Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup 🥔🥓

Looking for a comforting, hearty dish to warm you up on a chilly day? This Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup is the perfect answer. Packed with savory bacon, tender potatoes, and fresh cabbage, it’s a classic Irish dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. The smoky bacon and rich chicken broth blend together for a flavor-packed soup that will fill you up and leave you craving more.

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

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the diced bacon. Cook until the bacon is crispy and browned, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pot and set it aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot for extra flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter.

2. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.

3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Potatoes

1. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.

2. Add the diced potatoes and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.

Step 4: Add the Cabbage

1. Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage is wilted and tender.

Step 5: Season and Finish the Soup

1. Return the crispy bacon to the pot and stir to combine.

2. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.

3. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

This Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup is perfect for pairing with a slice of crusty bread or a warm, buttered roll to soak up all the delicious broth. It also goes wonderfully with a side salad for a complete, balanced meal.

Tips:

• Bacon: If you can’t find Irish bacon, regular thick-cut bacon will work just fine. For a richer flavor, try using pancetta or smoked sausage.

• Make it Creamy: For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender and return it to the pot, or add a splash of heavy cream before serving.

• Leftovers: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

This Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup is a cozy, flavorful dish that will warm you up from the inside out. Perfect for any occasion, it brings a bit of Ireland right to your kitchen!