Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup 🥓🥬🥔✨

“A hearty and comforting soup that combines smoky bacon, tender potatoes, and sweet cabbage in a flavorful broth. Perfect for warming up on a chilly day!”

Ingredients

• 6 slices Irish bacon (or thick-cut regular bacon), diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté in the bacon fat for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

1. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and stir to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits.
2. Add the diced potatoes, carrots, thyme, and smoked paprika (if using).
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Add the Cabbage

1. Stir in the chopped cabbage and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, until the cabbage is tender but not overcooked.

Step 5: Finish with Cream (Optional)

1. If using, stir in the heavy cream and heat through without boiling.

Step 6: Serve

1. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
2. Ladle into bowls, top with the crispy bacon, and garnish with chopped parsley.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic and Hearty: Inspired by Irish traditions, this soup is packed with comforting flavors.
• Versatile: Easily adapted to your preferences with added veggies or substitutions like turkey bacon.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Pro Tips

1. Bacon Alternative: For a more traditional Irish touch, use ham hock or Irish back bacon instead of regular bacon.
2. Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to maintain texture.
3. Thicker Soup: Mash a few of the cooked potatoes directly in the pot for a thicker, heartier consistency.

This Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup is a soul-warming dish that brings classic flavors to your table. Perfect with crusty bread or a pint of ale! 🥓🥬🥔✨