Irish Colcannon Soup Recipe: A Classic Comfort in Every Spoon Recipe
Irish Colcannon Soup is a comforting and hearty traditional Irish soup that features the classic flavors of colcannon—a blend of cabbage and potatoes—in a creamy, savory broth. This recipe combines sautéed onions, garlic, shredded cabbage, tender potatoes, and a splash of cream, optionally enriched with smoky bacon or ham. Garnished with fresh green onions and parsley, this soup delivers a perfect balance of rustic texture and velvety smoothness, ideal for cozy meals any time of year.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded (can substitute with kale or savoy cabbage)
- 4 cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon gold potatoes can be used)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole milk or cream (dairy-free milk for vegan variation)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked bacon or ham, chopped (optional)
Garnishes
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
- Cook the Cabbage: Add shredded cabbage to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until it begins to wilt but retains some texture, preserving the signature colcannon bite.
- Simmer Potatoes and Broth: Add diced potatoes and broth to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender and infused with the broth’s savory flavor.
- Blend Partially: Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, maintaining some chunks of potato and cabbage for a creamy yet rustic texture that balances smoothness with hearty bites.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in milk or cream, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cream to enrich the soup’s body.
- Incorporate Optional Meat and Finish: Fold in cooked bacon or ham if using, for a smoky depth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a vegan or dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil and use plant-based milk instead of cream.
- Kale or savoy cabbage can be used as substitutes for green cabbage without compromising flavor.
- If you prefer a smoother soup, blend more thoroughly, but retaining some texture is traditional for colcannon-style dishes.
- Cooking times can vary slightly depending on the size of potato pieces; check for tenderness regularly.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Keywords: Irish soup, Colcannon soup, cabbage soup, potato soup, creamy soup, traditional Irish recipe, comfort food
