Savory Irish Bacon Cabbage and Potato Soup Recipe for Comfort

Steaming bowls of comfort emerge from traditional irish bacon cabbage and potato soup, a delightful dish that warms souls on chilly evenings.

Rich, creamy textures blend with savory bacon pieces throughout each spoonful.

Robust vegetables and tender meat create a symphony of flavors deeply rooted in Irish culinary heritage.

The ingredients dance together, promising a meal that satisfies hunger and nourishes the spirit.

Potatoes add earthy depth while crisp cabbage provides a subtle crunch.

Smoky bacon weaves its magic, transforming simple ingredients into a memorable experience.

You’ll want to ladle this soup into bowls and savor every hearty bite.

Serving Irish Soup with Rustic Style

• Hearty Bread Companionship: Slice up a rustic sourdough or crusty Irish soda bread to dunk into the rich, flavorful soup. Warm the bread slightly for an extra comforting touch.
• Garnish Galore: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, fresh chopped parsley, and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top to add texture and brightness to the soup.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Crumble some sharp Irish cheddar or soft goat cheese over the hot soup for a creamy, tangy enhancement that complements the bacon and vegetables perfectly.
• Irish Pub Style: Pair the soup with a cold pint of Guinness or a crisp Irish ale to bring an authentic pub-style experience right to your dining table.

How to Store Irish Bacon and Cabbage Soup for Later

• Transfer leftover soup to airtight containers and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavors and texture.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm soup gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of extra stock if the soup seems too thick. Avoid boiling to prevent separating cream and losing smooth consistency.
• Store bacon garnish separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Add crispy bacon pieces just before serving to maintain maximum crunchiness and prevent sogginess.

FAQs

• Is this soup authentic to Irish cuisine?

This soup reflects traditional Irish cooking, using staple ingredients like bacon, potatoes, and cabbage that have been part of Irish culinary history for generations.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable stock. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to recreate a similar depth of flavor without meat.

• How can I make the soup healthier?

Replace heavy cream with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt. Use turkey bacon instead of traditional bacon to reduce fat content, and add more vegetables like carrots for extra nutrition.

• What type of bacon works best for this recipe?

Irish bacon or back bacon is traditional, but you can use regular streaky bacon. The key is to choose a high-quality bacon with good fat content for maximum flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients in Irish Bacon, Cabbage & Potato Soup

• Irish Bacon: Crispy, flavorful meat that adds depth and smoky richness to the soup, selecting high-quality, lean bacon ensures maximum flavor and texture.
• Chicken Stock or Vegetable Stock: Foundational liquid that provides a robust flavor base, choosing low-sodium options allows better control of the soup's saltiness.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that create a flavor foundation, selecting fresh, firm produce guarantees a more vibrant taste profile.
• Potatoes: Starchy vegetable that provides creamy thickness and comfort, choosing waxy varieties like Yukon Gold helps maintain soup's smooth consistency.
• Cabbage: Tender green vegetable that adds nutritional value and subtle sweetness, selecting fresh, crisp cabbage ensures optimal texture and flavor.

• Heavy Cream: Luxurious ingredient that adds silky smoothness, using room temperature cream prevents curdling and ensures even blending.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides bright, clean garnish, selecting bright green leaves indicates maximum flavor and visual appeal.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances overall taste, using freshly ground black pepper delivers more intense flavor.

What Tools You’ll Use for Irish Soup with Bacon & Veggies

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking bacon and simmering the entire soup base.
• Slotted Spoon: Perfect for removing crispy bacon from the pot without excess grease.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping bacon, onions, potatoes, and parsley.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise vegetable and bacon chopping.
• Immersion Blender (Optional): Great for creating a creamy texture without transferring hot soup.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately measuring stock and water.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for stirring and sautéing vegetables.

How to Make Irish Bacon, Cabbage and Potato Soup

• Crisp the Bacon

Heat a large pot and cook chopped bacon until golden and crunchy. Remove bacon pieces, keeping the flavorful fat in the pot.

• Sauté Aromatics

Drop diced onions into the bacon drippings and cook until translucent. Add minced garlic and stir for another minute to release its fragrant oils.

• Build the Base

Pour stock into the pot with diced potatoes. Let everything simmer and bubble until potatoes become tender and soft.

• Welcome the Cabbage

Introduce shredded cabbage to the pot, allowing it to soften and meld with the other ingredients. The greens will add a wonderful earthy texture.

• Customize the Texture

For a silkier soup, use an immersion blender to partially break down the mixture. Leave some chunky bits for a rustic, homestyle feel.

• Finish and Serve

Swirl in a splash of heavy cream if desired. Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into warm bowls, top with crispy bacon bits and fresh parsley. Pair with crusty bread for a hearty Irish-inspired meal.

Tips for Cooking Irish Soup That’s Hearty and Comforting

• Swap traditional bacon with turkey bacon or plant-based bacon for a lighter version that still delivers incredible smoky flavor.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to create a delicious lactose-free alternative that maintains the soup's rich texture.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or leeks to increase the soup's complexity and health benefits.
• Experiment with herbs and spices like thyme, bay leaves, or red pepper flakes to personalize the soup's warmth and depth of flavor profile.
• This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months – store in airtight containers and reheat slowly to preserve its creamy consistency and robust taste.

Hearty Irish Bacon Cabbage And Potato Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Irish bacon cabbage and potato soup celebrates classic comfort from Ireland’s culinary traditions. Rich ingredients meld together, delivering robust flavors that connect home cooks with generations of delicious heritage you’ll savor completely.

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Ingredients

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• 6 slices thick-cut bacon (or Irish back bacon), chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold), peeled and diced
• 2 cups (200 g / 7 oz) green cabbage, shredded
• 4 cups (1 L / 33.8 fl oz) chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 cups (500 mL / 16.9 fl oz) water
• ½ cup (120 mL / 4 fl oz) heavy cream (optional)
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Crusty bread (optional)

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Instructions

1. Bacon Preparation: Heat a large pot over medium flame and render bacon until crispy and golden-brown. Remove bacon pieces with a slotted spoon, reserving the fat in the pot.
2. Aromatic Base: Sauté diced onions in the bacon fat until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute to release its fragrant oils.
3. Liquid Foundation: Add diced potatoes, chicken stock, and water to the pot. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer, allowing potatoes to soften for 10-12 minutes.
4. Cabbage Integration: Introduce shredded cabbage to the simmering mixture, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes until vegetables become tender and fully infused.
5. Texture Refinement: Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, maintaining a rustic texture with some chunky vegetable pieces.
6. Final Touches: Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Ladle the soup into serving bowls, top with reserved crispy bacon bits and freshly chopped parsley. Serve alongside crusty bread for a hearty Irish-inspired meal.

Notes

• Bacon Fat Flavor Boost: Retain the bacon fat for deeper, richer flavor infusion throughout the soup’s base.
• Potato Texture Control: Cut potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent softness across the soup.
• Blending Balance: Use immersion blender sparingly to maintain soup’s rustic texture, leaving substantial potato and vegetable chunks.
• Cream Tempering Technique: Add cream slowly and stir continuously to prevent potential curdling and achieve smooth, silky consistency.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg