Champ is a beloved Irish dish that elevates the humble mashed potato to new heights of comfort food perfection. At its core, it's a creamy, buttery mashed potato dish generously mixed with chopped spring onions (or scallions), creating a perfect balance of smooth, creamy texture and mild oniony bite. The dish is characteristically served with a well of melted butter in the center, which diners can dip into with each forkful.

This dish has deep roots in Irish cuisine, particularly in Ulster in the north of Ireland. The name "Champ" is believed to come from the Irish word "brúitín," meaning mashed potatoes. Historically, it was a common supper dish that made the most of readily available ingredients, providing sustenance to farming families throughout Ireland.

Making Champ begins with boiling floury potatoes until tender. Meanwhile, spring onions are simmered gently in milk, infusing it with their flavor. The potatoes are mashed until smooth, and the warm, onion-infused milk is gradually incorporated along with generous amounts of butter. The key to perfect Champ lies in achieving the right consistency - creamy and smooth, but still firm enough to hold the butter well in the center.

While the traditional recipe is beloved, modern variations might include additions like fresh herbs, different types of onions, or even garlic. Some cooks add a pinch of nutmeg or white pepper for extra depth, while others might incorporate parsnips or carrots for added sweetness and nutrition. The quality of ingredients, particularly the potatoes and butter, significantly impacts the final dish.

In Irish homes, Champ is often served as a main course for supper, especially during colder months. The proper way to eat it is to make a small well in each forkful and dip it in the pool of melted butter before eating. It's also commonly served alongside Irish sausages, bacon, or other meat dishes.

From a nutritional standpoint, Champ is a hearty dish that provides energy through carbohydrates from potatoes. The spring onions add vitamins A and C, while also providing beneficial compounds like allicin. However, due to the generous use of butter and whole milk, it's quite rich in calories and saturated fat. Those watching their fat intake might want to moderate their portion sizes or use lighter alternatives, though traditionalists would argue that the butter is essential to the authentic Champ experience.