Ireland is known for its hearty, comforting dishes that make the most of simple, readily available ingredients. Colcannon, a classic Irish dish of mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale, is a prime example of this culinary tradition.
Today, we’re putting a soup-er spin on this beloved recipe with our Irish Colcannon Soup. This creamy, satisfying bowl is perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a taste of Ireland.
Why We Love This Soup Recipe
- It’s a one-pot meal: Less cleanup, more time to savor your delicious creation!
- Inexpensive ingredients: Potatoes, cabbage, and onions are budget-friendly staples.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Perfect for meal prep: This soup reheats beautifully, so make a big batch and enjoy leftovers all week.
Healthy Modifications
- Low-fat version: Swap the heavy cream for milk or a plant-based alternative like coconut milk. You can also reduce the amount of butter used in the recipe.
- Vegan/dairy-free: Use vegetable stock, replace butter with olive oil, and opt for a non-dairy cream or omit it altogether.
- Gluten-free: This soup is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check your stock for any gluten-containing ingredients.
- Nutrient boost: Add chopped kale or spinach along with the cabbage for an extra dose of vitamins and minerals.
Time-Saving Tips
- Use pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix instead of shredding your own.
- Dice potatoes and onions in advance for quick assembly when you’re ready to cook.
- Make a double batch and freeze half for a future meal. This soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
To elevate your Irish Colcannon Soup experience, consider pairing it with a slice of crusty, rustic bread for dunking. The hearty texture of the bread complements the creamy soup perfectly, making each bite a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Alternatively, you can serve the soup alongside a simple green salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette. The freshness and acidity of the salad provide a nice contrast to the rich, comforting soup.
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Irish Colcannon Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 pound potatoes peeled and diced
- 1/2 head green cabbage shredded (about 4 cups)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 green onions sliced
- Crispy bacon bits for topping (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the stock and add the diced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Add the shredded cabbage to the pot. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, until cabbage is softened.
- Using an immersion blender or regular blender, puree about half of the soup until smooth. This will thicken the broth while still leaving chunks of potato and cabbage.
- Stir in the heavy cream and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and crispy bacon bits, if desired.
- Serve hot with crusty bread for a filling and comforting meal that celebrates the flavors of traditional Irish colcannon in a cozy soup form. Enjoy this creamy, hearty taste of Ireland!
Nutrition
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.