Cauliflower replaces potatoes in this traditional Irish side dish for a lower-carb, healthier version. I use good Irish pastured butter, you can use ghee, olive oil, or plant-based butter to make it vegan and for those who are dairy-sensitive. Leftovers reheat well. Serve with roast salmon or chicken.
1headcauliflower2 pounds, or 24 ounces bagged florets
1bunchTuscan or Lacinato kale
3green onions or scallions
4largegarlic clovespeeled
¾cupcanned coconut milk
2-3tablespoonsunsalted grass-fed butter, ghee, plant butterdivided use
¼teaspoonsea salt
¼teaspoonground pepper, preferably white
Instructions
Trim the head of cauliflower into florets; discard center stem. Strip the stem from the kale leaves with your hands, then chop the leaves into small pieces. Chop green onions fine. Save a few of the green tops for garnish and use the rest when cooking.
Fill a large pot (5 quarts) with a few inches of water, add a steamer rack inside and place a lid on top. Over medium high heat, bring the water to a boil with steam coming out of top. Place the cauliflower florets and garlic cloves into the steamer rack and steam until very soft, 8-10 minutes. While the cauliflower is steaming, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium sauté pan. Add the green onions and kale and cook until soft, about 4 minutes.
Drain florets and add to the bowl of a food processor with a steel knife. Puree the cauliflower and garlic cloves with the coconut milk and 1 tablespoon butter until fairly smooth.
Add the cauliflower puree and kale to a bowl and stir together. Add salt and pepper. Serve hot. Finish with one last tablespoon of butter if desired. If the colcannon has cooled down, microwave to heat or place in a warm oven while you are finishing the meal. For a more refined colcannon, add the kale to the food processor and pulse.
Notes
For Histamine Intolerance
If coconut milk does not work for you, use dairy milk. If neither work for you, this dish might not be safe. If dairy is a problem, use a plant-based butter. I like Miyoko's. Find it near the butter.