Irish cuisine is known for its simple, hearty, and comforting dishes, and this Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup is no exception. Combining the savory flavor of bacon with the earthy sweetness of cabbage and the creamy texture of potatoes, this soup is perfect for chilly days. Whether you’re looking to warm up during the colder months or just want a taste of traditional Irish flavors, this soup will hit the spot. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and full of nourishing ingredients.

Let’s dive into how you can recreate this delicious soup at home!

Ingredients:

• 6 slices of Irish bacon or thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups cabbage, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

1. In a large pot, heat over medium heat and add the diced Irish bacon.
2. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy and browned, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess fat. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pot to sauté the vegetables.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

1. In the same pot, add the chopped onion to the reserved bacon fat.
2. Sauté the onions over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until they become soft and translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.

Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Broth

1. Add the peeled and diced potatoes to the pot, stirring them with the onions and garlic.
2. Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth, ensuring the potatoes are fully submerged in the liquid.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Add the Cabbage

1. Once the potatoes have softened, add the chopped cabbage to the pot.
2. Stir the cabbage into the soup and allow it to cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage wilts and softens.

Step 5: Season and Finish the Soup

1. Return the cooked bacon to the pot and stir it into the soup.
2. Taste the soup and season it with salt and pepper as needed. You can adjust the seasoning based on your preference, keeping in mind that the bacon adds a natural saltiness.
3. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.

Cooking Notes:

• Irish Bacon is traditionally leaner and more meaty than American bacon, but thick-cut bacon works perfectly as a substitute. If you can find Irish bacon, definitely use it for an authentic taste!
• Be sure not to overcook the potatoes, as you want them to remain tender without turning mushy.
• For a creamier consistency, you can mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot, or use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup.

Serving Suggestions:

This Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup is best served hot with a slice of crusty bread, like Irish soda bread or a warm baguette. The bread helps soak up the flavorful broth and adds extra texture to the meal. For a complete Irish-themed dinner, pair the soup with a pint of Guinness or your favorite Irish beer.

Tips:

• If you prefer a smokier flavor, you can use smoked bacon or pancetta instead of Irish bacon.
• Add herbs like thyme or bay leaves to the broth while simmering for an extra layer of flavor.
• For a heartier meal, you can stir in cooked sausage or even leftover corned beef to complement the bacon.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

45 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 12g
• Sodium: 900mg

Conclusion:

This Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty vegetables and smoky bacon in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s easy to prepare and packed with classic Irish flavors, making it a perfect dish for cozy family dinners, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, or simply when you’re craving something warm and satisfying. The blend of tender cabbage, creamy potatoes, and crispy bacon will have everyone asking for seconds! Try it out, and you’ll have a new favorite soup recipe in your rotation.

Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup Recipe: A Hearty and Comforting Meal

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• Author: Imili Johnson
• Total Time: 45 minutes

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Ingredients

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• 6 slices of Irish bacon or thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups cabbage, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

1. In a large pot, heat over medium heat and add the diced Irish bacon.
2. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy and browned, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess fat. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pot to sauté the vegetables.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

1. In the same pot, add the chopped onion to the reserved bacon fat.
2. Sauté the onions over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until they become soft and translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.

Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Broth

1. Add the peeled and diced potatoes to the pot, stirring them with the onions and garlic.
2. Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth, ensuring the potatoes are fully submerged in the liquid.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Add the Cabbage

1. Once the potatoes have softened, add the chopped cabbage to the pot.
2. Stir the cabbage into the soup and allow it to cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage wilts and softens.

Step 5: Season and Finish the Soup

1. Return the cooked bacon to the pot and stir it into the soup.
2. Taste the soup and season it with salt and pepper as needed. You can adjust the seasoning based on your preference, keeping in mind that the bacon adds a natural saltiness.
3. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Sodium: 900mg
• Protein: 12g