1 Portion Colcannon With Sausages And Guinness Gravy contains 424 calories, making it a hearty and satisfying meal option. Colcannon is an Irish dish made with mashed potatoes and cabbage or kale. When paired with sausages and a rich Guinness gravy, it becomes a flavorful and comforting meal that is perfect for colder days.

This dish is not only filling but also packed with nutrients. Colcannon provides a good balance of carbs, protein, and fiber, while the sausages add a good dose of protein. The Guinness gravy is also a great source of antioxidants.

In this article, we'll explore the different aspects of preparing and serving Colcannon with Sausages and Guinness Gravy, including the ingredients needed, calorie intake, health benefits, and variations.

What is Colcannon?

Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish made with mashed potatoes and either kale or cabbage, and other ingredients like milk, butter, and scallions or leeks. It is often served on special occasions like Halloween, St. Patrick's Day, or Christmas. The dish has a rich history, with references to it dating back to the 18th century. It was originally considered a peasant food, but it has become a staple in Irish cuisine and elsewhere in recent years. This meal is a simple yet hearty dish and is often served with meat.

How many calories does it contain?

One portion of Colcannon with Sausages and Guinness Gravy contains approximately 424 calories, of which about 54% come from carbohydrates, 23% from fat, and 23% from protein. While this meal is considered high in calories, the ingredients it uses provide a good balance of macronutrients that are essential for a healthy and balanced diet. For instance, the potatoes and cabbage or kale provide a good source of fiber and vitamins, while the sausages offer a good dose of protein. The Guinness gravy also includes high levels of iron, which is beneficial for healthy blood circulation.

What type of sausages are best for this recipe?

When preparing Colcannon with Sausages and Guinness Gravy, it is best to select the sausage that will help to enhance the flavor of the dish. Traditional Irish sausage or any high-quality pork sausages work well with this recipe. You can also use chicken or turkey sausages for a lighter option.

How to make Colcannon?

To make Colcannon, you will need the following ingredients: potatoes, kale or cabbage, scallions, milk or cream, butter, salt, and pepper. Here is a step-by-step guide to making it:

1. Cook the potatoes in a pot of boiling water for 20-25 minutes or until they are soft enough to mash.
2. In a separate pot, cook the kale or cabbage until they are tender enough to mash, then mix the cooked kale or cabbage with the mashed potatoes.
3. Add in the scallions, milk or cream, butter, salt, and pepper and mix until consistent.
4. For the sausages, cook them in a frying pan until browned on all sides.
5. For the Guinness gravy, heat up butter and flour in a saucepan until it forms a paste. Gradually add Guinness beer and beef stock, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

What ingredients are needed for the Guinness Gravy?

To create the perfect Guinness Gravy, you will need the following ingredients: beef broth, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, onions, garlic, balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, and Guinness. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and stir until they are softened for about 5 minutes. Add the flour and mix until it becomes a paste. Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking continuously. Add Guinness, then add balsamic vinegar and tomato paste, stirring until everything is mixed thoroughly.

What are the health benefits of this dish?

Some of the health benefits of Colcannon with Sausages and Guinness Gravy include a good balance of macronutrients like carbohydrates, protein, and fiber, and the presence of several vitamins and minerals. For instance, the potatoes provide a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and iron, while the kale or cabbage used in colcannon is rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium. The sausages are a good source of protein and also contain important vitamins like thiamine and niacin. Additionally, the Guinness gravy provides high levels of antioxidants, which can promote healthy blood circulation and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

How to make the dish more flavorful?

To make the dish even more flavorful, you can add extra ingredients to the recipe to enhance the taste. For example, you can add some chives or parsley to the colcannon to add some freshness and flavor, or you can also sprinkle some paprika or chili flakes to the sausages before cooking. Adding some grated cheese to the colcannon can also bring out the flavors effectively. Lastly, you can also play around with the spices when making the Guinness gravy to make it even more savory.

Tips for serving Colcannon With Sausages And Guinness Gravy

While Colcannon with Sausages and Guinness Gravy can be served on its own, there are several ways to make it even more enjoyable. For instance, you can serve it with boiled carrots or green beans to add some color and texture to the meal. You can also sprinkle some chopped scallions or spring onions to the dish to make it more visually appealing. Lastly, you can also serve this meal in a traditional Irish style by placing it in a shallow bowl or casserole dish and placing a well in the center. You can then fill the well with gravy and encourage your guests to dip their sausages or mashed potatoes into it.

How to store leftovers?

If you have any leftovers of Colcannon with Sausages and Guinness Gravy, it is best to refrigerate them in an airtight container. They should be safe to eat for up to three days, but it is always best to reheat them thoroughly to an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) before eating them again.

Variations of the dish

There are several ways to make variations of Colcannon with Sausages and Guinness Gravy that are just as delicious. For instance, you can substitute kale or cabbage with other types of greens like spinach or collard greens. You can also add some diced bacon or ham to the colcannon for a meatier flavor. Lastly, you can also experiment with the spices used to make the Guinness gravy to create different variations of the sauce. For instance, you can add some Worcestershire sauce or mustard to the recipe to add some tanginess or use a different type of beer instead of Guinness to add a different flavor profile.