Cajun colcannon

Sweet potatoes and black beans take the place of potatoes in this spiced up version of the traditional Irish recipe (see this post), inspired by the cuisine of the American South. 

 Servings: 2

Ingredients
1/2 onion, finely chopped
A 400g can of black beans (about 1 cup cooked black beans)
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1 large sweet potato
2 handfuls/about 100 g kale
1/2 teaspoon oil
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons cumin 
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon chilli powder 
1/4 teaspoon wholegrain mustard (optional)
1-2 slices of pickle jalapeno, chopped (optional) 
2 teaspoons lime/lemon juice
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Method

1.   Microwave the sweet potato until soft to squeeze, peel and dice.

2.   Steam or microwave the kale for 5-6 minutes until tender-crisp and bright in colour.

3.   Finely shred the kale.

4.   Heat the oil over a medium heat and saute the onion and garlic for about 7-8 minutes, until soft.

5.   Add the paprika, cumin, thyme, chilli powder, mustard and black beans and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning.

6.   Add the sweet potatoes, lime juice and salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper to taste.

7.   Take off the heat, mash the potatoes and beans well and mix in the kale and jalapenos (if using).

8.   It can be served hot on its own but also makes a tasty burrito, wrapped in a tortilla along with salad leaves and some lime juice.

Greens 'n' beans patties

Here is another recipe from my sister. Green vegetables and beans, especially black-eyed beans or peas, are a classic combination from the Southern United States. The dish Hoppin’ John is a stew made of beans and greens that is supposed to bring good fortune in the coming year if eaten on New Year’s Day.  This recipe gives the ingredients an Italian spin with the addition of olives and herbs and they are made into patties instead of a stew. New Year may be two weeks past but that is no reason not to eat this medley of creamy beans, zesty herbs and olives, and hearty greens. 

Servings: 3 (about 6 patties each)

Ingredients

About 2-1/2 cups cooked black eyed beans

Two handfuls of finely chopped kale

1 teaspoon olive oil

2 cloves of garlic

1 onion, finely chopped

2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 teaspoon dried mixed Italian herbs

10 green olives, finely chopped

Salt and black pepper to taste

Toasted bread, to serve (optional)

Method

1. Mash the beans until they reach a consistency like roughly mashed potatoes so that they can be formed into patties with your hands.

2. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the garlic and onion and add the dried herbs.

3. Add the kale and cook until kale is tender and add salt and pepper.

4. Add the parsley and olives and the mashed beans, combine well and take off the heat.

5. Heat a flat frying pan/skillet/griddle. Shape the mixture into approximately 18 round patties and cook 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Serve hot on their own, or with bread and/or desired sauces or garnishes.