If you’re searching for a cozy bowl that wraps you in warmth and tradition, this Colcannon Soup Recipe is pure magic. Inspired by the beloved Irish dish Colcannon, which combines creamy mashed potatoes with tender cabbage, this soup takes all those comforting flavors and transforms them into a luscious, hearty meal perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave a little kitchen-hug in a bowl. Every spoonful bursts with buttery richness, subtle garlicky sweetness, and that gentle earthiness from the cabbage and potatoes, making it a soul-soothing delight that’s surprisingly simple to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Colcannon Soup Recipe couldn’t be easier, yet each one plays an essential role in creating that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From silky butter and fresh garlic to hearty potatoes and vibrant cabbage, these staples come together to create a bowl that’s more than the sum of its parts.
- Butter: Adds a rich, creamy base that brings depth to the soup’s flavor.
- Small onion (diced): Provides a subtle sweetness and soft aromatic layer.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Infuses a gentle pungency that complements the cabbage beautifully.
- Green cabbage (shredded): Offers fresh crunch and a slight sweetness as it softens during cooking.
- Potatoes (peeled and diced): The hearty foundation that makes the soup wonderfully filling.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Creates a savory liquid base, lending depth without overpowering.
- Whole milk or heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess and smooth texture to the finished soup.
- Green onions (chopped): Brightens the soup with a mild onion bite and fresh color.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley or crumbled cooked bacon (optional): Perfect garnishes to add freshness or smoky indulgence.
How to Make Colcannon Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Cabbage
Start by melting your butter in a large pot over medium heat until it’s shimmering. Toss in the diced onion and cook it gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it’s soft and translucent—the aroma at this point is pure comfort. Add the minced garlic and shredded cabbage next. Stir everything as it sautés for about 5 minutes until the cabbage wilts softly, filling your kitchen with the unmistakable scent of home-cooked goodness.
Step 2: Add Potatoes and Broth, Then Simmer
Now it’s time for the potatoes to join the party. Add the peeled and diced spuds along with your choice of chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the pot to a lively boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the soup cook for 20 to 25 minutes — this is when the potatoes turn tender and start to meld with the other flavors, creating that essential hearty base.
Step 3: Blend and Enrich the Soup
Here’s where you customize your soup’s texture. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup slightly if you love a creamier consistency, or leave it chunky if you prefer more bite in every spoonful. Stir in the whole milk or heavy cream and sprinkle in the chopped green onions. Let it all simmer together for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen and the creaminess to fully develop.
Step 4: Season and Garnish
Finish off your Colcannon Soup Recipe with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of green freshness, or indulge in crumbled bacon for a smoky contrast. Serve warm and enjoy the cozy embrace of this nourishing soup.
How to Serve Colcannon Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbal brightness that cuts through the creamy richness, while crumbled cooked bacon brings a savory crunch and smoky depth that elevates the whole experience. Both are winners, so choose whichever suits your mood — or do both!
Side Dishes
Colcannon Soup is a fantastic standalone meal but pairs beautifully with crusty bread or buttery soda bread to soak up every last drop. You might also serve it alongside a fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a meal that feels both hearty and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for an inviting, rustic presentation that doubles as an edible side. You can also top with shredded sharp cheddar or a dollop of sour cream for extra indulgence. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can add a subtle flavor kick and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Colcannon Soup can happily be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it cools down before sealing to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup too—perfect for busy days when you want homemade comfort without the effort. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or broth to bring back its creamy texture. Microwaving works fine as well, but heating slowly preserves the best flavor and consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this Colcannon Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and the soup remains rich and satisfying, catering perfectly to vegetarian diets.
What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
No worries! You can transfer a portion of the soup to a regular blender to puree, then stir it back in. Just be careful with hot liquids and do it in batches to avoid splattering.
Can I use regular cabbage instead of green cabbage?
Yes, regular green cabbage is the classic choice here, but you can also experiment with Savoy cabbage for a slightly different texture and milder flavor — both work beautifully.
Is it possible to add meat to this recipe?
Definitely! Cooked ham, sausage, or crispy bacon bits stirred into the soup add savory richness and extra protein, making it even more hearty and satisfying.
How thick should the soup be?
The texture is flexible — if you like a chunkier feel, blend less; for a creamier, smoother soup, blend more. Adjust with extra milk or broth if it’s too thick for your taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting and joyful about making and sharing this Colcannon Soup Recipe — it’s like bringing a little piece of Ireland right into your kitchen. Whether you’re warming up on a cold day or simply want a wholesome, tasty meal, this soup is truly a keeper. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it out, add your own touch, and savor every spoonful of this creamy, cabbage and potato delight.
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Colcannon Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This comforting Irish Colcannon Soup recipe combines the classic flavors of cabbage and potatoes into a creamy, hearty soup perfect for cozy meals. Featuring sautéed onions, garlic, shredded cabbage, and tender potatoes simmered in broth, it is then blended slightly for a smooth texture and enriched with milk or cream. Garnished with fresh green onions and optional parsley or bacon, this soup offers a delicious twist on traditional Colcannon in an easy stovetop preparation.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 4 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Crumbled cooked bacon
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent. This step softens the onions and builds the flavor foundation for the soup.
- Sauté cabbage and garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and shredded cabbage, sautéing for another 5 minutes until the cabbage begins to wilt. Developing these flavors before adding liquids enhances the soup’s depth.
- Add potatoes and broth: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. This cooking step ensures potatoes soften fully for a creamy texture.
- Blend the soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup slightly for a creamier texture while still leaving some chunks for texture. If a chunkier soup is preferred, blending can be skipped.
- Add milk and green onions: Stir in the milk or heavy cream along with the chopped green onions, then simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes. This enriches the soup and adds a fresh onion flavor.
- Season and serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as desired. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or crumbled cooked bacon if using. Serve warm to enjoy the comforting flavors.
Notes
- This soup is inspired by traditional Irish Colcannon, a classic mashed potato and cabbage dish.
- For a richer and creamier soup, opt for heavy cream instead of whole milk.
- Add cooked ham or sausage during the last simmer for additional protein and heartiness.
- Using vegetable broth makes the soup vegetarian-friendly.
- Adjust the blending step to your texture preference—fully smooth or slightly chunky.
