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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Melt butter in the same pot and sauté diced onions until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, releasing its aromatic essence for about 30 seconds.
- Incorporate shredded cabbage into the pot, stirring frequently until it begins to wilt and reduce in volume, around 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring continuously to create a light roux and prevent clumping, cooking for 1 minute.
- Gradually pour chicken broth into the pot, then add cubed potatoes, fresh thyme, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper.
- 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.
- Reintroduce crispy bacon pieces and pour in milk or cream, gently stirring to combine and warm through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors.
- 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