Irish Recipe...

Pottage

First of all, Pottage was (and still is) a main staple food for most of Ireland. It combines inexpensive ingredients with rib-sticking qualities necessary for workers. I have heard horror stories of people actually boiling sausages in with it, and serving it up. Mine is a little more simple, and a lot more appetizing. You can do the boiled sausages if you like, but I think it tastes better (and looks more appetizing) my way.

1 whole cabbage, shredded
4 medium baking potatoes, peeled and chopped
4 carrots, peeled and chopped
Enough water to cover everything by 1"

1/2 lb bacon, cooked and drained
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine first four ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until everything is falling apart. Mash with a large masher. Add bacon, salt and pepper, and stir. Serve.

Like I said - it's achingly simple, and good to eat. Not lots of cream or butter (though you can add these things if you like to make it creamier). The bacon adds a great salty, smoky flavor to it, without it being overpowering. If you want to do the sausage in it, I recommend frying it ahead of time, and replacing the bacon with it.

~M