Creamy Colcannon Soup is a soul-warming Irish classic that will instantly bring comfort to your table. This delightful soup is inspired by the traditional Irish dish of mashed potatoes and cabbage, combining buttery potatoes, tender green cabbage, and a rich, creamy broth. It’s the perfect dish to cozy up with on chilly nights, making it an ideal addition to your St. Patrick’s Day menu or any winter gathering. The rustic flavors and nourishing ingredients come together to create a soup that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Colcannon Soup
There are countless reasons to adore this cream potato soup. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners. Second, the ingredients are simple and often found in your pantry, ensuring you can whip it up whenever a craving strikes. Third, it’s packed with nutrients from the cabbage and potatoes, making it a wholesome meal. Fourth, this soup is vegetarian, catering to various dietary preferences. Additionally, it’s versatile; you can add bacon for a heartier meal or keep it vegan with plant-based cream. Lastly, the creamy texture and rich flavor make it a standout among creamy vegetable soups.
Ingredients for Creamy Colcannon Soup
Gather these items:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 3 large russet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 scallion, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 bay leaf or a sprig of thyme (for added aroma)
How to Make Creamy Colcannon Soup Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until softened.
- Step 2: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add sliced cabbage and cook for 5–7 minutes, until it softens slightly.
- Step 3: Add cubed potatoes, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. If using, add a bay leaf or thyme sprig.
- Step 4: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Step 5: Remove bay leaf or thyme sprig (if used). Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth and creamy. For a chunkier soup, blend only half.
- Step 6: Stir in cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 7: Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped scallions. Serve warm with crusty bread or Irish soda bread.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Creamy Colcannon Soup
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more or less vegetable broth.
- Consider adding bacon for a colcannon soup with bacon option, enhancing the flavor profile.
- Stovetop is the best method for even cooking; avoid using high heat.
Best Ways to Serve Creamy Colcannon Soup
This soup pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty bread for dipping
- Irish soda bread for a traditional touch
- Simple green salad for a refreshing contrast
How to Store and Reheat Creamy Colcannon Soup
To store, let the soup cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to retain its creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Colcannon Soup
What is colcannon soup?
Colcannon soup is a traditional Irish dish that combines the classic flavors of colcannon—mashed potatoes and cabbage—into a creamy soup. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for chilly weather.
Can I make Creamy Colcannon Soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this soup a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Colcannon Soup?
To avoid mistakes, ensure your potatoes are fork-tender before blending. Additionally, taste and adjust the seasoning before serving to enhance the flavor. Using fresh ingredients can also make a difference.
Variations of Creamy Colcannon Soup You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with these variations:
- For a twist, add kale for a colcannon soup with kale.
- Incorporate leeks for a creamy leek and potato soup variation.
- Try a vegan creamy colcannon soup with plant-based cream and vegetable broth.
- For added depth, mix in fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a colcannon soup with herbs.
Irresistible Creamy Colcannon Soup for Cozy Nights
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy colcannon soup is a soul-warming Irish classic inspired by traditional mashed potatoes and cabbage. Made with buttery potatoes, tender green cabbage, and a rich broth finished with a splash of cream, it’s rustic, nourishing, and perfectly cozy for chilly nights or a St. Patrick’s Day menu.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 3 large russet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 scallion, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 bay leaf or a sprig of thyme (for added aroma)
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add sliced cabbage and cook for 5–7 minutes, until it softens slightly.
- Add cubed potatoes, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. If using, add a bay leaf or thyme sprig.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Remove bay leaf or thyme sprig (if used). Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth and creamy. For a chunkier soup, blend only half.
- Stir in cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped scallions. Serve warm with crusty bread or Irish soda bread.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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