Creamy Colcannon Soup an Irish Comfort Classic
Recipe Introduction: Get Cosy with Colcannon Soup
Fancy a taste of Ireland? Ever wondered what makes Irish soups and stews so comforting? Honestly, there's something magical about them, especially when it's a classic like colcannon soup .
It is seriously good!
A Taste of Tradition
Colcannon Soup , a creamy and comforting dish, is based on the traditional Irish colcannon. Think of it as a warm hug on a cold day.
This Irish potato cabbage soup is often enjoyed around St. Patrick's Day, but honestly, it's perfect anytime you need a little comfort.
It takes about 55 minutes, so not too long. This recipe makes 6 servings.
Why You'll Love This Soup
This isn't just another leek and potato soup recipe , honestly! It's packed with Vitamin C from the cabbage. This creamy potato and cabbage soup is seriously yummy.
You can serve it for lunch, dinner, or a late night snack. What makes it special is the creamy texture and the subtle sweetness of the leeks.
Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
You'll need some basic ingredients. There's 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 large leek. You'll also need 2 cloves of garlic, 6 cups of vegetable broth, and 1.
5 lbs of potatoes. Get ready for the comfort food soup recipes . We are also going to need 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 8 oz kale or green cabbage, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 4 slices bacon, and 2 tablespoons fresh chives.
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Colcannon Soup Toolkit
Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this gorgeous Irish Potato Cabbage Soup . Trust me, it's easier than finding a decent pint of Guinness on a Tuesday night.
You got this!
Main Ingredients for the Best Creamy Potato and Cabbage Soup
- Butter: 2 tablespoons (that's 30 ml ) of unsalted butter. Go for good quality butter, you know, the creamy kind. It makes a difference!
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ). Any olive oil will do, extra virgin is a plus.
- Leek: 1 large , just the white and light green bits, thinly sliced. Honestly, washing these is a pain. I sometimes soak them in water for a bit.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always better, but jarred will do in a pinch. No judgement here!
- Vegetable Broth: 6 cups (about 1.4 Litres ). The better the broth, the better the soup.
- Potatoes: 1.5 lbs (around 680g ), peeled and cubed. I like Yukon Gold, but Russets work too.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon ( 3 ml ). Season to your heart's content, darling!
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1 ml ). Freshly ground is ideal, but pre-ground is fine too.
- Kale or Green Cabbage: 8 oz (roughly 225g ), chopped. Honestly, I prefer kale it holds its shape better.
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup ( 120 ml ). This is what makes it creamy potato and cabbage soup !
- Bacon: 4 slices , cooked and crumbled (optional). Seriously though, don’t skip the bacon.
- Chives: 2 tablespoons , chopped (for garnish). Adds a pop of colour and flavour.
Seasoning Notes: That Irish Magic
For that true Irish Colcannon flavour, you'll need more than just salt and pepper. A good leek and potato soup recipe always starts with good aromatics! Don't be shy!
- Leeks and garlic are your base. Sautéing these brings out their sweetness.
- Bacon, even a little bit, adds a smoky depth. Seriously, it's a game changer.
- For a bit of extra warmth, a pinch of nutmeg can do wonders. Just a tiny bit!
- No leeks? A yellow onion will do. It won't be quite the same, but it'll still be delicious.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need fancy gadgets to make this Easy Irish Soup Recipe.
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven. This is your main workhorse.
- Immersion blender (optional). For a super smooth soup. A regular blender works too, but be careful blending hot liquids. Safety first!
- Cutting board and chef's knife. Obvious, but essential.
And that's it! Nothing too scary. Now go make some magic with this comforting Bacon Cabbage Potato Soup . It's the perfect way to celebrate St.
Patrick's Day Soup , or any day you need a bit of comfort food soup recipes . Enjoy, love!
Crafting the Perfect Colcannon Soup: A step-by-step Guide
Fancy a bowl of comfort? Honestly, who doesn't? Today, we're diving headfirst into colcannon soup , a creamy and satisfying twist on the classic Irish dish.
It's proper comfort food, perfect for a St. Patrick's Day soup or any day you need a bit of warmth.
Think creamy potato and cabbage soup , but with an extra layer of flavour that'll knock your socks off. I like to think of it as liquid gold for your soul.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Colcannon Mise en Place
Right, before we even think about turning on the hob, let's get organised. It's all about the mise en place .
First, chop your 1.5 lbs of potatoes. Then, slice your leek. Trust me; leeks are notorious for hiding dirt, so give that a proper wash! Mince 2 cloves garlic.
Chop 8 oz cabbage or kale. It only takes 20 minutes to get it all together. And, of course, safety first! Watch those fingers when you're wielding that knife, yeah?
From Humble Ingredients to Heavenly Soup: The Process
Alright, here's the breakdown. It's simple, I promise! This easy Irish soup recipe will be in your repertoire in no time.
