Hearty Irish Bacon Cabbage and Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Days

Comfort meets tradition in this hearty Irish bacon cabbage and potato soup that whispers stories of cozy kitchens.

Generations have cherished such simple yet nourishing meals across ireland’s green landscapes.

Chunky potatoes mingle with smoky bacon bits, creating a symphony of robust flavors.

Crisp cabbage adds a delightful texture that dances on your palate.

Warm and inviting, each spoonful carries the soul of home-cooked goodness.

Winters feel gentler when this soup simmers on the stove, promising warmth and satisfaction.

Grab a ladle and let this recipe transport you to a charming Irish cottage.

Irish Bacon Cabbage And Potato Soup: Flavor Highlights

• Grill Like a Pro: Master the art of grilling chicken with this simple marinade that infuses bold flavors and keeps the meat juicy and tender.
• Quick Customizable Meal: Easily swap ingredients or add personal favorites to create a burrito that matches your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Gather everyone around the table with this interactive meal where each person can build their perfect burrito with fresh ingredients.
• No-Stress Weeknight Dinner: Prepare the marinade and chicken ahead of time, making assembly fast and convenient when hunger strikes.

Ingredients For Irish Bacon Cabbage And Potato Soup

• Irish Bacon: A flavorful and rich meat that adds depth and smokiness to the soup.

• Cabbage: Provides a hearty and slightly sweet base with a tender texture.
• Onion: Offers a sweet and aromatic foundation to the soup's flavor profile.
• Potatoes: Adds creamy thickness and substantial texture to the soup.
• Garlic: Brings a pungent and warm flavor that enhances the overall taste.

• Thyme: A classic herb that adds an earthy and slightly minty undertone.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and heighten the soup's flavors.
• Broth: Creates the liquid base and adds additional savory depth.
• Heavy Cream: Provides richness and a smooth, luxurious mouthfeel.
• Butter: Contributes a rich, smooth flavor and helps to round out the soup's taste.

Preparation Guide For Irish Bacon Cabbage And Potato Soup

Step 1: Crisp Up Bacon

Cook chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it turns golden and crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon to a separate plate, keeping the delicious bacon grease in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Use the remaining bacon grease to sauté diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until the onions become translucent and fragrant, releasing their sweet flavors into the pot.

Step 3: Add Hearty Vegetables

Toss in chopped cabbage and diced potatoes. Stir the vegetables around the pot, allowing them to coat with the bacon-infused base and begin softening.

Step 4: Simmer With Broth

Pour chicken or vegetable broth into the pot. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently.

Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes become fork-tender and start to break down slightly.

Step 5: Enrich With Creamy Goodness

• Heavy cream
• Butter
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh thyme leaves

Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Finish And Serve

Return the crispy bacon pieces to the pot, stirring to distribute evenly. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and serve immediately for a comforting, hearty meal.

Helpful Advice For Irish Bacon Cabbage And Potato Soup

• Select high-quality Irish bacon for the most authentic flavor and rich taste.
• Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Keep bacon crispy by cooking separately and adding back just before serving to maintain its crunch.
• Swap heavy cream with milk or dairy-free alternatives for lighter or lactose-free version.
• Use fresh thyme leaves instead of dried herbs for a more vibrant and aromatic profile.

Flavorful Twists For Irish Bacon Cabbage And Potato Soup

• Hearty Green Kale Upgrade: Replace cabbage with chopped kale for a nutrient-dense version, keeping the same cooking method and bacon base.
• Spicy Chorizo Swap: Substitute Irish bacon with Spanish chorizo, adding a smoky and spicy flavor profile to the traditional soup.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Edition: Eliminate bacon, use smoked paprika and replace with mixed wild mushrooms for an earthy, protein-rich alternative.
• Creamy Cauliflower Remix: Switch potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lower-carb option that maintains the soup's rich, comforting texture.

Serving Suggestions For Irish Bacon Cabbage And Potato Soup

• Pair this hearty soup with thick slices of crusty Irish soda bread. The bread's dense texture perfectly soaks up the creamy broth, adding a delightful rustic touch to your meal.
• Serve in deep ceramic bowls garnished with fresh chopped chives and extra crispy bacon bits. A side of sharp cheddar cheese and whole grain mustard creates an authentic Irish pub experience that warms the soul.
• Transform the soup into a complete meal by adding a simple green salad with apple cider vinaigrette. Crisp mixed greens complement the soup's rich, creamy texture and provide a fresh, light balance to the dish's robust flavors.

Storage Tips For Irish Bacon Cabbage And Potato Soup

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping flavors intact and preventing bacterial growth.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring maximum taste retention.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, then gently reheat in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain creamy consistency and prevent scorching.
• Divide soup into individual serving sizes before storing, allowing easy reheating of small batches without compromising the overall quality of the remaining soup.

FAQs

• Is Irish bacon different from regular bacon?

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

• Can I use a different type of bacon if Irish bacon is unavailable?

Yes, you can substitute with regular bacon or pancetta. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

• How do I make this soup more hearty?

Add extra protein like diced chicken or white beans. You can also include additional vegetables like carrots or celery to increase the nutritional value.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your broth and ingredients are certified gluten-free if you have strict dietary requirements.

Irish Bacon Cabbage And Potato Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Irish bacon cabbage and potato soup celebrates classic comfort from Ireland’s culinary traditions. Rich flavors and creamy textures invite home cooks to savor each spoonful with genuine satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or milk
• 3 large potatoes, diced
• 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps butter
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp thyme (optional)

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Instructions

1. Render bacon pieces in a spacious pot over medium-high heat until golden and crisp, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer crisped bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the rendered fat.
2. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in the bacon drippings until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
3. Add chopped cabbage and cubed potatoes to the pot, stirring to coat with fat and allow initial caramelization, roughly 4-5 minutes.
4. Pour chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, ensuring ingredients are fully submerged. Bring liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low.
5. Simmer the soup uncovered for 18-22 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender and cabbage has softened.
6. Incorporate heavy cream, unsalted butter, dried thyme, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Gently stir and allow flavors to meld for an additional 3-4 minutes.
7. Reintroduce crispy bacon pieces into the soup, stirring to distribute evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Ladle steaming hot soup into serving bowls, ensuring each portion contains a generous mix of vegetables and bacon.

Notes

• Swap bacon for turkey bacon or tempeh to create a lighter, lower-fat version that’s friendly for health-conscious eaters.
• Consider using vegetable broth instead of traditional broth to make the soup completely vegetarian while maintaining rich flavor profiles.
• Enhance protein content by adding white beans or diced chicken for a more substantial meal that keeps you feeling full longer.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth and controlling salt amounts, making the recipe more heart-healthy without sacrificing taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 240 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg