Irish Potato Champ with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks 2 pounds (900g) potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 4 scallions (green onions), finely chopped 4 scallions (green onions), finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 300 kcal / 1255 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
2. 2.
   While the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. 3.
   Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them using a potato masher or a fork until smooth.
4. 4.
   In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over low heat until warm. Gradually pour the warm milk into the mashed potatoes, stirring continuously.
5. 5.
   Add the melted butter and garlic mixture to the potatoes, along with the chopped scallions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
6. 6.
   Serve the Irish Potato Champ hot, garnished with a pat of butter and additional chopped scallions if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest texture.
• Scallions — Make sure to finely chop the scallions to evenly distribute their flavor throughout the dish.
• Garlic — Mince the garlic finely to ensure it blends well with the mashed potatoes.
• Butter — Opt for unsalted butter to have better control over the dish's overall saltiness.
• Milk — Warm the milk before adding it to the mashed potatoes to prevent cooling down the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a handful of grated Irish cheddar cheese to the mashed potatoes before serving.
• To make the dish even creamier, substitute some of the milk with heavy cream.
• For a twist, try adding cooked and crumbled bacon to the mashed potatoes for a smoky flavor.
• If you prefer a chunkier texture, mash the potatoes with a fork instead of using a potato masher.
• Leftover champ can be transformed into delicious potato cakes by shaping the mixture into patties and frying them until golden brown.

Serving advice

Serve the Irish Potato Champ as a side dish alongside traditional Irish mains such as corned beef and cabbage, shepherd's pie, or Guinness beef stew. It also pairs well with grilled sausages or roasted chicken.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation, create a well in the center of the champ and fill it with a knob of melted butter. Sprinkle some freshly chopped scallions on top for a pop of color. Serve it in a rustic bowl or on a plate, allowing the creamy potatoes to take center stage.