- Sauté the Leek & Garlic: In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add that leek and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes , until softened.
- Add Broth and Potatoes: Pour in 6 cups vegetable broth. Chuck in those cubed potatoes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- Simmer Until Tender: Bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and simmer for 15- 20 minutes , or until the potatoes are nice and tender.
- Introduce the Greens: Stir in the chopped kale or cabbage. Cook for another 5 minutes , until the greens are soft.
- Blend to Perfection (Optional): Now, for the creamy factor. Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth. I love it smooth, but some like it chunky!
- Cream It Up: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and heat through. Don't boil it!
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle into bowls. Garnish with that crispy crumbled bacon if you are using and 2 tablespoons of those chopped chives.
Pro Tips for the Best Colcannon Soup EVER
Honestly, little things make all the difference! Here's what I've learned from making a lot of Irish potato cabbage soup .
- Taste as you go! Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
- Don't overdo the cream. Too much can mask the other flavours. You know? Less is more.
- Avoid mushy soup. Don't overcook the potatoes! They should be tender, not falling apart.
I once made a batch of Irish Colcannon for a family gathering, and it was a total hit! Honestly, everyone raved about it.
Especially when served as a comfort food soup recipe . Give it a go!
Recipe Notes: Your Colcannon Soup Success Guide
So, you're ready to make colcannon soup ? Ace! Let's chat about some extra bits to make sure it's bang on. I have made countless bowls, and these are my thoughts!
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Bowl
Presentation matters, yeah? For plating, think rustic charm. Ladle the creamy potato and cabbage soup into a bowl. A swirl of cream and a sprinkle of crispy bacon? Perfection!
On the side, some crusty bread is essential. It's champion for dipping! A light salad balances the richness too. And hey, it is Irish Colcannon , so why not a cheeky pint of Guinness? That's what I'm talking about!
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Leftover colcannon soup ? Lucky you! Once cooled, bung it in the fridge. It'll keep for about 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Freezing is also an option. Just be aware the texture might change a bit. Reheat gently on the hob, stirring often. Add a splash of broth if it's too thick.
Variations: Make it Your Own
Want to shake things up? Easy peasy. For a vegan version, swap the butter for a plant based option. Also, use plant based cream.
A sprinkle of nutritional yeast adds a cheesy vibe. This easy Irish soup recipe is super flexible.
In Autumn, I love adding roasted butternut squash for extra sweetness. Honestly, the possibilities are endless! Got some leftover ham? Bung it in. It's delish.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
Alright, let's get a little serious. Each serving of this soup has roughly 250 calories . It's a decent source of fibre and vitamin C. Hello, healthy!
Remember, these are estimates. Ingredients can vary. This bacon cabbage potato soup is a great way to get your veggies in. It is also the perfect comfort food soup recipe .
Colcannon soup is such a winner! It's easy to make, tastes amazing, and can be adapted to suit your tastes.
Don't be afraid to experiment. Most of all, have fun in the kitchen. You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make colcannon soup vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon garnish. To make a vegan colcannon soup, use plant based butter and cream alternatives. You can even add a tablespoon or two of nutritional yeast for a cheesy depth that'll make you think you've found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!
How do I store leftover colcannon soup and how long will it last?
Storing leftover colcannon soup is a breeze! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will happily keep for 3-4 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, to prevent the cream from separating - nobody wants a culinary Titanic, right?
My colcannon soup is too thick! How can I thin it out?
No worries, we've all been there! If your colcannon soup is thicker than a Dickens novel, simply add a little more vegetable broth or even water, a splash at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Remember to heat it through after adding more liquid, and give it a good stir - easy peasy!
I don't have an immersion blender. Can I still make this colcannon soup?
Of course! An immersion blender makes life easier, but you can definitely still make this soup. Carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender (making sure to vent the lid to release steam!) and blend until smooth.
Alternatively, you can leave the soup chunky for a more rustic, traditional feel, like something your Irish granny would make.
What kind of potatoes are best for making colcannon soup?
For a creamy texture, Yukon Gold potatoes are fantastic for colcannon soup as they have a naturally buttery flavour. If you prefer a slightly thicker soup, Russet potatoes work well too, as they release more starch when cooked.
It's like choosing between a Rolls Royce and a Land Rover - both will get you there, just in different styles!
I'm not a big fan of kale. What else can I use in my colcannon soup?
Not keen on kale? No problem! Green cabbage is the traditional alternative in colcannon and works beautifully in the soup. Savoy cabbage is a great choice too. Just make sure to chop it roughly and cook it until tender, just like kale.
Ultimately, it's all about finding what tickles your fancy - this isn't the Spanish Inquisition!
Creamy Colcannon Soup An Irish Comfort Classic
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 4g |
