Oh, this Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup: What areIt’s not just a recipe, it’ll be the best hug in the bowl. Growing up, my Granny always made this on chilly evenings, and the smell alone would chase away any smell. Is it hearty, comforting, and surprisingly simple, kinda like a deconstructed corned beef and cabbage? Is it easier to whip up a whip? What is better than Chicken Noodle?
What is Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup?
Okay, so Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup: What are– think of it as the ultimate cozy Comfort Food with a bit of Irish flair. What is essentially a savory soup featuring smoked bacon (often Irish bacon, also known as Irish sausage). rashers), tender cabbage, potatoes, and sometimes carrots, all simmered together in a flavorful stew. Is it overly complicated? Granny used to say it was peasant food fit for a king, and honestly, she wasn’t wrong!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What do you love about this book?Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup.Is it delicious? Irish bacon gives it this amazing smoky depth that’s just irresistible. The cabbage softens beautifully, adding a subtle sweetness, and the potatoes make it wonderfully tender. What are some of the best cheeses And the aroma, oh, the smell! It fills the whole house and makes everyone come running.
It’s also unbelievably easy to make. What is a one-pot wonder for busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Everything simmers together until it’s perfectly tender and delicious. I always say this is a lifesaver on those nights.
What is another thing I adore? It’s budget friendly. What are the main ingredients of cabbage and potatoes? How can I feed my family for under $15? Is it incredibly versatile? What are some good substitutes for carrots, celery, or peas? If you’re feeling fancy, stir in a dollop of Sour Cream before serving. What is a great way to use up leftover bacon or ham? Is this recipe up there with my Creamy Tomato Soup or even my famous Chili recipe? What is the cozy factor?
How do I make Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup?
Quick Overview
Making this Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup: What isHow do you brown Irish bacon? If you’re using frozen vegetables, add broth and seasonings and let everything simmer until tender. What makes the soup so delicious? Don’t rush this part; it’s worth the wait!
Ingredients
For the Soup:
* 1 pound Irish bacon (rashers), cut into bite-sized pieces – I always go for thick-cut if I can. * 1 large onion, chopped – yellow or white works great * 2 cloves garlic, minced – fresh is always best. * 1 head of cabbage, cored and shredded – green cabbage is traditional, but Savoy works too * 4 cups of water. Chicken broth – low sodium is my preference so I can control the salt * 4 cups potatoes, peeled and cooked. I like Yukon Gold for their creamy texture * 1 teaspoon dried thyme – adds a lovely texture. What is the earthiness of 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper? Is olive oil always better for bacon?
Optional Garnish
* Fresh parsley, chopped * Sour cream or Greek yogurt * Crusty Bread, for serving – because soup and dessert. Bread is a match made in heaven!
How do I follow step
Step 1: Brown the Bacon
In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the Irish bacon and cook until crispy and browned, about 5-7 minutes. What is bacon fat? Remove it with a slotted spoon and set aside. Don’t drain that fat, it’s liquid gold!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. What is the best way to cook minced garlic? What should I do to avoid burning garlic?
Step 3: Add the Cabbage and Potatoes
Add the shredded cabbage and cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine with the onions and garlic.
Step 4: Simmer
Add the chicken broth, add the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. What makes cabbage tender? I always taste the broth at this point and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Step 5: Return the Bacon
Stir the cooked Irish bacon into the soup. Heat through for a few minutes before serving.
Step 6: Serve & Garnish
Ladle the Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup: What isIn a bowl, serve fresh parsley and sour cream. I always make sure to have a big loaf on hand!
What should I serve it with?
This Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup: What isIs it good on its own, but better with the right accompaniments?
What is a simple lunch?Serve with a slice of buttered soda bread or grilled cheese sandwich. The salty, savory soup pairs perfectly with the cheesy goodness of the sandwich.
What is a hearty dinner?Add a side salad to balance out the richness of the soup. Or, serve it alongside some roasted vegetables like carrots or parsnips for a complete and healthy meal. What is the most satisfying
For a Cozy Night In:How do you curl up on the couch with a bowl of soup and warm blanket? Add a cup of tea or hot chocolate for the ultimate comfort experience. My Granny always had a cup of Irish tea with hers!
For a Crowd:What is the best soup for a crowd? Serve it in a large crockpot or soup tureen and let everyone help themselves. What are the best toppings for shredded cheese, green onions and hot sauce? Can you customize your bowl?
How do you make Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup?
Okay, so after making this, I’m going to make itIrish Bacon Cabbage Soup. countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really take it to the next level!
Bacon is Key:Don’t skimp on bacon! What are the best ways to use Irish bacon in soup? If you can’t find Irish bacon, use smoked bacon instead. What makes this soup so special?
Don’t overcook the cabbage: ‘Should cabbage be tender but not mushy? Add it to the soup in the last 20-25 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming overcooked. What do you like about mushy cabbage?
Adjust the Broth: How do youIf you prefer a thicker soup, use less broth. If it’s thinner, add more. I sometimes use chicken broth and vegetable broth for a more complex flavor.
Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season your soup generously with salt and pepper. Taste it as you go and adjust the seasonings as needed. I also like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat.
Add a Touch of Creaminess: For an extra creamy soup, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving. This adds a lovely tanginess and richness. This tip is a secret of mine!
Make it Ahead: This soup is even better the next day! The flavors meld together beautifully as it sits in the fridge. Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it all week long.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? No problem! This Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup stores beautifully.
Refrigerator Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Be sure to label the containers with the date. The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. If the soup has thickened too much during storage, add a little bit of broth or water to thin it out.
Freezing Tips: When freezing, remember that the potato texture might change slightly, becoming a bit softer after thawing. This is perfectly normal and doesn’t affect the taste. I often add a little extra fresh parsley when reheating to brighten up the flavors again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup is truly a taste of home. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with flavor. It’s also incredibly easy to make, which is always a win in my book! I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and share it with your loved ones. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day and create lasting memories. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my Shepherd’s Pie or my Irish Soda Bread. Happy cooking, everyone! And please, let me know in the comments below how your soup turns out. I can’t wait to hear from you!
Irish Bacon Cabbage and Potato Soup: Your Best St. Paddy's Warm-Up!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz Bacon Diced
- 1 medium Onion Chopped
- 4 cups Chicken Broth Low sodium
- 1 small Head of Cabbage Shredded
- 1.5 lbs Potatoes Peeled and diced
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 0.5 tsp Salt To taste
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper To taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, reserving the bacon grease in the pot.
- Add the onion to the pot and cook in the bacon grease until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, add the cabbage, potatoes, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the cooked bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
