Description
This classic Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Featuring crispy bacon, tender cabbage, and soft potatoes simmered in flavorful chicken stock, this soup delivers a warm and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Stock
- 1/2 lb bacon (cut into quarter pieces)
- 4 to 5 cups chicken stock
Vegetables
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cabbage (roughly chopped)
- 1/2 lb potatoes (washed and diced)
- 1 carrot (peeled and finely sliced)
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 bay leaf
- Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large pot, heat over medium heat and add the quartered bacon pieces. Cook them until crispy, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pot for added flavor.
- Sauté Onions and Carrots: To the same pot with the bacon fat, add the finely chopped onion. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Then add the finely sliced carrot and cook for an additional 2 minutes allowing the vegetables to soften and absorb the flavors.
- Add Potatoes and Cabbage: Stir in the diced potatoes and roughly chopped cabbage. Season the mixture with kosher salt and black pepper according to your taste. Cook these vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes to slightly soften them and combine the flavors.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in 4 to 5 cups of chicken stock and add the bay leaf for fragrance. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes and cabbage are tender and fully cooked through.
- Reintroduce Bacon and Season: Return the crispy bacon pieces to the pot. Stir well to combine all components. Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh taste. Serve warm and enjoy a nourishing and flavorful Irish classic.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can use homemade chicken stock or a good quality store-bought version.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead.
- To make the soup thicker, mash some of the potatoes after cooking or blend a portion of the soup and then mix back in.
- This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully.
- Garnishing with parsley not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a fresh herbal note.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish
Keywords: Irish soup, bacon soup, cabbage soup, potato soup, hearty soup, comfort food, easy soup, stovetop soup
