ml (none)
Instructions
1
In a large frying pan, heat 50 g of the butter and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over high heat.
2
Once the butter is bubbling, add the finely sliced onions and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring continuously until the onions start to wilt.
3
Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
4
Meanwhile, prepare the potatoes. If you prefer the traditional method, leave them unpeeled, boil in salted water until tender, then drain and let them sit in the hot pan for a few minutes before peeling. Alternatively, you can peel them beforehand, wash with cold water to remove excess starch, then boil until fork-tender.
5
Once the potatoes are ready, drain thoroughly and mash them until smooth.
6
While the potatoes are still warm, add the trimmed and sliced spring onions to a saucepan with the milk. Simmer gently until the spring onions are tender, about 5 minutes.
7
Pour the milk and spring onion mixture into the mashed potatoes along with the remaining 25 g of butter, mixing with a wooden spoon until the mash is light and fluffy. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
8
Melt the remaining butter in a small saucepan or microwave.
9
To serve, place a generous mound of the mashed potatoes on each plate, creating a well in the center of each mound. Pour the melted butter into the well and top with the caramelized onions.
10
Enjoy immediately and encourage your diners to dip their spoonfuls of the creamy mashed potatoes into the pools of rich melted butter.
Nutrition Information
12.5 g
Fat
45 g
Carbs
5.5 g
Protein
3.75 g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Champ with Caramelized Onions?
It is a rich and comforting traditional Irish mashed potato dish enhanced with caramelized onions and spring onions.
Is this recipe considered traditional Irish cuisine?
Yes, Champ is a staple Irish potato dish with many variations across the Emerald Isle.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What are the nutritional fat details?
Each serving contains 12.5 g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 45 g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This dish provides 5.5 g of protein per serving.
How much fiber is in the recipe?
There is 3.75 g of fiber per serving.
How many potatoes do I need?
The recipe requires 8 large potatoes.
Which potato varieties are recommended?
Irish or King Edward potatoes are ideal for this recipe.
Should I peel the potatoes?
Peeling is optional; the traditional method leaves them unpeeled while boiling.
How do I remove excess starch from the potatoes?
If peeling beforehand, wash the potatoes with cold water to remove excess starch.
How many large onions are needed for the caramelization?
You will need 2 large onions, finely sliced.
What type of oil is used for the onions?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
How much butter is required in total?
The total amount of butter needed is 100 g, divided for different steps.
What is the process for caramelizing the onions?
Cook finely sliced onions in butter and oil over high heat until they wilt, then reduce to low heat until golden brown.
How long does it take to caramelize the onions?
It takes about 15-20 minutes on low heat to achieve a golden brown color.
How much spring onion is included?
The recipe uses 100 g of trimmed and sliced spring onions.
Do I use the green parts of the spring onions?
Yes, include the dark green bits when slicing the spring onions.
How is the milk used in this recipe?
The milk is simmered with the spring onions before being added to the mashed potatoes.
How much milk is needed?
The recipe requires 225 ml of milk.
How long should the spring onions simmer in the milk?
Simmer them for about 5 minutes until they are tender.
How should I mix the mashed potatoes?
Use a wooden spoon to mix the potato and milk mixture until the mash is light and fluffy.
What seasonings are recommended?
Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
How is the dish traditionally served?
Serve in a mound with a well in the center filled with melted butter, topped with caramelized onions.
How do I melt the butter for the serving well?
You can melt the remaining butter in a small saucepan or a microwave.
What can I pair this Champ with?
It pairs beautifully with roasted meats or can be enjoyed on its own with herbs.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in total.
What makes the texture of the Champ light and fluffy?
Thoroughly draining the potatoes and mixing in the warm milk and butter mixture with a wooden spoon creates the fluffy texture.
Can I add extra toppings?
Yes, you can top the dish with additional herbs or greens as desired.