When the chill of winter settles in and you’re craving something warm and nourishing, there’s nothing better than a bowl of hearty soup. This Irish-inspired Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup brings together simple, wholesome ingredients to create a comforting dish that’s rich in flavor and history. The combination of smoky bacon, tender potatoes, and savory cabbage comes together beautifully, making this a perfect choice for a cozy family dinner or a satisfying lunch. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s both easy to make and guaranteed to warm your heart.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium potatoes (about 1/2 lb), scrubbed clean
- 1/2 lb of bacon, cut into quarter-inch pieces
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
- 4 to 5 cups of chicken stock
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 medium cabbage, coarsely chopped
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Potatoes: Cut the washed potatoes into bite-sized cubes, leaving the skins on for extra texture and flavor. Set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy and golden brown. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess fat. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot for the next steps.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot with the reserved bacon fat, add the chopped onion and sliced carrot. Cook on medium heat until the onions turn translucent and the carrots begin to soften, approximately 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add the Stock and Bay Leaf: Pour in the chicken stock, ensuring that it covers the vegetables. Add the bay leaf for extra flavor. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- Simmer with Potatoes and Cabbage: Once boiling, add the cubed potatoes and roughly chopped cabbage to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let the soup cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the cabbage has softened.
- Season the Soup: Remove the bay leaf from the soup and season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Stir in the cooked bacon pieces, allowing the flavors to meld together for another 5 minutes.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot with crusty bread or soda bread on the side for a complete meal.
Conclusion:
This Irish Comfort Bowl brings the best of traditional Irish flavors to your table in a simple yet satisfying soup. The smokiness of the bacon, the earthiness of the cabbage and potatoes, and the depth of the chicken stock create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. It’s a true comfort food that requires minimal ingredients and delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this hearty dish will leave everyone feeling warm, nourished, and happy. Enjoy!