Irish Bacon Cabbage And Potato Soup Recipe

There's nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup on a chilly day. The rich, smoky aroma of bacon mingling with tender potatoes and sweet cabbage creates a heartwarming dish that's both nourishing and satisfying.

this Recipe

I first discovered this soup on a trip to Ireland, where it was served in a small countryside pub with a thick slice of soda bread on the side. Ever since then, it's been my go-to recipe when I want something cozy, rustic, and full of old-world charm.

Why You'll Love This Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup

Get ready to fall in love with this classic Irish soup! It’s simple to make, loaded with flavor, and perfect for any time you crave a hearty meal.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. With just a handful of basic ingredients, you can whip up this soup in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.

The savory, smoky bacon infuses every spoonful with rich, meaty flavor. Combined with the natural sweetness of cabbage and the creamy texture of potatoes, this soup is a balanced and deeply satisfying dish.

It's also budget-friendly. Potatoes, cabbage, and bacon are all inexpensive ingredients, so you can feed a whole family without breaking the bank.

Plus, this soup is versatile! You can tweak it to suit your preferences—add carrots for extra sweetness, swap bacon for ham, or even make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this soup lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Bacon: This is the backbone of the soup, providing a smoky depth of flavor. Traditional Irish bacon is lean and slightly salty, but you can use thick-cut American bacon or even ham if that's what you have on hand.

Potatoes: The heart of the dish! Russet potatoes break down beautifully, giving the soup a creamy texture, while Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape a bit better, adding a nice bite. Both work well, so use what you prefer.

Cabbage: Adds a wonderful sweetness and texture contrast. Green cabbage is the classic choice, but Savoy cabbage works too, giving the soup a slightly different texture.

Broth: A good quality chicken or vegetable broth enhances the overall flavor. If you have homemade broth, even better! It adds richness that store-bought versions sometimes lack.

Onion and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients build a flavorful base. Sautéing them in bacon drippings deepens the soup’s taste, making it even more delicious.

How To Make This Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup

Making this soup is as easy as it gets. Follow these steps to create a rich, comforting bowl of Irish goodness.

Start by cooking the bacon. In a large pot, fry the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove it with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot.

Next, sauté the aromatics. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the bacon drippings, cooking until soft and fragrant. This step infuses the base of the soup with a deep, rich flavor.

Then, add the potatoes and broth. Toss in the chopped potatoes and pour in the broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook until the potatoes become tender and start to break down slightly.

Now, it’s time for the cabbage. Stir in the shredded cabbage and continue simmering for about 10 more minutes. The cabbage should soften but still have a slight bite to it.

Finally, return the bacon to the pot. Give everything a good stir, taste for seasoning, and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Storage Options

This soup stores well, making it a great make-ahead meal.

For the fridge, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day.

For the freezer, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Just note that the potatoes may break down slightly upon reheating.

To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to the right consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

This soup is incredibly adaptable! Here are some ways to tweak the recipe to your liking.

Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding smoked paprika can help replicate the smoky depth of bacon.

Try different meats: Swap bacon for diced ham, pancetta, or even leftover corned beef for a unique twist.

Add extra veggies: Carrots, leeks, or celery can add more depth and sweetness to the soup.

Use different potatoes: If you prefer a chunkier soup, go for waxy potatoes like red potatoes, which hold their shape better.

Experiment with different ingredients and make this soup your own! No matter how you prepare it, one thing is certain—this Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup is pure comfort in a bowl.

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