Description
Irish Colcannon Soup is a comforting, creamy potato and cabbage soup inspired by the traditional Irish dish Colcannon. This hearty soup combines shredded green cabbage, tender russet potatoes, and aromatic onions and garlic, simmered in savory broth and finished with milk or cream. Optional bacon or ham adds a smoky depth, while fresh green onions and parsley provide a bright garnish. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup offers a rich and satisfying taste of Ireland.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 4 cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Seasonings & Dairy
- 1 cup whole milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Optional Add-ins & Garnishes
- 1 cup cooked bacon or ham, chopped (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally to avoid browning. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook Cabbage: Add the shredded green cabbage to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is slightly wilted but still retains some texture.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in the peeled and diced russet potatoes. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Simmer Until Tender: Let the soup simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and soft, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Blend Soup: Using an immersion blender, partially blend the soup directly in the pot to your preferred consistency. Leave some potato and cabbage chunks for a hearty texture.
- Finish with Dairy and Seasoning: Stir in the whole milk or cream, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors and heat through without boiling.
- Add Meat (Optional): If using cooked bacon or ham, stir it into the soup now. Heat through for a couple of minutes.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and fresh parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit the bacon or ham.
- This soup thickens as it cools. When reheating, add extra broth or milk to loosen the consistency as desired.
- Serve with crusty bread for a complete, comforting meal.
