Colcannon Soup

Introduction

Warm up with a bowl of comforting and hearty Colcannon Soup. This traditional Irish dish combines creamy mashed potatoes with tender cabbage, leeks, and bacon in a flavorful broth, creating a satisfying soup that’s perfect for cold weather days or any time you’re craving a cozy meal. Serve it as a starter or enjoy it as a main dish with crusty bread on the side for a complete and delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 leek, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon:

• In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.
• Remove the cooked bacon from the pot using a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Leave the bacon drippings in the pot.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

• Add the unsalted butter to the pot with the bacon drippings and melt it over medium heat.
• Add the sliced leek to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

3. Add Potatoes and Broth:

• Add the diced potatoes to the pot and pour in the chicken or vegetable broth.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

4. Add Cabbage and Bacon:

• Stir in the shredded cabbage and cooked bacon pieces, reserving some bacon for garnish if desired.
• Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage is wilted and tender.

5. Blend the Soup (Optional):

• For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup until desired texture is achieved. Alternatively, leave the soup chunky if preferred.

6. Add Cream and Seasonings:

• Pour in the heavy cream and stir until well combined.
• Season the Colcannon Soup with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.

7. Serve:

• Ladle the hot Colcannon Soup into bowls.
• Garnish with reserved bacon pieces and chopped fresh chives, if desired.
• Serve immediately, with crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Conclusion

With our Colcannon Soup recipe, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of Ireland in a warm and satisfying bowl. Whether enjoyed as a starter or as a main dish, this hearty soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out with its creamy texture and delicious combination of potatoes, cabbage, bacon, and leeks. Whip up a batch today and savor the taste of traditional Irish cuisine in your own kitchen.