Broccoli Crown, Leek and Potato Colcannon
- 2 broccoli crowns (about 1 pound total)
- 1 1/4 pounds potatoes, scrubbed, cut in half if large
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 medium leeks, white and light green parts only, cleaned and chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 to 1 cup milk
- Freshly ground pepper
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt generously.
- Meanwhile, cut away thick stems of broccoli crowns as close to the crown as possible, but leave crowns intact.
- Set aside stems for another purpose (such as pickled broccoli stems).
- When water comes to a boil drop in the broccoli crowns.
- Boil 5 minutes, flipping them over from time to time so they cook evenly.
- Using tongs, carefully transfer to a bowl of cold water, then drain thoroughly, place on a dish towel to drain more, then chop fine and set aside in a bowl.
- Add potatoes to the pot, turn down heat to medium-low and boil gently, partially covered, until potatoes are tender, 25 to 30 minutes.
- Drain, return to pot and cover tightly.
- Let potatoes steam in the dry pot for 5 minutes or longer.
- Heat olive oil over medium heat in a heavy skillet and add leeks.
- Cook, stirring often, until they begin to wilt, about 3 minutes.
- Add salt to taste and continue to cook, stirring, until very tender, about 3 to 5 more minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Mash potatoes with a potato masher or in a standing mixer fitted with the paddle, or put through a food mill.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Add finely chopped broccoli and beat together.
- Heat butter with 3/4 cup of the milk until butter melts and beat into mashed potatoes.
- Stir in leeks and mix until well blended.
- If desired, add the last 1/4 cup milk.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
broccoli crowns, potatoes, salt, extra virgin olive oil, leeks, unsalted butter, milk, freshly ground pepper
Taken from cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016937 (may not work)