Hearty Irish Colcannon Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl

Comfort and tradition merge beautifully in this hearty colcannon soup that whispers stories of irish kitchens.

Potatoes and cabbage dance together in a creamy blend that warms your soul.

Generations have savored this rustic dish, passing down recipes like treasured secrets.

Silky textures and rich flavors combine to create a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Wild green onions and soft butter add depth to every spoonful.

Memories of childhood winters flood back with each comforting bite.

You’ll want to curl up with a steaming bowl and let this soup transport you to a cozy countryside cottage.

Grab your favorite spoon and dive into a recipe that promises pure culinary magic.

Why Colcannon Soup Brings Comfort in Every Spoonful

• Comfort in a Bowl: Dive into a heartwarming Irish-inspired soup that wraps you in cozy comfort with its creamy texture and rich, satisfying flavors.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare this delightful soup in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal solutions.
• Nutritious Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with healthy greens, potatoes, and protein-rich ingredients, this soup delivers a nutritional punch that keeps everyone happy and well-fed.
• Versatile Culinary Canvas: Easily customize the soup by swapping kale for cabbage, adjusting cream levels, or adding extra herbs to match your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.

Must-Have Ingredients for Colcannon Soup Goodness

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that provide the hearty base and creamy texture of the soup.
• Kale or Cabbage: Nutritious green vegetables that add color, flavor, and traditional Irish character to the dish.
• Leek or Onion: Aromatic vegetable that builds a flavor foundation for the soup.
• Broth: Liquid base that helps cook the vegetables and adds depth to the soup.

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps sauté the initial vegetables.
• Milk or Cream: Provides a smooth, creamy finish to the soup.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the soup.

• Scallions or Parsley: Fresh herbs that add a bright, finishing touch and visual appeal to the soup.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and warmth to the soup's flavor profile.

How to Cook Colcannon Soup to Perfection

Step 1: Warm Up the Pot

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Toss in sliced leeks or onions and minced garlic, cooking them until they become soft and release a mouthwatering aroma (about 3-4 minutes).

Step 2: Dive Into Potatoes

Add diced potatoes and broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes until the potatoes start to soften and break down slightly.

Step 3: Introduce the Greens

Stir in chopped kale or cabbage and continue simmering for an additional 5-7 minutes. Watch as the greens become tender and blend into the soup’s rich landscape.

Step 4: Creamy Transformation

Pour in milk or cream, gently warming the soup through. Be careful not to let it boil – you want a smooth, silky texture that caresses the palate.

Step 5: Season and Personalize

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. For an extra creamy experience, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, creating a luxurious texture while keeping some vegetable chunks for a rustic feel.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Sprinkle chopped scallions or fresh parsley on top just before serving. This final touch adds a burst of color and a fresh, bright flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Tips to Nail Colcannon Soup Every Time

• Cut potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Use an immersion blender sparingly to maintain some vegetable chunks, creating a rustic and hearty soup experience.
• Sauté leeks or onions slowly to develop a rich, caramelized base that adds complexity to the soup's overall taste profile.
• Add milk or cream gently at low heat to avoid separation and maintain a smooth, silky consistency.
• Substitute dairy milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk for a vegan-friendly version of this traditional Irish-inspired soup.

Unique Twists on Classic Colcannon Soup

• Dairy-Free Colcannon Soup: Replace milk or cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a plant-based version that maintains creamy texture.
• Bacon-Loaded Colcannon Soup: Crisp chopped bacon and sprinkle on top for added smoky flavor and protein boost.
• Gluten-Free Herb Variation: Use fresh thyme or rosemary instead of traditional herbs, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Add white beans or lentils to increase protein content and create a more substantial meal without meat components.

Great Pairings to Enjoy with Colcannon Soup

Slice thick pieces of warm, hearty Irish soda bread to dunk into the creamy soup, absorbing all the rich flavors and adding delightful texture.

Select a chilled, light-bodied white wine with herbaceous notes that complement the kale and enhance the soup’s green vegetable undertones.

Sprinkle crisp, crumbled bacon on top of the soup for a salty, smoky contrast that elevates the creamy potato base and adds wonderful crunch.

Prepare a simple green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the soup’s richness and provide a fresh, crisp counterpoint to the hearty dish.

How to Keep Colcannon Soup Fresh and Flavorful

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups as they may separate.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk to restore creamy consistency if needed.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Check temperature before serving to prevent scalding.

FAQs

• What is colcannon soup?

A hearty Irish potato-based soup featuring leeks, kale or cabbage, and creamy texture inspired by the traditional colcannon potato dish.

• Is colcannon soup healthy?

Yes, it’s nutritious with potatoes providing carbohydrates, kale offering vitamins and minerals, and the option to use low-fat milk for a lighter version.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure all ingredients are plant-based.

• What type of potatoes work best for this soup?

Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal as they break down easily and help create a creamy consistency.

Colcannon Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irish comfort beckons with creamy Colcannon Soup, blending traditional potato and cabbage magic into a silky smooth bowl of pure warmth. Rich ingredients dance together, promising hearty satisfaction that connects you directly to Ireland’s soulful culinary heritage.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables:

• 1 lb (454 grams) potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) kale or cabbage, roughly chopped
• 1 medium leek (or 1 large onion), cleaned and thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk or cream (or a plant-based alternative for a vegan option)

Fats and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter (or olive oil for a vegan version)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious cooking vessel over medium heat, gently melting butter until it shimmers and becomes fragrant.
2. Introduce sliced leeks and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and aromatic.
3. Incorporate diced potatoes and broth, elevating the temperature to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer for approximately 15 minutes, allowing potatoes to soften but maintain structural integrity.
4. Fold in verdant kale or shredded cabbage, continuing to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until leafy greens become tender yet vibrant.
5. Delicately stream milk or cream into the simmering mixture, warming gently without achieving a full boil to preserve silky texture.
6. Calibrate flavor profile with salt and pepper, adjusting seasoning to personal preference.
7. Optional: Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, creating a luxurious consistency while preserving some vegetable chunks for textural contrast.
8. Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped scallions or parsley as a final garnish, adding a burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes before serving.

Notes

• Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels and create a healthier version of the soup.
• Swap dairy milk with coconut or almond milk for a vegan-friendly alternative that maintains creamy consistency.
• Reserve some potato chunks before blending to ensure a rustic, textured soup with varied mouthfeel.
• Roast leeks or onions before adding to the pot for deeper, caramelized flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 165 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg