Why You’ll Love This Colcannon Soup Recipe
Colcannon Soup is a heartwarming, comforting dish that brings the flavors of traditional Irish comfort food into a cozy bowl. Imagine creamy mashed potatoes and savory greens coming together in a delicious, satisfying soup. This recipe is a must-try for those looking for a comforting and hearty meal. Here’s why it’s worth making:
Irish Comfort in a Bowl
This soup reimagines classic Irish mashed potatoes and greens in a new form—blended into a creamy, soul-warming soup. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings.
Creamy & Cozy
The blended potatoes form the base of this soup, creating a silky smooth texture without the need for heavy cream. The result is a creamy consistency that’s indulgent yet light.
Quick & Easy
Ready in under 40 minutes, this recipe comes together with simple ingredients. You don’t need any special skills or fancy techniques, just a few pantry staples to make a meal everyone will love.
Customizable
Colcannon Soup is highly versatile. You can add sausage, swap kale for cabbage, or even top it with cheese. The recipe is flexible to suit your taste and preferences.
Budget-Friendly
Made with common pantry staples like potatoes and bacon, this soup is not only delicious but also easy on the wallet. It’s the perfect option when you need a filling meal without breaking the bank.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Colcannon Soup recipe serves 4–6 people and calls for simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Soup:
- 6 slices bacon, diced (or pancetta for a richer flavor)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups kale or cabbage, finely chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
For Garnish:
- Green onions, sliced
- Crumbled bacon
- Shredded cheddar or Dubliner cheese
- Buttered crusty bread, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this creamy and savory Colcannon Soup is simple! Just follow these steps for a perfect bowl of comfort.
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large pot, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once crispy, remove half of the bacon and set it aside for garnish. Leave the rest in the pot to add flavor to the soup.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the bacon grease in the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer Potatoes
Add the peeled and cubed potatoes to the pot, followed by the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Step 4: Mash & Add Greens
Once the potatoes are tender, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to partially mash the potatoes. You want to leave some chunks for texture, but the base should be creamy. Add the chopped kale or cabbage and cook for 3–5 minutes, or until the greens are wilted. If you prefer a creamier soup, you can stir in the heavy cream at this point.
Step 5: Serve & Top
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the reserved crispy bacon, sliced green onions, and shredded cheddar or Dubliner cheese. Serve with buttered crusty bread on the side for a complete, comforting meal.
Why This Recipe Works
Bacon Base
The rendered bacon fat adds a deep smoky flavor to the soup, which is essential to the rich taste of the dish. This creates a savory depth that complements the creamy potatoes and fresh greens.
Partial Mashing
By partially mashing the potatoes, you achieve a perfect balance between creamy texture and hearty potato chunks. This keeps the soup from feeling too smooth while still providing that comforting mashed potato experience.
Kale/Cabbage Balance
The addition of kale or cabbage introduces freshness to the rich, starchy soup, providing a balance of flavors and a touch of brightness. You can adjust the amount of greens based on your preference.
Variations to Try
While this Colcannon Soup recipe is delicious as is, here are a few variations to try:
Add Protein
Stir in some cooked sausage or shredded chicken for extra protein. This will make the soup even more filling and add another layer of flavor.
Vegetarian Option
For a vegetarian version of this soup, skip the bacon and use olive oil to sauté the aromatics. Make sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll have a meat-free version that’s just as delicious.
Cheesy Twist
For cheese lovers, mix in some grated cheddar or Gruyère during the cooking process. The melted cheese will add richness and extra flavor to the soup.
Spice It Up
If you prefer a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the soup. These spices will add a subtle warmth and depth to the dish.
Vegan Version
To make the soup vegan-friendly, swap out the bacon for sautéed mushrooms and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. These substitutions will still provide the creamy texture and umami flavors without the dairy or meat.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Colcannon Soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Use Waxy Potatoes
Russets work well in this recipe because they mash easily and create a creamy base. However, Yukon Gold potatoes add a buttery flavor, making them an excellent choice if you want an even richer soup.
Don’t Overcook the Greens
Add the kale or cabbage towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking. This helps preserve their vibrant color and texture, making the soup visually appealing and fresh-tasting.
Leftover Hack
If you have leftovers, freeze portions of the soup without the cream. This will extend its shelf life for up to 3 months. When you reheat, you can stir in the cream for added richness.
Make It Thicker
If you prefer a thicker soup, simply add more mashed potatoes or create a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with a bit of water) to thicken the broth. Add the slurry gradually and stir until you reach your desired thickness.
Serving Suggestions
Colcannon Soup pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it perfect for different occasions. Here are a few ideas on how to serve this hearty soup:
St. Patrick’s Day
This soup is a perfect addition to your St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Serve it alongside corned beef sandwiches or Irish soda bread for a festive meal.
Weeknight Dinner
For a simple yet satisfying weeknight dinner, serve Colcannon Soup with a side salad. The fresh greens in the salad will balance the richness of the soup.
Romantic Twist
If you’re looking to impress someone, add a poached egg on top of the soup and drizzle a little truffle oil for an extra touch of luxury and flavor.
Potluck Favorite
This soup is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. You can easily make it in a slow cooker for a no-fuss serving option. Just let it cook on low and serve directly from the pot.
Final Thoughts
Colcannon Soup is a beautiful homage to Irish comfort food. It’s creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying, making it the perfect dish to enjoy with loved ones or savor on a cold day. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, using up leftover ingredients, or just craving something cozy, this soup is sure to hit the spot.
The best part? This recipe is simple, quick, and easily customizable to suit your taste. From adding protein to making it vegan, there are endless variations to explore.
Tips for the Perfect Colcannon Soup:
- Use waxy potatoes for a creamy base and buttery flavor.
- Add greens towards the end of cooking to preserve color and texture.
- Freeze leftovers without cream for longer storage.
- For thicker soup, add more mashed potatoes or a cornstarch slurry.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes better the next day when the flavors have had more time to meld. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and reheat it on the stove.
Can I make a vegetarian version of this soup?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the bacon and use olive oil to sauté the onions and garlic. Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and the soup will still be full of flavor.
Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely! To freeze, make the soup without the cream. Once it cools, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat and add the cream when you’re ready to serve.
What can I use instead of kale?
You can use cabbage, spinach, or any other leafy green in place of kale. Each will bring a slightly different flavor, but all will complement the potatoes beautifully.