The Coziest Irish Bacon Cabbage And Potato Soup Recipe Ever

Hearty irish bacon cabbage and potato soup warms up chilly evenings with its rustic charm.

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl filled with robust flavors from traditional ingredients.

Potatoes, crisp bacon pieces, and tender cabbage create a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

Irish kitchens have perfected this simple yet satisfying recipe through generations of home cooking.

Families gather around tables, savoring each spoonful of rich, creamy goodness.

Memories blend with each bite, connecting you to a culinary heritage that speaks of warmth and nourishment.

Let this soul-satisfying soup transport you to the rolling green landscapes of ireland.

Irish Bacon, Cabbage & Potato Soup – Hearty Heritage

• Celebrate Comfort Food Tradition: Dive into a hearty Irish-inspired soup that brings generations of family recipes to life with its rich, warming flavors and classic ingredients.
• Quick and Adaptable Cooking: Whip up this one-pot wonder in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal planning with simple ingredient swapping options.
• Nourishing Flavor Powerhouse: Packed with protein from bacon, nutritious vegetables, and creamy texture, this soup delivers a satisfying meal that fills you up and warms you from the inside out.
• Budget-Friendly Culinary Delight: Create a restaurant-quality dish using affordable, readily available ingredients that stretch your grocery budget while delivering maximum taste and comfort.

Building Blocks For Classic Irish Soup Flavors

• Irish Bacon: A flavorful, lean meat that provides a rich, smoky foundation for the soup.

• Onion, Garlic: These aromatics create a deep, savory base flavor for the soup.
• Cabbage: A traditional Irish ingredient that adds texture and subtle sweetness to the dish.
• Potatoes: A hearty vegetable that makes the soup filling and provides a creamy texture.

• Broth: Helps create the soup's liquid base and enhances overall flavor.
• Milk or Cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the soup.
• Thyme: A classic herb that brings a subtle, earthy flavor to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's taste.
• Flour: Optional thickening agent that helps create a more substantial soup texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright garnish that adds a fresh, herbal note to the finished soup.

Soup Steps For Cozy, Comforting Irish Nights

Step 1: Crisp Up The Bacon

Cook chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it becomes wonderfully crispy.

Transfer the bacon to a side plate, keeping some delicious bacon fat remaining in the pot.

Step 2: Saute Aromatic Base

Drop butter into the pot and gently cook onions until they turn soft and translucent.

Add minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute to release its fragrant flavors.

Step 3: Wilt The Cabbage

Toss chopped cabbage into the pot and cook until it starts to wilt and soften.

If desired, sprinkle flour and stir for a minute to help thicken the soup.

Step 4: Build The Soup Foundation

Pour chicken or vegetable broth into the pot.

• Diced potatoes
• Fresh thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer.

Cook until potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork, approximately 20 minutes.

Step 5: Finish With Creamy Richness

Stir the reserved crispy bacon back into the soup.

Pour in milk or cream to create a luxurious, velvety texture.

Simmer for a few additional minutes and taste to adjust seasonings.

Step 6: Serve And Garnish

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.

Pro Tips For Perfect Bacon-Cabbage-Potato Harmony

• Crisp the bacon thoroughly to release maximum flavor and create a crunchy texture that adds depth to the soup.
• Cut potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Chop cabbage into similar-sized pieces to promote even wilting and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Use whole milk or heavy cream for a richer, more luxurious soup texture that coats the palate beautifully.
• Replace regular bacon with turkey bacon and use low-sodium broth to create a lighter version of this hearty soup for health-conscious eaters.

Irish Soup Variations With Modern Flair

• Vegetarian Version: Replace bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh, using olive oil instead of bacon fat. Add nutritional yeast for depth of flavor and umami.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or potato starch for thickening. Use gluten-free chicken or vegetable broth to maintain dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets. Reduce total liquid and add extra cream for a richer, thicker consistency. Use bacon as a primary flavoring agent.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk instead of dairy cream. Select plant-based butter or additional olive oil for sautéing vegetables.

Serving Irish Soup With Homemade Soda Bread

• Cozy Soup Companions: Crusty bread slices perfect for dipping into the rich, creamy broth, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
• Hearty Side Kick: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and add freshness.
• Warming Topper: Sprinkle extra crispy bacon bits and chopped fresh parsley on top for added texture and a burst of color that makes the dish look professionally prepared.
• Irish-Inspired Pairing: Pour a cold Irish stout or light beer to complement the traditional flavors and enhance the overall dining experience.

How To Store Hearty Soups For Busy Days

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Carefully pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid adding cream before freezing to maintain better texture.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of extra broth if the soup seems too thick.

FAQs

• Is Irish bacon different from regular bacon?

Irish bacon comes from pork loin and is leaner and meatier compared to American-style streaky bacon, which is made from pork belly and has more fat.

• Can I use other types of bacon for this soup?

Yes, you can substitute with pancetta, Canadian bacon, or regular streaky bacon, though the flavor profile will slightly change.

• What does cabbage bring to this soup?

Cabbage adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor and provides extra nutrients like vitamin K and vitamin C, plus gives the soup a hearty texture.

• How can I make this soup healthier?

Use low-sodium broth, lean bacon, skim milk instead of cream, and add extra vegetables like carrots or celery for more nutrition.

Irish Bacon Cabbage And Potato Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Irish bacon cabbage and potato soup whispers comfort from traditional Irish kitchens, blending rich flavors of homeland ingredients. Home cooks discover a soul-warming meal that connects generations through simple, nourishing culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 6 slices Irish bacon, chopped

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups (680 grams) green cabbage, shredded
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk or heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a large pot over medium heat until golden and crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving rendered fat.
2. Melt butter in the same pot and sauté diced onions until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, releasing its aromatic essence for about 30 seconds.
4. Incorporate shredded cabbage into the pot, stirring frequently until it begins to wilt and reduce in volume, around 5 minutes.
5. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring continuously to create a light roux and prevent clumping, cooking for 1 minute.
6. Gradually pour chicken broth into the pot, then add cubed potatoes, fresh thyme, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper.
7. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, allowing potatoes to become tender and flavors to meld, approximately 15-20 minutes.
8. Reintroduce crispy bacon pieces and pour in milk or cream, gently stirring to combine and warm through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors.
10. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Crisp bacon beforehand for extra texture and let it cool completely to prevent soggy bits in the soup.
• Use thick-cut Irish bacon or pancetta for authentic flavor and robust meaty undertones.
• Swap potatoes with cauliflower for a low-carb version that maintains creamy consistency.
• Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and balanced texture throughout the soup.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 255 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg