Irish Sweet Potato & Kale Mash with Bacon
This vibrant twist on the classic Irish colcannon brings together the sweet richness of sweet potatoes with earthy kale and a delightful crunch of crispy bacon, creating a deliciously comforting dish. Enjoy it as a standout side or an indulgent main, perfect for any celebration or cozy dinner.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
4 slices (crispy)
sweet potatoes
1.5 lbs (peeled and diced)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon (divided)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
fresh kale
8 ounces (chopped)
butter or vegan butter substitute
2 tablespoons
ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over low heat, cook the bacon slices until crispy. Once done, remove them and let drain on paper towels. Retain one tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet, discarding the rest.
2
Fill a large pot with water, adding the diced sweet potatoes and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are very tender.
3
While the potatoes are cooking, add minced garlic and chopped kale to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the kale is crisp-tender and reduced to half its volume, around 5 to 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and set aside.
4
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, drain them and return them to the pot. Add butter or vegan butter and mash until smooth and creamy.
5
Crumble the cooked bacon and add it to the mashed sweet potatoes along with the sautéed kale. Season with the rest of the kosher salt and ground black pepper, combining all ingredients thoroughly.
6
Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Irish Sweet Potato & Kale Mash with Bacon?
It is a vibrant twist on the classic Irish colcannon that combines sweet potatoes, earthy kale, and crispy bacon.
How many slices of bacon are needed for this recipe?
You will need 4 slices of bacon.
What amount of sweet potatoes is required?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of sweet potatoes.
How should the sweet potatoes be prepared?
They should be peeled and diced before cooking.
How long do the sweet potatoes need to boil?
Cook them for about 15 minutes or until they are very tender.
Should I save the bacon grease?
Yes, retain one tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet to cook the kale.
How much kale is used in this mash?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of fresh chopped kale.
How long should the kale be cooked?
Sauté the kale for 5 to 10 minutes until it is crisp-tender.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can use a vegan butter substitute and omit the bacon to make it vegan-friendly.
How much butter is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of butter or vegan butter.
What kind of salt is recommended?
Kosher salt is recommended for this recipe.
How much garlic is included?
Use 1 clove of minced garlic.
What is the total amount of kosher salt used?
A total of 1 teaspoon of kosher salt is used, divided between boiling the potatoes and final seasoning.
How do I cook the bacon?
Cook the bacon in a large skillet over low heat until it is crispy.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease while the potatoes are boiling.
How much black pepper should I add?
Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
What is the texture of the finished potatoes?
The sweet potatoes should be mashed until they are smooth and creamy.
Is this dish suitable for St. Patrick's Day?
Yes, it is a great variation of traditional colcannon for St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
Should the kale be fresh or frozen?
The recipe specifies using fresh kale.
How much does the kale reduce in size during cooking?
The kale will reduce to approximately half its original volume.
How do I serve this dish?
Serve it warm as a side dish or as an indulgent main course.
What heat setting is used for the kale?
The kale should be cooked on medium-low heat.
Do I mash the bacon with the potatoes?
The bacon should be crumbled and combined with the mashed potatoes and sautéed kale.
What type of potatoes are used?
This recipe specifically uses sweet potatoes.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients.
What happens to the bacon after it is cooked?
It should be drained on paper towels and then crumbled.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, it is hearty enough to be served as an indulgent main.
Is the garlic sautéed with the kale?
Yes, the minced garlic is added to the skillet with the kale and bacon grease.
What is the primary flavor profile?
It offers a sweet richness from the potatoes, earthiness from the kale, and saltiness from the bacon.
Is this a traditional Irish recipe?
It is a modern twist on the traditional Irish colcannon dish.