An Irish twist on the traditional Thanksgiving sweet potato casserole recipe

An Irish version of a Thanksgiving favorite

Although there’s nothing immediately Irish about Thanksgiving there’s no reason we can’t put a bit of an Emerald Isle slant to things and even a bit of a kick.

Traditionally you might have sweet potatoes with marsh mallows, roasted or in a casserole this Thanksgiving why not tip your hat to the Irish flag and create this Irish sweet potato colcannon, a la Feed the Saints.

Traditionally colcannon is eaten at Halloween but it’s a wonderful dish to have at any time.

Spicy Sweet Potato Colcannon with Pancetta

Yield: serves 4-6

Ingredients:

1/3 pound kale, rinsed well and stripped of coarse stems

1.5 pounds sweet potato, peeled and cut in 1/2-inch cubes

4 slices (1/8-inch thick) pancetta, diced

4 tablespoons butter

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or as much as 1/4 teaspoon, for more heat)

1/2 cup half-and-half
salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Boil sweet potato in water for 15 minutes or until tender.

Drain and pass through a potato ricer or food mill, into a large, heat-proof pot.

Add the chopped kale to the sweet potato. Season with salt and pepper to taste

In a medium skillet, over moderate heat, cook the pancetta until crisp but not browned.

In the same pan you used to cook the pancetta, melt the butter. Add onion and cayenne pepper and sauté

Over moderate heat, until onion is translucent and has lost its crunch. Set aside.

In a small saucepan, heat half-and-half, then beat into the sweet potato-kale mixture. Add the pancetta. Add the onion and the fat from the pan. Combine all ingredients well, and keep warm.

(Visit www.feedingthesaints.com for more information)

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Nster.com