The hearty Irish Potato and Cabbage Soup, known as Colcannon Soup, is a warm and welcoming dish rooted in Irish culinary tradition. This rustic soup combines the earthy flavors of potatoes and cabbage with a creamy broth that is both simple and deeply satisfying. Finished with the rich, smoky crunch of bacon and a sprinkle of green onions, every spoonful brings comfort and nourishment. This soup is a brilliant adaptation of the classic colcannon mash, transformed into a soul-soothing bowl perfect for chilly evenings or festive Irish gatherings. It’s budget-friendly, full of humble ingredients, and deeply flavorful making it a staple for those who appreciate traditional, homestyle cooking with a touch of indulgence.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups green cabbage, chopped
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2 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
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4 cups chicken broth
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1 cup milk
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
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1 tablespoon butter
Directions:
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In a large pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
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Add butter to the pot and sauté the onion until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
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Add chopped cabbage and cook until slightly wilted, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
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Use a potato masher to break down some of the potatoes for a thicker texture.
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Stir in the milk and heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Top each serving with crispy bacon and sliced green onions. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Comfort of Colcannon Soup: A Deep Dive into Irish Potato and Cabbage Soup with Bacon
Colcannon Soup, also known as Irish Potato and Cabbage Soup with Bacon, is a heartwarming dish that perfectly captures the essence of traditional Irish comfort food. Originating from the beloved Irish side dish called colcannon a mixture of mashed potatoes and cabbage or kale this soup takes all the rich, rustic flavors of its namesake and transforms them into a creamy, satisfying bowl of goodness.
More than just a soup, Colcannon Soup is a celebration of simplicity. It’s built on accessible, wholesome ingredients like potatoes, cabbage, onions, and smoky bacon. These components, when combined thoughtfully, deliver a nourishing and flavorful experience that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. While deeply rooted in Irish culinary tradition, this dish has found global appreciation thanks to its robust flavors and comforting textures.
A Soup Inspired by Irish Roots
Colcannon itself is a staple in Irish households, especially during colder months and festive occasions such as Halloween and St. Patrick’s Day. Its transformation into a soup form is both a creative and practical evolution one that allows cooks to stretch ingredients, enhance flavors through simmering, and offer a cozy meal that warms the body and soul.
The base of Colcannon Soup mirrors the traditional mash but offers added depth through chicken broth, cream, and sautéed aromatics. The cabbage provides a tender bite and slightly sweet undertone that pairs beautifully with the hearty potatoes. Bacon, either crisped and crumbled on top or stirred in for flavor infusion, adds a smoky richness that elevates the dish to something truly special.
Why It Works: Flavor and Texture in Harmony
The true magic of Colcannon Soup lies in its balance of flavors and textures. Potatoes provide a soft, comforting base that soaks up the richness of the broth and cream. Cabbage adds subtle crunch and earthiness, contrasting the silky nature of the soup. Bacon delivers saltiness and umami, while sautéed onions and garlic bring aromatic warmth.
Another important aspect is the ability to adjust the soup’s texture. Some variations are left chunky, giving each spoonful a rustic, hearty bite. Others are partially blended or mashed for a creamier consistency. Regardless of the approach, the result is always deliciously layered and deeply satisfying.
Customizations and Dietary Tweaks
One of the reasons Colcannon Soup has become a favorite across various cultures is its adaptability. Whether you’re following a specific diet or working with limited pantry items, this soup welcomes modifications.
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Vegetarian Version: Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For added flavor, a pinch of smoked paprika can mimic the essence of bacon.
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Vegan Adaptation: In addition to the changes above, swap the milk and cream for coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk. A bit of nutritional yeast can provide extra umami.
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Low-Carb Option: Replace some or all of the potatoes with cauliflower for a lighter, lower-carb soup that still delivers a creamy texture.
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Extra Protein: Add in shredded cooked chicken, crumbled sausage, or even white beans to turn the soup into a protein-packed main course.
These simple substitutions ensure the soup remains accessible and inclusive while still maintaining its comforting, familiar flavors.
Seasonal and Festive Relevance
Colcannon Soup is ideal during the fall and winter months, when the craving for warm, filling dishes reaches its peak. It’s also a fitting choice for Irish-themed holidays and celebrations. On Halloween in Ireland, colcannon is traditionally served with hidden charms inside, symbolizing fortune for the upcoming year. While the soup version may not carry charms, it certainly brings warmth and togetherness to any table it graces.
For St. Patrick’s Day, Colcannon Soup makes an excellent starter or main dish. It captures the Irish spirit without requiring hard-to-find ingredients or complex techniques. Pair it with soda bread or a pint of stout for an authentically Irish meal.
Ideal Occasions and Pairings
This soup is versatile enough to fit a variety of occasions. Whether served as a weeknight dinner, a starter for a festive dinner party, or part of a holiday meal, it delivers both comfort and elegance.
Serving suggestions:
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With Crusty Bread: A slice of warm sourdough or Irish soda bread perfectly complements the creaminess of the soup.
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As a Side Dish: Serve it as a starter before a roasted meat entrée, such as lamb or pork.
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In a Bread Bowl: For a visually appealing presentation, ladle the soup into hollowed-out bread bowls a perfect choice for gatherings or cozy dinners.
A Budget-Friendly Meal with Big Impact
Colcannon Soup stands out not only for its flavor but also for its cost-effectiveness. It uses humble pantry staples that are readily available year-round: potatoes, cabbage, onions, broth, and dairy. Bacon, though optional, adds depth without significant cost. For families or individuals looking to create a nourishing meal on a budget, this soup is a stellar choice.
Moreover, it’s a great recipe for batch cooking. Make a large pot over the weekend and reheat portions throughout the week. It holds up well in the refrigerator for several days and can be frozen for future meals, making it a smart addition to any meal prep plan.
Nostalgia in a Bowl
Many people who grew up in Irish households or have Irish heritage associate colcannon with fond memories. By turning the classic side dish into a soup, home cooks can honor tradition while embracing a modern twist. The aroma of simmering cabbage and potatoes, mingled with smoky bacon and garlic, is enough to bring back memories of family dinners and cozy kitchens.
Food is more than sustenance it’s a cultural connector. Colcannon Soup embodies this truth, offering a flavorful link between the past and present, between generations and geographies.
Nutritional Comfort
Although hearty and rich, Colcannon Soup can be surprisingly nutritious. Potatoes provide fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. Cabbage adds antioxidants and vitamins K and C. When prepared with moderation in mind, the soup strikes a pleasing balance between indulgence and wellness.
Opting for low-sodium broth, trimming the bacon fat, and using milk or light cream instead of heavy cream can help make the dish healthier without sacrificing flavor. It’s a reminder that comfort food doesn’t have to be unhealthy it just has to be thoughtful.
Conclusion:
Colcannon Soup is more than just a twist on traditional colcannon; it’s a dish that brings warmth, history, and heart to your table. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving a crowd, this Irish Potato and Cabbage Soup with Bacon delivers on all fronts flavor, affordability, nostalgia, and satisfaction.
Its simplicity makes it accessible to cooks of all levels, while its depth of flavor appeals to even the most discerning palates. With its versatility, you can adapt the soup to suit any dietary need, occasion, or season.
In a world of complex dishes and trendy ingredients, Colcannon Soup is a gentle reminder of the power of humble food done right. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor, and celebrate the beauty of traditional cooking with a modern twist.