Colcannon is a traditional Irish recipe of mashed potatoes blended with greens (typically cabbage). Here I’ve adapted it for South Africa by using the ubiquitous butternut squash, adding a little chilli flakes and blending with kale. This recipe is adapted to be cooked in a microwave. This makes an excellent alternate Christmas accompaniment.
Prep time: 15 minutes/Cook time: 20 minutes/Serves: 8
Ingredients:
1 butternut squash, peeled, deseeded and cut into 3cm chunks
200g kale, shredded
50g butter or olive oil
1/4 tsp chilli flakes
generous grating of nutmeg
salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
Method:
Tip the squash into a large microwave-safe bowl with about 150ml water and season to taste. Cover with cling film and microwave on high for 15 mins.
Remove from the microwave, carefully peel away the cling film and stir through the kale and chilli flakes. Cover and continue to microwave on high for 4-5 mins until the squash is ready to mash and the kale is tender. Add the butter or olive oil and roughly mash the mixture. Season generously, stir through the nutmeg and serve.
