Irish Potato & Greens Soup Recipe

Quick & Cozy Irish Potato & Greens Soup Recipe

Hearty soups often carry stories of comfort and tradition, and this creamy Irish potato & greens soup weaves a delightful culinary narrative.

Cold winter evenings call for warm, nourishing meals that fill your kitchen with rich aromas.

Potatoes bring earthiness while fresh greens add vibrant nutrition to this classic dish.

Each spoonful connects you to simple, rustic cooking techniques passed through generations.

Robust and satisfying, this soup combines wholesome ingredients with minimal effort.

The recipe transforms everyday vegetables into a luxurious meal that warms both body and soul.

You’ll want to savor every comforting bite of this Irish-inspired culinary treasure.

FAQs

  • Are Irish potatoes different from regular potatoes?

Irish potatoes are actually just a common name for white potatoes. They have a creamy texture and are excellent for soups, mashing, and baking.

  • Can I use other types of greens in this soup?

Absolutely! While the recipe uses kale and cabbage, you can substitute with spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens for similar nutritional benefits and flavor.

  • How can I make this soup more protein-rich?

Add diced cooked ham, crumbled bacon, or white beans to increase the protein content. You can also stir in some shredded chicken for extra substance.

Irish Potato and Greens Soup Warmth in Every Spoonful

  • This soup delivers hearty comfort with minimal kitchen skills needed, perfect for home cooks wanting a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
  • Packed with nutrient-rich greens like kale and cabbage, the recipe provides a wholesome meal that supports your body's health while satisfying hunger.
  • Prepare this soup in under an hour, making it an ideal solution for busy families seeking a fast, nutritious dinner that doesn't compromise on flavor.
  • Easily customizable with whatever greens are fresh and available, this soup works beautifully throughout different seasons and supports local produce choices.

What to Gather for Potato and Greens Soup

Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that provide a creamy base and hearty texture to the soup.
  • Greens: A combination of cabbage, kale, and leeks that add depth of flavor and nutritional value.
Liquid and Dairy:
  • Stock: Provides the liquid foundation and enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
  • Cream: Adds richness and a smooth, velvety finish to the soup.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Bay Leaves, Salt, Pepper, Green Onions: Seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the potatoes and greens.
  • Butter: Adds a rich, smooth base for sautĂ©ing the vegetables and contributes to the soup's depth of flavor.

Tools for Potato and Greens Soup Prep

  • Large pot: Essential for cooking and simmering the soup ingredients.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping leeks, cabbage, kale, and green onions.
  • Sharp knife: Perfect for precise vegetable preparation.
  • Wooden spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure stock and cream.
  • Ladle: Useful for serving the soup smoothly.

Step by Step Potato and Greens Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Greens

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.

Add chopped leeks, shredded cabbage, and roughly torn kale leaves.

Cover the pot and let the vegetables gently cook on low heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the greens become soft and wilted.

Step 2: Simmer Hearty Potatoes

Introduce diced potatoes into the pot along with vegetable or chicken stock, fragrant bay leaves, and a pinch of salt.

Allow the mixture to simmer quietly for 15-20 minutes, letting the potatoes become wonderfully tender and nearly falling apart.

Step 3: Create Creamy Perfection

Remove the pot from the heat.

Stir in freshly ground black pepper, rich heavy cream, and thinly sliced green onions.

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.

The result is a luxurious, warming soup that celebrates Irish culinary simplicity with a vibrant green twist.

Potato Soup Cooking Tips to Try

  • Remove tough stems from kale before chopping to ensure a smoother, less bitter soup texture.
  • SautĂ© leeks and cabbage slowly to caramelize and develop rich, sweet undertones in the base.
  • Mash some potatoes against the pot's side to naturally thicken the soup without adding extra ingredients.
  • Use room temperature cream and stir gently to prevent separation and maintain a silky smooth finish.
  • Garnish with fresh green onion tops and a drizzle of extra cream for a professional restaurant-style look.

New Flavors for Potato and Greens Soup

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly version that maintains rich, creamy texture.
  • Protein Power Boost: Add diced chicken or white beans to increase protein content and create a more substantial meal.
  • Spicy Celtic Kick: Incorporate smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or chorizo to give the soup a warming, bold flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Green Soup: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use homemade stock to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.

Serving Ideas for Irish Potato and Greens Soup

  • Emerald Green Garnish: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh chives or parsley on top for a burst of color and extra herb flavor that complements the soup's earthy tones.
  • Crusty Bread Companion: Serve alongside warm, rustic Irish soda bread or toasted sourdough to soak up the creamy soup and add delightful texture.
  • Cheese Accent: Crumble some sharp Irish cheddar or grated Dubliner cheese over the soup for a rich, tangy finish that elevates the dish's traditional Irish roots.
  • Hearty Side Kick: Pair with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy consistency and add a fresh, crisp element to the meal.

Storing Potato and Greens Soup the Right Way

  • Store soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Transfer frozen soup to refrigerator overnight. Slow thawing prevents texture separation and maintains quality.
  • Warm soup in saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of stock if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming but not boiling to preserve creamy texture.
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Irish Potato & Greens Soup Recipe

Irish Potato & Greens Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Rich irish potato & greens soup celebrates hearty Irish culinary traditions with creamy comfort. Nutritious ingredients blend seamlessly, delivering warmth and deep flavor to nourish souls craving authentic countryside cooking.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Vegetables:

  • 4 cups diced Russet potatoes
  • 2 cups sliced leeks
  • 2 cups chopped green cabbage
  • 2 cups chopped lacinato kale
  • 4 green onions, sliced

Liquid and Seasoning Base:

  • 6 cups chicken stock
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 6 tablespoons (88 milliliters) unsalted butter
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

Instructions

  1. Gently melt butter in a large pot, then incorporate chopped leeks, shredded cabbage, and kale. Cover and simmer on low heat for 12-15 minutes, allowing the greens to soften and release their aromatic flavors.
  2. Add diced potatoes, vegetable stock, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt to the wilted greens. Maintain a gentle simmer for 15-20 minutes, ensuring potatoes become tender and begin to break down slightly, creating a rich, creamy texture.
  3. Remove the pot from heat and discard bay leaves. Stir in freshly ground black pepper, heavy cream, and finely chopped green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, creating a harmonious blend of earthy greens and smooth potato base.

Notes

  • Enhance greens’ flavor by adding a splash of white wine while sautĂ©ing for deeper, more complex taste profile.
  • Swap dairy cream with coconut milk for a vegan-friendly version that maintains rich, creamy texture.
  • Consider garnishing with crispy bacon bits or toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch and protein boost.
  • Adjust soup consistency by using an immersion blender to create smoother texture or leaving chunks for rustic feel.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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