Name: Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 0.5 lb Irish bacon; 1 large onion (chopped); 2 cups chopped cabbage; 2 cups diced potatoes; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 tsp dried thyme; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper

Okay, friends, let me tell you about a soup that’s basically ‘a hug in ta bowl’. Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup. What’s the kind of soup my grandma used to make on chilly evenings? The house with the most comforting aroma. If you like the rustic simplicity of potato leek soup but are craving something a little different, try this recipe. If you like smoky, heartier recipes, then you are going to love this recipe. I promise, this one’s a keeper!

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What is Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup?

Is Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup a peasant-style soup brimming with tender cabbage? Smoky bacon (or Irish bacon, even better if you can find it! )? ), creamy potatoes, and savory broth. Is it a celebration of simple ingredients cooked together until they become something? What is a name? What it doesn’t tell you is how deeply comforting and satisfying each spoonful is. It’s the kind of soup that sticks to your ribs and warms you from the inside out. If you squint a little it’s kind of like deconstructed corned beef and cabbage… but, you know, if you’re like, “Made in America”? How easy is it to make a sandwich?

Why do I love this recipe?

Honestly? There are a million reasons why I’m head-over-heels for this Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup, but let me break it down for you:

Flavor explosion: WhatWhat are the best combinations of smoky bacon, sweet cabbage and creamy potatoes? What is a savory symphony in your mouth? I sometimes add a pinch of black pepper flakes for some heat.
Ridiculously easyIs this recipe foolproof? What are some good ways to chop veggies, sauté some bacon, simmer, and done!
Budget-What are the ingredients in this recipe? How do I stretch my grocery budget? Hello, delicious and affordable!
Versatile vibesCan you customize this soup to your liking? Add carrots or leeks, swap out the bacon for ham, or use vegetable broth. Instead of chicken broth, use a vegetable instead of What are the endless possibilities? If you like creamy soups like cream of mushroom, then this is definitely up your alley. It gives you all the creamy comfort with a totally different flavor profile. What I love most about this is how adaptable it is to what I have on hand.

How do I make Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup?

Quick Overview

How do you make Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup? I start by sautéing some bacon (or Irish bacon, if you’re feeling fancy) until it’s nice and crispy. I’m not sure how much I can cook it for. Then, you add in your chopped veggies, potatoes, and broth and let it all simmer until the potatoes are tender. When cabbage is wilted, it becomes tender. The beauty of this method is that it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a complex flavor. What are some of the best soups?

Ingredients

For the main soup:

8 ounces bacon, diced (Irish bacon is even better!) – look for thick-cut bacon for extra flavor.
1 medium onion, chopped – yellow or white onion works great.
2 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic makes all the difference.
1 head green cabbage, shredded – about 6 cups.
What is the best chicken broth for low sodium?
5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed – Yukong Golds hold their shape well and add color.
1 teaspoon dried thyme – adds a subtle earthy flavor to any dish.
Salt and pepper to taste – season generously!
2 tablespoons olive oil – use your favorite kind.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the heat and set aside. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving the fat in the pot. Why don’t you skip the bacon fat in soup? If you don’t have enough bacon fat, add olive oil to the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. How do you make garlic soup?

Step 3: Add the Cabbage

Stir in the shredded cabbage and cook until it begins to wilt, about 5 minutes. What is the best way to cook cabbage? Sometimes I add a splash of water to help it steam if it starts to stick.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

What is the recipe for chicken broth? Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. I always do a taste test at this point to see if it needs more salt or pepper.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Cook bacon in a large pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot! If you’re feeling fancy, you can garnish with Sour Cream or fresh parsley. I’ve even drizzled a little hot sauce on top before – don’t knock it till you try it!

What should I serve it with?

What are some good recipes for Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup? To the next level: How do I get to the

What is a simple lunch?What are some good side dishes to serve with a slice of crusty bread for dipping into the broth?
What is a hearty dinner?What are some good Irish soda bread recipes?
Toppings GalorWhat are some good toppings for a sandwich? Let everyone customize their own bowl!
For a Crowd:Make a big batch of this soup for your party or potluck. It’s always good! My family tradition is to have this on St. Patrick’s Day. Patrick’s Day, alongside (of course) corned beef and cabbage. Why is it so good year round?

How do you make Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup?

What are some tips for making Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup?

Bacon matters:What is the best bacon flavor? Thick-cut bacon is my go-to. If you can find Irish bacon, even better! It has a unique flavor that really elevates the soup.
Don’t skimp on the sautéing. Sautéing the onion and garlic until softened is crucial for building the base flavor of the soup. Be patient and don’t rush this step.
Season generously: Salt and pepper are your friends. Don’t be afraid to season the soup generously, especially towards the end. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
Texture tweak: If you prefer a creamier soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend it before adding the bacon back in. Just be careful not to over-blend it, you still want some chunks.
Herb boost: Experiment with different herbs. Thyme is classic, but rosemary, sage, or even a bay leaf can add a unique twist. I’ve even thrown in a parmesan rind while it simmers, for an extra layer of savory flavor. Just remember to remove it before serving!
Prep Ahead: Chop all your veggies and cube your potatoes ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights. I often do this on the weekend so weeknight meals are easier.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. I sometimes do this when I want a little extra kick.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together even more. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing.
Reheating Instructions: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
Adding fresh herbs: If you added fresh herbs as a garnish, add more when reheating to freshen up the flavors.
Consistency check: If the soup has thickened too much during storage, add a little extra broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some smoked paprika to give it a smoky flavor. I’ve tried adding a bit of liquid smoke too (just a tiny dash!), and it works wonders!

Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, you can use other types of potatoes, but Yukon Golds are my favorite because they hold their shape well and add creaminess to the soup. Russet potatoes will work in a pinch, but they might fall apart a bit more during cooking.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Carrots, celery, leeks, and parsnips would all be delicious additions. Just add them to the pot along with the onion and garlic.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Sauté the bacon, onion, and garlic in a skillet first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the cabbage during the last hour of cooking.

How can I make this soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend it before adding the bacon back in. You can also whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it: my family’s cherished Irish Bacon Cabbage Soup recipe! It’s more than just a soup; it’s a taste of home, a comforting embrace on a cold day, and a reminder that simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. If you’re looking for a delicious, easy, and budget-friendly meal, this is it. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try. If you enjoy this kind of rustic, hearty soup, you might also love my recipe for Minestrone or a classic Chicken Noodle Soup. Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment below to share your own variations and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!

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