If you’re on the hunt for a recipe that wraps you in a big, cozy hug on a chilly day, then Irish Colcannon Soup: An Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe is about to become your go-to. Imagine the creamy, buttery magic of traditional colcannon—mashed potatoes and cabbage—transformed into a soul-soothing bowl of soup that’s brimming with flavor, texture, and nostalgia. This recipe isn’t just a celebration of Irish comfort food; it’s a testament to the joy that comes from simple ingredients cooked with care. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a heartwarming addition to your St. Patrick’s Day table, this soup delivers all the classic comfort you crave.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Irish Colcannon Soup lies in its humble yet vibrant ingredients. Each one has a distinct role—contributing character, heartiness, or a flash of color—to create a bowl that’s far more than the sum of its parts.
- Unsalted butter: Brings rich, creamy depth and helps to soften the onions for a luscious base.
- Olive oil: Adds a mellow, fruity undertone and keeps the butter from burning.
- Yellow onion: Offers gentle sweetness and forms the essential aromatic backbone of the soup.
- Garlic: Lends subtle warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.
- Green cabbage: The star veggie—infuses sweet, earthy notes and a burst of green.
- Russet potatoes: Deliver creamy, starchy body that gives the soup its signature comfort.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Richly flavors the soup and ties everything together; choose vegetable for a vegetarian version.
- Whole milk: Makes the soup irresistibly creamy without being too heavy.
- Heavy cream: Gives the final soup a silky finish and luxurious mouthfeel.
- Salt: Enhances the natural flavors without overpowering any ingredient.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balances the creamy richness.
- Ground nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg lifts and rounds out the flavors perfectly.
- Green onions: Offer a bright pop of color and a mild oniony freshness to the final dish.
- Cooked bacon or ham (optional): Smoky, savory bites that provide a delicious contrast if you choose to add them.
- Fresh parsley: Garnishes the soup with vibrant color and a fresh, herby finish.
How to Make Irish Colcannon Soup: An Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter together with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4 to 5 minutes until the onion turns translucent and soft. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute more—you want that beautiful aroma, not burnt bits.
Step 2: Cook the Cabbage
Now it’s time for the cabbage to shine! Add the shredded green cabbage to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it wilts down and melds with the onion and garlic. The kitchen will smell absolutely amazing at this stage, filled with earthy and sweet notes.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
Stir in the peeled and diced russet potatoes, making sure they get coated with all the buttery goodness. Pour in your choice of chicken or vegetable broth—enough to just cover the veggies. Bring everything up to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are meltingly tender.
Step 4: Blend for Texture
Now, you control the texture! Use an immersion blender to puree about half of the soup—this gives you silky creaminess while letting some chunks remain for satisfying body. Or, if you love a chunky soup, simply mash the potatoes with the back of a spoon. There’s no wrong answer, only what suits your mood.
Step 5: Add Dairy and Seasonings
Turn the heat to low and stir in the whole milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Let everything gently bubble for another 5 to 10 minutes, stirring often so it stays creamy and cohesive. Taste and adjust the seasoning—a dash more salt or pepper, perhaps?
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
Finally, stir in sliced green onions and, if you’re in the mood, some chopped cooked bacon or ham for extra savoriness. Ladle the soup into bowls and shower with fresh parsley just before serving. There you have it—Irish Colcannon Soup: An Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe ready to warm your heart (and your belly).
How to Serve Irish Colcannon Soup: An Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Garnishes
Scatter fresh parsley or more sliced green onions over each bowl just before bringing them to the table. A sprinkle of crisp bacon or reserved cabbage curls adds flavor, texture, and a lovely rustic finish. For extra richness, a little knob of butter melting on top is an old Irish tradition that can’t be beat!
Side Dishes
This soup is a meal on its own, but it shines even brighter with some crusty soda bread or buttery sourdough on the side. If you’re aiming for an Irish feast, tuck in a wedge of good cheddar, some pickles, or even a handful of crisp apple slices to balance all the hearty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Irish Colcannon Soup: An Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe in deep bread bowls for an extra-special touch, or ladle it into small mugs for a cozy appetizer at parties. For a modern twist, drizzle with a green herb oil or swirl in crème fraîche—so pretty, and endlessly customizable!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Irish Colcannon Soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator. Simply let it cool, then pour into an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days—just remember that the flavors get even more delicious as they meld together overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze Irish Colcannon Soup: An Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe for longer storage. Allow the soup to cool completely first, then transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. It keeps well for up to 2 months, though the potatoes may become softer upon reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching. If the soup thickens too much as it stands, add a splash of broth or milk to bring back the silky consistency. Microwaving works for single servings as well—just cover and stir halfway through.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth and skip the bacon or ham. For a vegan version, swap out the milk and cream for your favorite plant-based alternatives—oat or cashew milk are both excellent for a similar creamy texture.
What type Soup
Russet potatoes are perfect for Irish Colcannon Soup: An Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe thanks to their creamy, starchy nature, which melds beautifully into the soup. Yukon Golds work as a buttery alternative, but avoid red potatoes as they stay firmer and won’t give the same velvety body.
Can I freeze the soup with dairy in it?
Yes, you can freeze it, but be prepared for some texture change after thawing—the potatoes may be extra soft and the cream could separate slightly. A quick blitz with the immersion blender when reheating usually brings back the smooth consistency.
How can I make the soup even thicker?
If you love extra-thick soups, mash or roughly blend a larger portion of the cooked potatoes before adding in the milk and cream. You can also reduce the broth slightly during cooking, or even stir in a tablespoon of potato flakes at the end for a little texture boost.
Does this soup work for meal prep?
Definitely! Irish Colcannon Soup: An Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe actually improves after a night in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead dish for busy weeks. Portion it out for easy lunches, or serve it up as a cozy dinner all week long.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for something that feels like a home-cooked hug, you owe it to yourself to try Irish Colcannon Soup: An Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe. Nothing beats the heartwarming blend of creamy potatoes, sweet cabbage, and savory touches, all served up in one satisfying bowl. Give it a try, share it with someone you love, and let comfort food work its magic in your kitchen!
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Irish Colcannon Soup: An Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Irish Colcannon Soup recipe. Creamy, hearty, and packed with flavors of cabbage, potatoes, and savory bacon, this soup is a delightful bowl of warmth perfect for any time of year.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For Garnish:
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 cup chopped cooked bacon or ham (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics: In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil. Add onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cabbage, cook until wilted.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Add diced potatoes and pour in broth. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Puree or Leave Chunky: Use immersion blender for a creamier texture if desired. Alternatively, leave chunky.
- Finish Soup: Stir in milk, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer, then add green onions, bacon/ham. Adjust seasoning.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and skip the bacon or ham.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes before adding the milk and cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
