Discover how to make Colcannon Soup, a warm and comforting Irish dish. Packed with potatoes, cabbage, and butter, this 2024 recipe brings a delicious twist to your table. Perfect for cozy nights!

Colcannon Irish Soup

Colcannon Soup? Oh yes oh yes… If you have ever enjoyed the classic Irish Colcannon, you are in for a treat. This warm hearty soup takes the traditional mashed potato and cabbage dish and turns it into a spoonful of pure comfort. With buttery potatoes, tender cabbage, and the perfect amount of seasoning, it’s the ultimate cozy meal for a cold night. Did you know Colcannon was once considered a symbol of wealth? In fact, some Irish households used to hide coins in the dish! Lets dive into how to make this unique twist on an age old favorite.

What is Colcannon

Traditional Colcannon is a beloved Irish dish made from mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage or kale, and plenty of butter. Colcannon Soup takes these core ingredients and transforms them into a creamy, hearty soup. By blending the mashed potatoes with broth, milk, and vegetables, you get the same comforting flavors in a smooth, warming bowl.

Colcannon has deep roots in Irish culinary tradition, originally served as a simple, nourishing dish for families during the colder months. Historically eaten on Halloween, Colcannon symbolized wealth and fortune, with coins often hidden in the mash. Its combination of staple ingredients being, potatoes, cabbage, and butter.

Colcannon Soup is versatile… It can be a light side dish or a hearty main meal depending on how you serve it. As a side it pairs well with roasted meats or a sandwich. As a main, you can bulk it up with animal or plant based proteins, turning it into a satisfying one pot meal perfect for lunch or dinner. It keeps well too!

Colcannon Soup Ingredients

• Potatoes: Choosing the best variety (russet, Yukon gold).
• Cabbage or Kale: How to prepare and which to use.
• Butter and Cream: The role of fats in creating a rich, creamy soup.
• Leeks and Onions: Adding flavor depth to the soup.
• Seasoning and Herbs: Salt, pepper, and parsley as essentials.
• Optional ingredients: Bacon, ham, or vegan alternatives.

Variations of Colcannon Soup (remixing)

• Adding meat – Ham, bacon, or sausage for extra protein.
• Spicing it up – If you are craving a bit of heat in your Colcannon Soup, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or even chili flakes. You can also experiment with nutmeg or caraway seeds for a unique flavor twist. For extra warmth add a dash of mustard powder or horseradish.

Colcannon Soup Vegan

This recipe can easily be made vegan. With these swaps, your Colcannon Soup will be 100% vegan and still delicious.

Butter – Replace the butter with a plant based alternative like vegan butter or olive oil.

Milk and Cream – Use unsweetened plant based milk, such as almond, soy, or oat milk. For the cream, you can substitute with canned coconut milk (for a creamier texture) or a thick cashew cream (blend soaked cashews with water until smooth).

Broth / Stock – Use a vegetable or vegan friendly broth instead of chicken broth.

Bacon or Ham – Leave out the bacon or ham, or use vegan bacon alternatives. Tempeh bacon or smoked paprika to get that smoky flavor.

Colcannon Soup Serving Suggestions

Colcannon Soup pairs beautifully with a thick slice of buttered toast or crusty bread to soak up the creamy broth. For an authentic Irish experience, serve it alongside traditional Irish soda bread. The dense hearty texture of soda bread complements the richness of the soup perfectly.

Storing and Reheating Colcannon Soup

Colcannon Soup stores well and is a perfect dish to meal prep. Store Colcannon Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to a month. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it in a bowl. If the soup thickens just add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.

Health Benefits of Colcannon Soup

Colcannon Soup is a comforting, nutrient packed dish. Potatoes provide vitamin C and potassium, while cabbage is rich in fiber and antioxidants. When made with plant based ingredients, the soup can be low in fat and calories, making it a heart healthy meal. Plus, the use of fresh vegetables boosts your intake of essential vitamins and minerals.

Print Recipe

Colcannon Soup Recipe

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 People

Ingredients

• 2 lbs potatoes (1kg) peeled and diced
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 large leek white and light green parts only, chopped
• 1 onion diced
• 4 cups cabbage shredded (and/or kale if preferred)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 6 slices of bacon cooked and crumbled (or ham)

Instructions

• Cook the Potatoes

  In a large pot, add the diced potatoes and cover them with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.
• Saute the Vegetables

  In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped leek and onion, cook for about 5 minutes until soft. Stir in the cabbage (or kale) and cook for another 5-7 minutes until tender.
• Add Broth and Simmer

  Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
• Mash the Potatoes

  While the soup simmers, lightly mash the cooked potatoes, leaving some chunks for texture. Add the mashed potatoes back into the soup.
• Add Milk and Cream

  Stir in the milk and heavy cream, then season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to heat for another 5 minutes, being careful not to let it boil.
• Optional – Add Bacon or Ham

  For extra flavor, stir in the crumbled bacon or diced ham at the end.
• Serve

  Ladle the soup into bowls and top with more crumbled bacon if desired. Serve with a slice of buttered bread or Irish soda bread for a hearty meal.

There you have it Colcannon Soup, a hearty Irish dish perfect for warming you up from the inside out. Whether you are looking to celebrate your Irish roots or simply craving a delicious unique hearty meal, this soup has it all. It is easy to make, incredibly versatile, and perfect for any occasion.

Now that you know the secrets to the perfect bowl of Colcannon Soup, grab your ingredients and get cooking!

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