Ham Hock Colcannon Recipe - Authentic Irish Dish

Authentic Irish Pork recipe — Ham hock colcannon. Imported from TheMealDB.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Ham Hock Colcannon Recipe - Authentic Irish Dish

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 large ham hock (smoked or unsmoked)
  • 2 pounds potatoes (peeled and chopped)
  • 1 cup kale or cabbage (finely chopped)
  • 1 cup milk (warm)
  • 4 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 small onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons chives (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

5 steps

  1. Cook the Ham Hock

    In a large pot, cover the ham hock with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 2 hours until tender.

    Check the water level occasionally and add more if needed.
  2. Prepare the Potatoes

    While the ham hock cooks, boil the potatoes in a separate pot until tender, about 15-20 minutes.

    Drain the potatoes and let them steam dry for a minute.
  3. Sauté the Onion

    In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

    Avoid browning the onions for a sweeter flavor.
  4. Combine Ingredients

    Once the ham hock is cooked, remove it from the pot, shred the meat, and add it back to the pot with the kale or cabbage. Stir in the sautéed onions.

    Ensure the kale or cabbage is wilted before mixing.
  5. Mash and Serve

    Mash the potatoes with the remaining butter and warm milk until creamy. Fold in the ham hock mixture, season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Serve hot.

    Top with chopped chives for extra flavor.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Use leftover ham hock for sandwiches. Adjust the consistency of colcannon by varying the amount of milk. Let the flavors develop by allowing it to rest before serving.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your international meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Ham Hock Colcannon Recipe - Authentic Irish Dish is a beloved dish from International cuisine.

International cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 10 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can substitute with bacon or sausage for a different flavor.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories350kcal
Total Fat15gg
Sodium600mgmg
Total Carbohydrates40gg
Dietary Fiber5gg
Total Sugars2gg
Protein20gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CategoryDinner