Champ, also called Poundies

The Irish love potatoes and there are numerous recipes using them. Champ, like Colcannon, is another way of using potatoes either from fresh or as a way to use up left over ones. Mashed potatoes with green onion, with a well of butter in the center. The mashed potatoes are eaten from around the outer edge of the well and dipped into the butter. To champ means to bruise, pound or smash, hence the term poundies.

Champ
From the Appletree Press title: A Little Irish Cookbook by John Murphy & Illustrated by Karen Bailey, 1986

Scallion Champ is one of the best-loved Irish potato recipes. A bowl of mashed flecked with green scallions and a blob of butter melting in the centre is 'comfort' food at its very best.

Champ is a simple warming dish which is cheap, easy to produce and very filling. When I was a child we used to have it at Hallowe'en for dinner. A silver sixpenny piece wrapped in greaseproof paper would be buried in it. To find it in your portion was to bring good luck for a year - quite apart from the temporary wealth.

8 medium potatos, peeled
small bunch of scallions (spring onions)
1/4 pt/125ml/1/2 cup milk
salt and pepper
knob of butter per person
(serves four)

The best way to prepare the potatoes is to cook them in a steamer and then pass them through a food mill. Alternatively, boil until soft but not mushy, drain and return them to the heat to dry somewhat before mashing. In any case keep hot. Chop the scallions finely, both green and white parts, and cook for 5 minutes in the milk. Beat this mixture into the mashed potatoes until smooth and fluffy, season to taste and serve a large mound on each plate with a good knob of butter melting into the top. Each forkful is dipped into the melted butter as it is eaten. Very good with a glass of cold milk.

Colcannon is made in much the same way as champ, but with the addition of cabbage. In parts of the country white cabbage is always used. In any case, shred and chop a small cabbage (discard the stump) and cook until tender. Beat into the potato mixture and serve as above.