Irish Bacon Cabbage And Potato Soup

When the depths of winter plow through the depths of your pantry, you get soups that are hearty, simple, and filling like this. Irish Cabbage Bacon and Potato Soup is a straightforward no-fuss recipe that brings warmth, comfort, and satiation to your dinner table on weekdays and weekends alike.

Here this Irish Cabbage Bacon and Potato Soup throws no curve balls. Back in the day, these ingredients would’ve been some of the last foods left in a food cellar after a long winter. But frugal doesn’t mean flavorless, as this simple soup eats like a full meal. Rendered bacon adds flavor and a touch of fat which is economically used to sauté the onions and carrots. Cabbage and potatoes add texture and bulk to fill you up.

There’s no weird or shocking ingredient here. Carrots, onions, cabbage, bacon, and potatoes are the star ingredients and only ingredients. To cut back on cooking time, the potatoes are microwaved whole and with the skin on. Parcooking the potatoes while you’re prepping your other vegetables makes for a speedy supper. Once the potatoes are easy to handle (without burning), you can peel off the skin and chop them into chunks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for those who love hearty, rustic dishes that are both satisfying and easy to prepare. The combination of bacon, cabbage, and potatoes creates a comforting blend of flavors that warms you from the inside out. Plus, it’s a great way to use up simple pantry staples without compromising on taste or nutrition.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Microwave
• Large pot
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb (about 2) potatoes, washed
• 1/2 lb bacon, cut into quarter pieces
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and finely sliced
• 4 to 5 cups chicken stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cabbage, roughly chopped
• Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Microwave potatoes one at a time until slightly cooked, about 7 to 8 minutes at 600 watts. Let rest for a few minutes until easy to touch. Remove the skin and cut into medium pieces, and set aside.
2. In a large pot set over medium-low heat, gradually cook bacon, rendering the fat until crispy. Remove bacon from the pot and set aside. Leave about 2 tablespoons worth of fat in the pot, removing the excess.
3. Sauté onions and carrots until softened and you can smell the fragrance of the onions, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring to evenly cook the vegetables.
4. Add in chicken stock, bay leaf, cabbage, diced potatoes, and cooked bacon.
5. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cooking until the potatoes and cabbage are softened, about 20 to 25 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper, remove bay leaf, and garnish with parsley.
7. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Success

For best results, make sure to sauté the onions and carrots until they are nicely softened. This will enhance the overall flavor of the soup. Also, don’t rush the simmering process; allowing the soup to cook slowly ensures the flavors meld beautifully.

Additional Tips or Variations

Feel free to add other vegetables like leeks or celery for more depth. If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This soup is rich in fiber from the cabbage and potatoes and provides a good source of protein from the bacon. It’s a well-rounded dish that offers a balance of nutrients to keep you full and energized.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, this soup can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors tend to deepen overnight.

Can I freeze this soup? Absolutely! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Irish Bacon Cabbage and Potato Soup is a delightful way to enjoy simple ingredients with bold flavors. We invite you to try this recipe and share your experiences with us. Do you have any unique twists or favorite additions? We’d love to hear how you make this dish your own!