Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup
This hearty Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup is a comforting dish perfect for chilly days. It combines savory bacon, tender potatoes, and sweet carrots in a flavorful broth, making it a delightful meal that celebrates the simplicity and richness of traditional Irish cuisine.
Yield: 4
Materials
- - 6 slices of Irish bacon or thick-cut bacon diced
- - 1 large onion chopped
- - 2 cloves garlic minced
- - 4 cups chicken broth
- - 3 large potatoes peeled and diced
- - 3 cups green cabbage shredded
- - 1 cup carrots sliced
- - 1 bay leaf
- - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- - Salt to taste
- - 1 cup heavy cream optional
- - Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Bacon
- - In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it is crisp.
- - Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
Sauté Onions and Garlic
- - Add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon drippings.
- - Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- - Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Add Broth and Potatoes
- - Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced potatoes.
- - Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
Add Cabbage and Carrots
- - Add the shredded cabbage, sliced carrots, bay leaf, dried thyme, and black pepper to the pot.
- - Continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Optional Cream Addition
- - If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream and heat through without boiling.
Season and Garnish
- - Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and additional pepper if needed.
- - Remove the bay leaf.