Make the bacon. In a big pot, cook the cut bacon on medium heat until it is crispy. Take out the bacon using a spoon with holes and keep it to the side, leaving some of the fat in the pot.
Cook Vegetables in a Pan: Put the chopped onion in the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft. Add the chopped garlic and cook for one more minute.
Include cabbage and potatoes. Mix the chopped cabbage and potatoes. Continue cooking for 5 more minutes, stirring from time to time.
Add broth. Put the chicken broth in the pot and heat until it boils. Lower the temperature and let it cook gently for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft.
Add cream on top. Mix in the milk or cream, and then put the cooked bacon back in the pot. Add salt and pepper to your liking.
Add decoration and present: Put the soup in bowls and add some fresh parsley on top before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Can I use regular bacon instead of Irish bacon? Yes, normal bacon is suitable, but it might taste a bit different.
What can I use instead of chicken broth? You can use vegetable broth or water with bouillon cubes instead.
Can I freeze this soup? Yes, it's better to freeze it first before adding the cream.
How long can this soup stay in the refrigerator? It can stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days if kept in a sealed container.
Can I prepare this soup without meat? Yes, use vegetable broth instead of meat broth and do not include the bacon, or use a vegetarian bacon substitute.
Which type of potatoes are best for this soup? Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are perfect because they are creamy.
Can I include more types of vegetables? Of course! Carrots or celery would also be good options to add.
Do we need to remove the skin from the potatoes? It depends on what you like; leaving the skin on potatoes gives them more texture and nutrients.
Can I use bacon that was not eaten? Yes, you can add cooked bacon leftovers at the end for a fast choice.
How can I make the soup thicker? After cooking, you can either mash some of the potatoes or add a mixture of cornstarch and water.
Which herbs can I use to enhance the taste? Thyme and bay leaves go well with this soup.
Can I substitute cream cheese for milk or cream? Yes, but it will alter the consistency a bit; you may want to dilute it with some broth.
Do I need to cook the cabbage before putting it in the soup? Yes, it cooks well in the soup.
How should I heat up the soup? Warm up on the stove at a low temperature, stirring from time to time.
Does this soup contain gluten? Sure, as long as the chicken broth doesn't contain gluten.
Can I use fresh parsley to decorate? Fresh parsley gives a good taste and adds a nice touch of color.
Can you tell me the nutritional content of this soup? This can change depending on the ingredients used, but usually, it is rich and satisfying.
Can I include cheese? Yes, shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese can make the taste better.
How should I serve this soup? It goes well with crunchy bread or a small salad.
How hot is this soup? It's not hot at all; it has a gentle, soothing taste.
Can I cook this soup in a crockpot? Cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours and then add cream before finishing.
What are some ways to use up leftover food? You can use leftover soup in casseroles or serve it with rice.
Can I include beans to get more protein? Yes, adding white beans or kidney beans would be very tasty.
Is this soup suitable for children? Yes, it's a gentle soup that children usually like.
What is the most effective method for cutting cabbage? Cut the cabbage into four pieces, take out the hard middle part, and slice it thinly.
How can I prepare this soup without using dairy products? Use a milk without dairy and do not include the cream.
Can I use a different kind of meat? Yes, you can also use smoked sausage or ham as good alternatives.
How many people does this recipe serve? This recipe usually makes enough for 4-6 people.
Can I mix this soup to make it smoother? Yes, you can use a hand blender to blend it until it reaches the texture you want.
What type of bread goes well with this soup? A crusty sourdough or a classic Irish soda bread is ideal!
Useful advice to make things even better.
Use high-quality bacon for a better taste.
Cook the onions until they turn golden for more flavor.
Take your time when cooking; allow the flavors to blend together.
Consider adding a bit of apple cider vinegar to give it a fresh touch.
Try using smoked paprika to add a smoky taste to your dishes.
Use fresh herbs to add a burst of flavor to your dish.
Allow the soup to rest for a couple of hours so the flavors can enhance.
Add croutons on top for extra crunchiness.
Use chicken broth made at home for the most delicious flavor.
Add the spices at the end to make sure the flavor is just right.
Put a bay leaf in while cooking to make the flavor better.
Use the vegetables you have left over.
Prepare it one day in advance; it will taste even better the following day!
Add some fresh chives on top for a pop of color.
Decide if you want the soup with pieces or smooth.
Use a combination of white and red potatoes to add variety in color.
Consider including a can of chopped tomatoes for a different flavor.
Add frozen peas for a touch of color and sweetness.
Try using various kinds of broth, such as vegetable broth.
Add a little bit of mustard to give it a special taste.
Add a spoonful of sour cream on top for a creamy touch.
Use broth with less salt to manage the amount of salt in your food.
Add a small piece of rosemary for a nice smell and taste.
Cook the potatoes in the oven before anything else for a crunchier texture.
Change the creaminess by adjusting the amount of milk and broth you use.
Consider adding hot sauce to give it some heat.
Make a larger amount to store in the freezer for future use.
Serve it with a slice of Irish brown bread.
Add a little lemon juice for a fresh flavor.
Serve it with a simple salad to have a full meal.
Tips for Making Delicious Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup
Select good ingredients; they can have a big impact.
Cook bacon slowly to melt the fat and make it crispy.
Cook the onions until they become sweet.
Do not put too much in the pot; cook in smaller amounts if needed.
Cook slowly to let the flavors fully develop.
Use a wooden spoon to remove any browned pieces from the bottom.
Try the food as you cook to add more seasoning if needed.
Allow the soup to cool down before putting it away to avoid it going bad.
Wash the cabbage well to get rid of any dirt.
Cut the potatoes into equal-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
Use fresh seasonal vegetables.
Add some Dijon mustard to enhance the flavor.
Try using different kinds of cabbage to vary the texture.
Consider adding a bit of white wine for a tangy flavor.
Use a pot with a thick bottom to distribute heat evenly.
Use any remaining cooked meats to add more taste.
Ensure the bacon is crunchy before you put in the rest of the ingredients.
Use newly harvested garlic for the most delicious smell and flavor.
Change the cooking time depending on the type of potato you are using.
Add the cream little by little to better control how thick the mixture becomes.
Serve it very hot for the best taste.
Allowing leftover food to sit overnight will make it taste better.
Use a hand blender to make your mixture smooth instead of using a food processor.
Test if the potatoes are ready by poking them with a fork; they should be soft.
Keep soup in glass containers to make it easy to heat up again.
Use different ways to cut vegetables to create a mix of textures.
Set aside some bacon to use as a topping to keep it crispy.