What is the recipe for Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup? Is it a warm hug in the bowl? Growing up, my grandma used to make this every St. Patrick’s Day. On St. Patrick’s Day, the smell alone would fill the whole house with comfort. What’s a potato soup with Irish bacon? What does cabbage add to a dish? What is the kind of soup that sticks to your ribs and warms you from the inside out? What are those days when you just crave something simple, hearty, and utterly delicious?
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What is Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup?
What is the best Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup? It’s essentially a creamy potato-based soup, but the star of the show is Irish bacon, also known as Irish sausage. What is this salty, smoky depth? Then you’ve got the cabbage, which might sound like an odd addition, but trust me, it brings a lot of flavor. What is the difference between a sweet and sour taste? Is it just about throwing ingredients in a pot? Is it about creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue? The soup is also thickened and enriched with a touch of cream (or milk, if you’re watching your weight). What is it like to be in a restaurant? Is it a dish rooted in tradition, simplicity, and good old-fashioned flavor?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Listen, there are a million soup recipes out there, but this Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup is special, and I mean *really* special. First off, the flavor is just outstanding. The smoky, salty bacon, the sweet cabbage, the creamy potatoes – it’s a trifecta of deliciousness. The broth itself is so flavorful, you’ll want to drink every last drop. What I love most about this is how incredibly easy it is to make. Seriously, you don’t need to be a gourmet chef to pull this off. It’s a one-pot wonder that comes together in under an hour, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Plus, it’s super cost-effective. Potatoes and cabbage are relatively inexpensive, and a little bit of Irish bacon goes a long way. You can feed a whole family on a budget with this soup! And it’s versatile! You can add other veggies like carrots or leeks, use different types of potatoes, or even throw in some leftover cooked ham. Honestly, it’s a culinary blank canvas just waiting for your personal touch. It is also a great recipe if you are trying to eat more vegetables!
How do I make Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup?
Quick Overview
How do you make Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup? You’ll start by rendering the bacon to create a flavor-packed base. What are some good ways to sauté veggies, add the potatoes and broth, and let it simmer until everything is cooked. A little cream or milk at the end adds richness, and that’s it! What’s the best part about it? How do you create a delicious aroma in your kitchen? This recipe is special because it’s simple, hearty, and yields a truly unforgettable soup every time.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
* 8 ounces Irish bacon (rashers), chopped. I prefer thick-cut for extra flavor, but any will do.
* 1 large onion, chopped. Yellow or white onion works perfectly.
* 2 cloves garlic, minced. Freshly chopped garlic makes a big difference!
* 4 cups chicken broth. Low-sodium is best, so you can control the saltiness.
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Adds a lovely earthy note.
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Freshly ground is always better.
* 1 bay leaf. Don’t skip this; it adds depth to the broth.
For the body of soup:
* 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed. Russet or Yukon Gold are great choices. If you like a creamier texture Yukon golds are amazing for that.
* 1/2 head of cabbage, shredded. Green cabbage is traditional, but Savoy works too.
For Finishing:
* 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk. Adjust to your preference and dietary needs. I’ve used unsweetened almond milk, and it worked surprisingly well!
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish. Adds a pop of freshness and color.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Render the Bacon
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the chopped Irish bacon. Cook until it’s crispy and has rendered its fat, about 5 minutes. This bacon fat is liquid gold, so don’t drain it! The crispy bacon bits will stay in the pot. What makes the soup so good?
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. What should I do if I burn garlic? This step builds the flavor foundation of soup.
Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings
If you have a chicken broth, stir in the dried thyme, black pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well. What is the best way to give everything a good stir? The thyme adds an earthy touch, and the bay leaf infuses the broth with a subtle depth of flavor. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving.
Step 4: Add Potatoes
Add the peeled and cubed potatoes to the pot. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15-20 minutes. When potatoes are tender, cook them for a few minutes. How do potatoes thicken soup?
Step 5: Add Cabbage
Stir in the shredded cabbage and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but not mushy. I like my cabbage to have a little bit of bite, but cook it to your preference. The cabbage adds a subtle sweetness that balances the saltiness of the bacon.
Step 6: Stir in Cream or Milk
What is heavy cream in? If you’re using milk, be careful not to let it boil, or it might curdle. Is there any cream in soup? Can you use a plant-based milk substitute?
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup in a bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy! What is the best parsley soup recipe? What are some good ways to add sour cream to a sandwich?
What should I serve it with?
Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with the right amount of spices. What are
What is a simple lunch?Serve with a slice of crusty bread for dipping. What’s the best way to soak up all that delicious broth?
What is a hearty dinner?What are some good side dishes to serve with a salad? What is a good salad dressing?
What is a St. Patrick’s Day feast?Serve it as a starter to tastiest Irish meal, like corned beef and cabbage or shepherd’s pie. What’s a good way to kick off your celebration?
For a Cozy Night In:What’s better, a grilled cheese sandwich or popcorn? All you need is a bowl of soup and some good movies!
My family always has this with a slab of Irish Soda bread!
How do you make Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup?
How can I make Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup? What are some of my top tips?
Bacon is Key:Why don’t I skip the bacon in this soup? Use good quality Irish bacon for the best results. If you can’t find Irish bacon, you could use regular bacon. But it won’t have the same distinct flavor.
Sauté the Veggies: Don’t rush the sautéing process. Cooking the onions and garlic until softened releases their natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor to the soup. Be patient and let them caramelize slightly.
Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: Cook the cabbage until it’s tender but still has a little bit of bite. Overcooked cabbage can become mushy and lose its flavor. I like to add it towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from overcooking.
Use Good-Quality Broth: The broth is another important ingredient in this soup. Use good-quality chicken broth for the best flavor. Homemade broth is always ideal, but store-bought broth works too. Just make sure it’s low-sodium, so you can control the saltiness of the soup.
Adjust the Thickness: If you like a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher or an immersion blender. This will release their starch and thicken the soup naturally. If you like a thinner soup, add more broth or water.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. You can add other vegetables like carrots, leeks, or celery. You can also add different herbs like rosemary or sage. Get creative and make it your own!
My kids love when I add some diced ham in with the bacon.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Refrigerator Storage: Let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it is fully cooled before putting in the fridge, otherwise it could affect the flavor and the quality.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Tips: To reheat the soup, simply heat it in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Just make sure to stir it every minute or so to prevent it from splattering. When you reheat it, if it has gotten too thick add a little bit of broth or water to achieve the right texture.
Glaze Timing Advice: It doesn’t apply to this dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my family’s cherished Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup recipe. It’s a bowlful of comfort, flavor, and tradition that I know you’ll absolutely love. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for those cozy nights in. If you enjoy this soup, you might also like my creamy potato soup or my hearty vegetable stew. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! I would love to know if you tried any variations!
Smoky Kale and Sausage Soup: A Comfort Classic!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pound spicy Italian sausage casings removed
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large bunch kale leaves removed and chopped
- 1.5 pound red potatoes diced
- 8 cup chicken broth low sodium
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 0.5 teaspoon salt to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Sauté sausage: In a large pot, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Cook vegetables: Add the onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent, around 5 minutes.
- Add kale and potatoes: Stir in the kale and potatoes, cooking until the kale begins to wilt, approximately 3 minutes.
- Simmer the soup: Pour in the chicken broth and add smoked paprika, returning the sausage to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, serve hot, and enjoy the comforting goodness!
