Description
Hearty Irish bacon, cabbage, and potato soup delivers comfort straight from Ireland’s rustic kitchens. Creamy, satisfying flavors blend perfectly, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this traditional countryside classic.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
Vegetables:
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (0.95 liters) green cabbage, shredded
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Liquid and Seasoning:
- 4 cups (0.95 liters) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
Instructions
- Render the bacon in a spacious stockpot over moderate temperature until achieving a golden, crisp texture. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the rendered fat within the cooking vessel.
- Introduce butter to the bacon drippings, then incorporate finely diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté the aromatics until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Gently fold in shredded cabbage, allowing it to wilt and absorb the flavorful base, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Tumble cubed potatoes into the pot, followed by chicken broth, aromatic thyme, a single bay leaf, and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Elevate the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the ingredients to meld and soften for approximately 20 minutes.
- Extract the bay leaf and utilize a potato masher to partially crush the potatoes, creating a rustic, creamy consistency without completely pulverizing the vegetables.
- Stream in milk or heavy cream, stirring gently to integrate and enhance the soup’s luxurious texture. Permit the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with the reserved crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Save bacon drippings for extra flavor depth, adding richness to the soup’s base.
- Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Consider using low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, allowing personalized seasoning.
- Swap regular milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version that maintains creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg