Scottish Colcannon with Hidden Treasures
A beautiful homage to my Scottish heritage, this delectable dish known as Colcannon combines tender potatoes with vibrant vegetables and rich butter. Unique to Halloween traditions, this dish carries hidden 'favors'—a penny, a button, a ring, and a matchstick—each symbolizing varying fortunes for those who partake in the meal. It's not just a feast for the senses but a celebration of hopeful futures, especially for young women seeking a glimpse into their romantic destinies. This recipe is a true representation of comfort food, blending Scottish roots with festive folklore, perfect for gatherings and family dinners. Embrace this tradition and create lasting memories with every helping!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cabbage
1 head (coarsely chopped)
Carrot
1 large (sliced)
Butter
1/2 cup (softened and divided)
Onion
1 medium (sliced)
Turnip
1 small (peeled and diced)
Potatoes
5-6 medium (peeled and sliced)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring enough water to a boil to fully submerge the cabbage, turnip, onion, and carrot. Add a pinch of salt and then add the vegetables. Cook for about 45 minutes until softened.
2
Meanwhile, peel and slice the potatoes into equal-sized chunks for even cooking. Once the initial vegetables are tender, add the potatoes to the pot and continue to cook until the potatoes are also soft—about 15 to 20 minutes more.
3
Once everything is cooked through, drain the pot and return the vegetables to the pot. Mash the mixture together until creamy and smooth.
4
Incorporate the butter, salt, and pepper to taste, mixing until the butter is fully melted and absorbed. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5
Transfer the creamy Colcannon to a warm serving bowl. Before serving, carefully bury your wrapped favors deep within the Colcannon.
6
Create a small well in the center of the dish and pour in additional melted butter. Serve hot, encouraging guests to uncover their fortunes with each hearty scoop!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Scottish Colcannon with Hidden Treasures?
It is a traditional Scottish dish made of mashed potatoes and vegetables, often served at Halloween with small objects hidden inside to predict the future.
What are the four hidden treasures used in this recipe?
The traditional favors include a penny, a button, a ring, and a matchstick.
What does the ring symbolize in the Colcannon?
The ring traditionally symbolizes a romantic destiny or a future marriage for the person who finds it.
What do the other favors symbolize?
The penny usually represents wealth, the button symbolizes bachelorhood, and the matchstick can represent future quarrels or a specific trade.
What main vegetables are included in this recipe?
This recipe includes cabbage, carrot, onion, turnip, and potatoes.
How should the cabbage be prepared?
The cabbage should be coarsely chopped before boiling.
How long should the initial vegetables boil?
The cabbage, turnip, onion, and carrot should boil for about 45 minutes until softened.
When are the potatoes added to the pot?
Add the sliced potatoes once the initial vegetables are tender, cooking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
How much butter is required for this dish?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of butter, softened and divided between the mash and the serving well.
Should the favors be wrapped before being hidden?
Yes, for hygiene and safety, the favors should be carefully wrapped before being buried in the Colcannon.
What is the final texture of the dish?
The vegetables and potatoes are mashed together until they are creamy and smooth.
How is the dish traditionally served?
It is served hot in a warm bowl with a well of melted butter in the center.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Yes, the recipe specifies peeling and slicing the potatoes into equal-sized chunks.
What type of turnip is used?
The recipe suggests one small turnip, peeled and diced.
Is this recipe considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a true representation of comfort food blending Scottish roots with festive folklore.
How many potatoes are used?
You will need 5 to 6 medium-sized potatoes.
What seasoning is recommended?
The dish is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
Is this recipe suitable for family dinners?
Yes, it is perfect for gatherings and family dinners, creating lasting memories through its unique tradition.
Can I use a different vegetable instead of turnip?
While turnip is traditional for this version, Colcannon variations often focus primarily on cabbage or kale and potatoes.
How do you ensure even cooking of the potatoes?
By slicing the potatoes into equal-sized chunks, you ensure they cook through at the same rate.
Why is this dish associated with young women?
In folklore, it was a way for young women to seek a glimpse into their romantic destinies through the hidden favors.
Should the water be salted?
Yes, add a pinch of salt to the large pot of water before adding the vegetables.
What size of onion is needed?
The recipe calls for one medium sliced onion.
What is the total cooking time for the vegetables?
The total boiling time is approximately 60 to 65 minutes (45 mins for base vegetables plus 15-20 mins for potatoes).
What type of carrot is used?
One large sliced carrot is used to add color and sweetness.
Can the butter be substituted?
While butter provides the traditional richness, you could use a substitute, though it may change the authentic flavor.
Is the onion cooked separately?
No, the onion is boiled along with the cabbage, turnip, and carrot.
What is the best way to mash the vegetables?
You can use a potato masher to blend everything together until smooth after draining the water.
Is this dish only for Halloween?
While the favors are a Halloween tradition, the dish itself is a classic comfort food enjoyed throughout the year.
Can I add milk to the mash?
The recipe focuses on butter for creaminess, but some variations of Colcannon do include a splash of milk or cream.