COLCANNON WITH CRISPY LEEKS

Colcannon With Crispy Leeks image

Provided by Melissa Clark

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 pounds any kind of potatoes, peeled if you like, cut into 2-inch chunks
Kosher salt and black pepper
2 to 3 tablespoons butter, plus more as needed
Olive oil
1 cup sliced leeks or alliums of choice (shallots, onions, scallions)
2 garlic cloves, sliced
2 quarts of sliced sturdy greens (cabbage or kale, broccoli rabe, chard, collard greens or mustard greens)
2 to 4 tablespoons milk or vegetable broth (optional)
Fried egg, smoked salmon, or a simple green salad (optional)

Steps:

In a medium pot, combine the potatoes with enough water to cover them by 2 inches and a large pinch of salt. Boil until tender enough to easily pierce with a fork, 15 to 25 minutes. Drain.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt butter, along with a drizzle of oil, then add leeks and a pinch of salt. Sauté over medium heat for 5 or so minutes. When the leeks are golden, spoon some out onto a plate to use for garnish.
To the leeks in the pan, add the garlic cloves, and cook them for a minute until fragrant. Then, toss in the greens. Season with more salt and cook, tossing them, until the greens are wilted and very tender. If the pan looks dry, add a splash of water.
Now add the potatoes to the skillet and mash them (so they're either smooth or chunky), and add some milk or vegetable broth, if you like, and a lot of butter. Taste, and add more salt and lots of pepper. Scatter on the fried leeks and more butter to melt in little pools across the top.
Top with a fried egg or some smoked salmon, or serve a simple green salad on the side.