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Cozy Hearty Irish Soup

Cozy Hearty Irish Soup - featured image

A simple, hearty Irish soup perfect for warming up on rainy days, featuring cabbage, root vegetables, and a flavorful broth with a creamy texture from blended potatoes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (Russet or Yukon Gold)
  • 1 parsnip, peeled and chopped (optional)
  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon malt vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic, carrots, and celery; stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. Avoid browning the garlic.
  3. Stir in chopped cabbage, diced potatoes, and parsnip if using. Mix well to combine.
  4. Pour in 6 cups of broth. Add dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir gently and bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until potatoes are tender and cabbage is soft but not mushy. Stir occasionally.
  6. Optional: Scoop out 1 to 1.5 cups of soup with potatoes and cabbage, blend or mash it, then stir back into the pot for a creamier texture.
  7. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in 1 tablespoon malt vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Keep the lid slightly ajar during simmering to concentrate flavors. Avoid overcooking cabbage to prevent mushiness and bitterness. Blending part of the soup adds creaminess without cream. Use waxy potatoes for texture or starchy potatoes for a creamier broth. For vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil and use vegetable broth. Add protein with lentils, beans, or sausage as desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish soup, hearty soup, cabbage soup, rainy day recipe, comfort food, easy soup, vegetable soup, gluten-free soup, vegan option