Irish Bacon Cabbage and Potato Soup

This Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings. Packed with tender potatoes, savory bacon, and cabbage, this soup offers a wholesome balance of flavors, making it a great choice for a cozy night in. Simple yet rich in taste, the ingredients meld together beautifully, creating a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Serve it with some crusty bread to complete the meal, and you’ll have a satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

  • 6 slices of Irish bacon, chopped – Irish bacon has a distinct flavor, slightly leaner than American bacon, and adds a savory depth to the soup.
  • 1 onion, diced – The onion provides a sweet, aromatic base for the soup.
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced – Garlic adds a subtle, earthy flavor that enhances the richness of the broth.
  • 4 cups of chicken broth – Chicken broth forms the base of the soup, adding richness and flavor to the potatoes and cabbage.
  • 4 cups of water – This dilutes the broth slightly to balance the soup’s flavors.
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced – Potatoes create the bulk of the soup, offering a creamy texture and hearty bite.
  • 1/2 head of cabbage, thinly sliced – Cabbage adds a slight sweetness and texture to the soup, balancing the salty bacon.

Seasoning:

  • Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish – Parsley adds a fresh, herbal brightness to the finished dish.

Preparing the Ingredients

Preparing the Bacon

Start by chopping the Irish bacon into small pieces. Irish bacon differs slightly from American bacon in that it comes from the back of the pig, making it leaner. When cooked, it adds a savory and rich flavor to the soup. Cook the bacon until crispy, then set it aside to garnish the soup later.

Dicing the Vegetables

Dice the onion and mince the garlic. The onion forms the aromatic base of the soup, while the garlic enhances the overall flavor. Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes to ensure even cooking. Thinly slice half a head of cabbage to add texture and heartiness to the soup.

Cooking the Soup

Sautéing the Bacon, Onion, and Garlic

In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy and browned. The bacon will render its fat, creating a flavorful base for the rest of the soup. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pot using a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot. The bacon fat will be used to sauté the onion and garlic, adding depth to the soup’s flavor.

Add the diced onion to the pot and cook it in the bacon fat for about 5 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent the onions from browning too much. Once the onion is soft, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Adding the Potatoes and Broth

Once the onion and garlic are ready, pour in the chicken broth and water. The combination of broth and water creates a light yet flavorful base for the soup. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the diced potatoes. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the potatoes cook for about 15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. The potatoes will thicken the soup slightly as they cook, providing a creamy texture without the need for added cream or flour.

Cooking the Cabbage and Finishing the Soup

Adding the Cabbage

After the potatoes are cooked, add the thinly sliced cabbage to the pot. The cabbage will soften quickly, absorbing the flavors from the broth and potatoes. Cook the cabbage for about 5 minutes, or until tender. Be careful not to overcook it, as the cabbage should retain a slight crunch to add texture to the soup.

Adjusting the Seasoning

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Keep in mind that the bacon adds saltiness, so you may not need much additional salt. Taste the soup before adding the seasoning to ensure the flavors are balanced. The pepper adds a subtle heat that complements the savory bacon and tender vegetables.

Serving the Soup

Garnishing with Bacon and Parsley

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with the crispy bacon you set aside earlier. The bacon adds a crunchy texture and salty bite to the creamy soup. Garnish with fresh parsley to brighten the flavors and add a touch of color. The parsley not only adds freshness but also balances the richness of the bacon and potatoes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup with a slice of crusty bread or soda bread for dipping. The bread helps soak up the rich broth and adds another layer of texture to the meal. For a more substantial meal, pair the soup with a simple salad or roasted vegetables.

Conservation and Storage

Leftovers

If you have leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The soup will keep for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, do so gently over medium heat to avoid breaking down the potatoes and cabbage. You can also reheat the soup in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Freezing Tips

This soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. If you plan to freeze it, avoid adding the cabbage until you’re ready to reheat and serve. The cabbage can become mushy when frozen and reheated. To freeze, cool the soup completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. When ready to eat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.

Conclusion

Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup is a classic, hearty dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. The combination of savory bacon, tender potatoes, and sweet cabbage creates a balance of flavors that’s both satisfying and flavorful. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or something to impress guests, this soup is a perfect choice. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad, and you’ll have a complete meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of this traditional Irish dish!

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