Irish Champ

"She's up with her beetle,
And broke the lamp,
And then she had room,
To beetle her champ.

'Champ' does not refer to an Irish pugilist, but to the Irish way of serving mashed potatoes. The tops of spring nettles can be substituted for spring onions (also called scallions).

• 2 1/2 pounds (1 kg) potatoes, peeled
• 1 1/2 cups (350 ml) fresh milk
• 3/4 cup (300 g) spring onions, chopped1 stick (110 g) salted butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Hot melted butter, for serving

METHOD

Boil potatoes in large amount of salted water until soft. When cooked, strain and mash in large bowl until completely smooth.

Using small amount of butter, lightly sauté spring onions until just softened, about minute.

Bring milk to a simmer in a separate saucepan and add the spring onions with butter they were sautéed in and simmer for a further five minutes.

Pour milk and onion mixture into potatoes and mash until mixture is thick and creamy.

Make a slight well in the centre of the champ and fill with a little hot butter.

recipe from www.inmamaskitchen.com

Contributor: Margaret E. Walker

back to Irish cooking on St. Patrick's Day

 

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