Heartwarming Irish Bacon Cabbage and Potato Soup Recipe

Comfort warms every spoonful of this traditional irish bacon cabbage and potato soup that carries generations of hearty flavor.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this recipe in cozy Irish kitchens.

Chunky potatoes mingle with savory bacon and tender cabbage, creating a rustic blend of textures and tastes.

The ingredients dance together, releasing an aroma that speaks of countryside kitchens and welcoming tables.

Rich broth embraces each ingredient, transforming simple components into a soul-satisfying meal.

Salt, pepper, and a touch of thyme elevate this soup from ordinary to extraordinary.

Grab a bowl and let each spoonful transport you to the rolling green hills of Ireland.

FAQs

• Is this soup traditional in Ireland?

Yes, Irish bacon and cabbage soup is a classic dish deeply rooted in Irish culinary heritage, often enjoyed during cold winter months as a hearty and comforting meal.

• Can I use different types of bacon?

Absolutely! While traditional Irish bacon works best, you can substitute with pancetta, regular bacon, or even ham for a similar flavor profile.

• How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for depth, and use vegetable broth instead of meat-based broth. Add mushrooms for extra umami and texture.

• Is this soup healthy?

This soup offers nutritional benefits with potatoes providing vitamins, cabbage packed with nutrients, and protein from bacon. It’s a balanced meal with vegetables, lean protein, and moderate calories.

Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup Reasons

• Comfort in a Bowl: Warm and hearty, this soup wraps you in a comforting embrace with its rich, satisfying flavors that chase away any chill.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up this delicious meal in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending hours cooking.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with familiar ingredients like bacon, potatoes, and cabbage, this soup appeals to both kids and adults, creating a crowd-pleasing dish that brings everyone together around the table.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and simple preparation make this recipe a go-to for home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal kitchen hassle.

Ingredients for Irish Bacon Soup

• Irish Bacon: A flavorful, leaner cut of pork that provides a smoky and rich foundation for the soup.

• Onion, Garlic: These aromatics create a deep, savory base that enhances the overall flavor profile of the soup.
• Cabbage: A classic Irish ingredient that adds texture and a mild, slightly sweet undertone to the dish.
• Potatoes: Hearty root vegetables that make the soup thick, creamy, and satisfying.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables, creating a smooth and luxurious texture.
• Broth: Provides the liquid base that helps cook the vegetables and builds the soup's foundational flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Optional ingredient that adds a luxurious, velvety finish to the soup.
• Salt, Pepper, Thyme: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the soup's overall taste and aroma.

• Green Onions, Parsley: Fresh herbs that add a bright, crisp finish and visual appeal to the soup.

How to Make Bacon Cabbage Soup

Step 1: Crisp Up Bacon

Cook chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it turns golden and crispy.

Transfer the bacon to a side plate, keeping the flavorful bacon fat in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add butter to the bacon fat.

Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and release their delightful fragrance.

Step 3: Wilt The Cabbage

Add shredded cabbage to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the cabbage to soften and become slightly translucent.

Step 4: Build The Soup Base

Introduce diced potatoes, broth, salt, black pepper, and thyme to the pot.

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

Cook for 20-25 minutes until potatoes become tender and start to break down slightly.

Step 5: Add Creamy Richness

If desired, pour in heavy cream and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, creating a luxurious and smooth texture.

Step 6: Finish And Combine

Return the crispy bacon pieces to the pot, stirring them throughout the soup to distribute the crunchy goodness.

Step 7: Serve And Garnish

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

Sprinkle with chopped green onions or fresh parsley for a burst of color and added flavor.

Tips for Hearty Irish Bacon Soup

• Reserve bacon fat for extra flavor, creating a rich base that enhances the soup's depth and authenticity.
• Cook onions and garlic slowly to develop a sweet, mellow foundation that adds complexity to the soup.
• Don't overcook cabbage; five minutes keeps its texture and vibrant color while softening slightly.
• Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for a creamy texture that holds shape during simmering.
• Skip heavy cream or substitute with coconut milk for a lighter, plant-based version of the classic soup.

Soup Variations with Irish Bacon

• Vegetarian Cabbage Potato Soup: Replace bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh, using olive oil instead of bacon fat for sautéing, creating a plant-based version with similar smoky undertones.
• Gluten-Free Hearty Soup: Ensure broth is gluten-free certified, swap regular butter with clarified butter or olive oil, maintaining the soup's rich flavor profile without gluten-containing ingredients.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Adaptation: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the soup's creamy texture and nutritional value intact.
• Dairy-Free Wellness Version: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream, swap butter with coconut oil, and maintain the soup's comforting qualities while eliminating dairy components.

Serving Ideas for Irish Bacon Soup

• Irish Pub Style Meal Pairing: Serve alongside a crusty Irish soda bread to soak up the delicious broth and add extra texture to the meal.
• Hearty Lunch Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and add fresh vegetables.
• Cozy Dinner Finale: Top with extra crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added crunch and aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
• Winter Comfort Combo: Enjoy with a glass of Irish ale or a warm cup of tea to complement the soup's comforting flavors and create a perfect cold-weather meal.

Soup Storage Guidance for Later

• Store soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing if cream is added.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Stop when soup reaches steaming temperature.
• Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of broth or water to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add extra cream if needed to restore original consistency.

Irish Bacon Cabbage And Potato Soup Recipe

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• Total Time: 39 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Irish bacon cabbage and potato soup celebrates classic comfort from Ireland’s culinary traditions. Rustic ingredients blend into a creamy, satisfying bowl that warms souls with authentic flavor and rich heritage.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 large potatoes, diced
• 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 6 slices bacon, chopped

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme

Optional and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Green onions or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a large pot over medium heat until golden and crisp, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer crispy pieces to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving rendered fat in the pot.
2. Melt butter in the same pot and sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Introduce shredded cabbage to the pot, stirring continuously and cooking for 4-5 minutes until leaves soften and begin to wilt.
4. Pour in chicken broth, then add diced potatoes, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Bring mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low.
5. Simmer the soup uncovered for 20-22 minutes, allowing potatoes to become tender and flavors to meld together. Gently press a potato with a fork to check doneness.
6. If desired, incorporate heavy cream and stir thoroughly, allowing soup to simmer an additional 3-4 minutes to integrate the cream’s richness.
7. Reintroduce crispy bacon pieces into the soup, gently folding to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
8. Ladle hot soup into serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped green onions or parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by using thick-cut artisan bacon for a richer, more robust taste profile.
• Create a lighter version by substituting half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, reducing overall calorie content.
• Toast the thyme leaves briefly before adding to intensify their aromatic qualities and release deeper herbaceous notes.
• Make this soup gluten-free by ensuring your broth is certified gluten-free and checking bacon ingredients for potential gluten contamination.

• Prep Time: 12 minutes
• Cook Time: 27 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg