A Deliciously Tasty Irish Cabbage Soup Recipe
Cabbage is a staple in many Irish kitchens, and it’s often used to make cabbage soup recipes. This versatile, plain vegetable has been a treasured ingredient in countless recipes to provide inexpensive yet tasty nutritional value. Keep reading to learn how to make this special recipe for your next meal or celebration.
Is Cabbage Really an Irish Food?
According to the Modern Farmer, cabbage was an essential part of Irish diets over the centuries. Poor Irish farmers grew plenty of potatoes and cabbage to be able to pay for the land that they rented as well as to feed their own families. Both vegetables were cheap and easy to grow in Ireland.
When the Great Potato Famine hit around 1845, cabbage became the number one replacement for some time. Irish families flocked to America as the famine raged on, bringing their foods and recipes along with them. Now we can all enjoy some of the best Irish foods no matter where we live.
Is Green Cabbage Really Nutritious?
Not only is green cabbage nutritious, but all other varieties also bring their own nutrient-packed goodness to any recipe! According to the Cleveland Clinic, cabbage is low in calories and provides you with the following:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Fiber
- Protein
- Potassium
The Cleveland Clinic states that cabbage can also help your body to:
- Lessen inflammation
- Boost your immune system
- Promote good digestion
- Have a healthy heart
- Lower bad cholesterol
- Promotes good bone health
These are just a few health benefits people may experience when adding cabbage to their diet. Adding it to a delicious cabbage soup can make you enjoy a delightful meal while packing in as much nutrition as possible!
Traditional Irish Cabbage Soup Recipe
Just like any other recipe, there are all kinds of variations available based on region and ingredient preferences. This recipe encompasses all the goodness and simplicity that people in Ireland embraced for their needs, even in the most challenging times. So here’s an Irish cabbage soup recipe for you to follow at home!
Ingredients:
- 3 ½ tbsp salted butter
- 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
- 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and chopped (you may leave the skin on if desired)
- 3 ½ cups of chicken stock, boiled
- 4 ½ cups green cabbage, chopped
- ½ cup of light cream or whole milk
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large saucepan or pot, melt the butter over low heat. Once the butter starts to form bubbles, add the onions and potatoes. Toss the vegetables with the melted butter until they are thoroughly coated.
- Sprinkle the butter-coated veggies with desired salt and pepper. Cover the pot with waxed paper, then cover the paper with the lid of the pot. Allow the potatoes and onions to sweat over low heat until the onions are softened (they should not become brown or dark during this process) for about ten minutes.
- Remove the lid and wax paper before adding the chicken stock. Make sure your stock is just boiled (microwaving is fine) and pour it in carefully – it will burn you if splashed! Turn the temperature to high and boil the stock until your potatoes are softened.
- Add the cabbage and cook for about five minutes, uncovered. Do not cover the soup at this point to keep the cabbage nice and green. (Watch your cooking time, and don’t overcook the cabbage as it will make it lose its color!)
- Remove the soup from the heat and transfer it to a blender or food processor. Blend the soup until it’s the desired consistency, then season as desired. (You may skip this step if you prefer texture in your soup.)
- Add the cream or milk before serving. Spoon into bowls and serve!
Aside from ingredient preparation, this recipe comes together quickly but tastes as though you spent hours putting it together. With a flavorful broth and nutritious vegetables packed into your soup, you can always feel good about what you’re making for your loved ones.
A Variation on Irish Cabbage Soup
One of the most common variations of Irish cabbage soup is the Colcannon soup, which is a popular soup to make on Halloween. It’s creamy, salty, and hearty, making it another must-try recipe for an Irish cabbage soup!
Ingredients:
- 3 strips of thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- 1 tsp of garlic powder
- 3 cups green cabbage, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 4 cups of chicken stock
- 4 large russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup of heavy cream
Directions:
- Cook the bacon by your preferred method until crispy and set aside.
- In a large pot, add the olive oil and onions. Cook on medium heat until the onions are just softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cabbage. Cook over medium heat until the cabbage just begins to wilt, or around eight minutes.
- Sprinkle the salt and pepper over the vegetables and then stir until they are covered.
- Add the chicken stock and stir. Cover the pot and allow to cook for 15 minutes over medium heat.
- Add the potatoes, cover, and cook for an additional 20 minutes or until the potatoes are softened.
- Turn off the heat, add the heavy cream and stir. Let the soup sit for around five minutes before serving.
You can create a slurry from the broth and cornstarch if you’d prefer a thicker broth. Simply take two tablespoons of the broth and whisk it together with one tablespoon of cornstarch before adding it to the soup. Cook over medium-low heat until your soup reaches the desired consistency.
Substitutions for Your Irish Cabbage Soup
You’re not limited to the ingredients listed in any recipe, and that’s especially true when it comes to Irish cooking! Cabbage soup and meals were born out of a need for affordable and nutritious meals, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun with your own creative ingredient ideas. Substitutions can include:
- Nutmeg, cloves, thyme, fennel seed, caraway seeds, cinnamon, etc.
- Vinegar (apple cider or red wine)
- Fresh or canned diced tomatoes
- White beans like cannellini or great northern
- Crumbled or linked sausage
- Greens like kale or spinach
No matter what substitutions you make, you’ll be able to enjoy a different soup every time you make it! So make your own substitutions and see how you can make your soup perfect for your household.
Making an Irish Cabbage Soup Feeds the Body and Heart
One of the most intimate things a person can share with another is a home-cooked meal. You’re serving a warm, nutritious, and flavorful meal to those you care about when you make this soup. Make your own traditional Irish cabbage soup recipe and create your own version to keep in your family for generations to come.
