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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Melt butter in the same pot and sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Introduce shredded cabbage to the pot, stirring continuously and cooking for 4-5 minutes until leaves soften and begin to wilt.
- 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.
- 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.
- If desired, incorporate heavy cream and stir thoroughly, allowing soup to simmer an additional 3-4 minutes to integrate the cream’s richness.
- Reintroduce crispy bacon pieces into the soup, gently folding to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
- 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