Colcannon Soup Recipe

This Colcannon Soup is a comforting, hearty Irish-inspired dish that combines the flavors of traditional colcannon (mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale) into a creamy, satisfying soup. Packed with tender potatoes, savory cabbage, and a hint of creaminess, it’s perfect for chilly days or St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Serves: 6-8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion , finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes , peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
• 4 cups chopped green cabbage (or kale, if preferred)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper , to taste
• Optional: 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (for extra warmth)

For Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Crumbled cooked bacon (optional, for added flavor)
• Extra heavy cream or sour cream (for drizzling)

Instructions:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

1. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
2. Add the diced potatoes to the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage

1. Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but still vibrant in color.
2. If using kale, add it during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.

Step 4: Blend and Cream

1. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks of potato and cabbage for texture. Alternatively, transfer about 1/3 of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
2. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg to taste. Heat gently until warmed through, but do not boil.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, crumbled bacon (if using), and a drizzle of heavy cream or sour cream.
2. Serve with crusty bread or soda bread on the side for a complete meal.

Tips for Success:

• Use leftover mashed potatoes: For a quicker version, stir in 2 cups of leftover mashed potatoes instead of blending the soup.
• Add protein: Stir in shredded cooked chicken, ham, or sausage for a heartier soup.
• Make it vegan: Substitute the butter with olive oil, use vegetable broth, and replace the cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
• Adjust consistency: Add more broth or water if the soup is too thick for your liking.

Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 8):

• Calories: ~220
• Protein: ~6g
• Carbohydrates: ~25g
• Fat: ~12g

Enjoy this Colcannon Soup as a cozy, flavorful bowl of comfort that pays homage to classic Irish cuisine. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with wholesome ingredients—perfect for warming up on a cold day!