Hearty Irish White Bean & Cabbage Soup Recipe
Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to an irresistible recipe that will warm your heart and soul: Crockpot Irish White Bean and Cabbage Soup Recipe. I have been a chef for many years, and one of the things I love the most about my job is crafting traditional dishes that have been passed down from generation to generation. This particular recipe is a classic in Ireland, loved by many for its flavorful combination of white beans, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes.
One of the greatest things about this recipe is how simple it is to make. The ingredients are easy to find, and the prep work won’t take you more than 30 minutes. Once everything is in the crockpot, all you need to do is sit back and let the slow cooker work its magic. You’ll know it’s ready when your house fills with the delightful aroma of the herbs and vegetables.
This dish is perfect for those days when you need a comforting bowl of soup or when you want to impress your guests with a delicious Irish stew. Not only is it nutritious and filling, but it’s also versatile enough to accommodate different dietary preferences.
So what are you waiting for? Put on your favorite apron and let’s start cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old basic soup recipes? Do you want to try something new and exciting without sacrificing on taste? Look no further than the Crockpot Irish White Bean and Cabbage Soup Recipe!
This hearty stew is packed full of delicious ingredients that will make your taste buds dance with joy. The combination of white beans, cabbage, vegetables, and seasonings creates a flavor profile that is both savory and satisfying.
Not only is this recipe tasty, it’s also healthy! It’s low in fat and high in protein and fiber, making it the perfect meal for those looking to watch their waistline without compromising on flavor.
Another great thing about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients to cater to your personal preferences or dietary restrictions. Don’t have white beans? No worries, you can use navy beans instead. Prefer sweet potatoes over regular potatoes? Go ahead and toss some in!
Plus, with its simple preparation method using a slow cooker, this soup practically cooks itself! Just chop up your ingredients and toss them into the crockpot to simmer away for hours. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen.
Overall, the Crockpot Irish White Bean and Cabbage Soup Recipe is a delicious, healthy, and versatile option that will quickly become a family favorite. Give it a try and see why you’ll love it too!
Ingredient List
Let’s talk ingredients! To make this hearty soup, you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb dried Great Northern beans
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 carrots, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 3 ribs celery, chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 heads cabbage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon caraway seed
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
The vegetables in this soup are flexible, so use what you have on hand. You can use red potatoes instead of white if that’s what you have. Want to reduce the prep time? Try using pre-chopped onions or coleslaw mix in place of the cabbage. As always, fresh herbs will give your slow-cooked dishes a beautiful aroma and flavor.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, it’s time to bring our Irish White Bean and Cabbage Soup to life! This slow cooker recipe is so easy, you can just throw everything into the pot and let it cook on its own. Here’s how to make it happen:
Step 1: Prep your Vegetables and Seasonings
The key to any delicious soup recipe is great prep work. Take your time chopping up your onion, slicing your carrots, mincing your garlic cloves, and chopping up your celery ribs. Then, chop up the head of cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
Once everything is prepped, toss them into a large slow cooker with some rosemary, thyme, caraway seeds, a bay leaf, some salt and black pepper. Next, pour in enough vegetable broth to cover the vegetables. Give everything a good stir.
Step 2: Add in the Beans and Pearl Barley
Add in two cans of great northern beans along with one cup of dried pearl barley.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Diced Tomatoes
Peel and cut a large potato into bite-sized pieces and add them to the mix along with a can of diced tomatoes.
Step 4: Cook It All Up
Cook everything together in a slow cooker on low for at least 5-6 hours or until the vegetables are all cooked through.
Step 5: Serve It Up!
When it’s ready, ladle out piping hot bowls of our delicious Irish White Bean and Cabbage Soup and sprinkle some fresh parsley over each bowl as garnish. You’ll be amazed at how tasty this dish is – perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner!
Substitutions and Variations
Folks, when it comes to cooking, there is always more than one way to skin a cat. Well, not that I’d recommend skinning any cats, but you get the point. There are plenty of substitutions and variations you can make to this recipe to suit your taste buds or dietary needs.
Firstly, let’s talk beans. Now, it calls for great northern beans in this recipe, but if those aren’t available in your pantry or you just don’t like them, you can use navy beans or cannellini beans instead. They both have a similar taste and texture that will work well in this soup.
As for the vegetables, if cabbage isn’t your thing (what’s wrong with you?), you could substitute it with kale or even spinach. Just remember that spinach doesn’t require as much time in the slow cooker as cabbage does.
If you want to add some meaty goodness to this bean and cabbage stew recipe, you could try adding corned beef or some delicious Irish sausage. Cook them beforehand and add them at the end of the cooking process along with the bean-cabbage mixture.
Now, let’s get wild with some seasoning! If you’re a fan of heat, try adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to give it a kick. Want to infuse it with an exotic flavor? Add a teaspoon of curry powder or garam masala for that extra zing.
And lastly, if you’re on a low-carb or gluten-free diet, you could swap out the pearl barley for some quinoa or cauliflower rice. It won’t be quite the same texture-wise, but it’ll still taste great.
So go ahead and experiment with these substitutions and variations. You might just discover a new family-favorite Irish white bean and cabbage soup recipe in no time!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your Crockpot Irish White Bean and Cabbage Soup is all done, it’s time to serve it up and enjoy it with your favorite pairings! The soup is hearty and filling enough to be served as a main dish, but can also be a great starter.
I recommend trying the soup with freshly baked bread or crackers on the side for some extra texture. My personal favorite is dipping some crusty sourdough bread into the soup – the flavors complement each other perfectly. You can also sprinkle some fresh parsley on top of the soup for added flavor and color.
If you want to elevate the meal even further, try pairing it with a Guinness beer or Irish whiskey cocktail. The rich and complex flavors in the beer or whiskey will amplify the taste of the soup, making every bite more satisfying.
Another great option is serving the soup with a crisp green salad on the side. The crunchiness of the salad will provide a great contrast to the warm and comforting soup, creating a perfectly balanced meal.
Overall, there are many ways to serve and pair your White Bean and Cabbage Soup. Experiment with different pairings to find what suits your taste buds best. No matter how you decide to serve it, this delicious recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and warm up your soul.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to soups, making them ahead is always a good idea to allow the flavors to mingle together. This recipe for Crockpot Irish White Bean and Cabbage Soup is no exception. Luckily, this soup is perfect for make-ahead meals as well as storing for later.
To make-ahead, simply cook the soup according to the recipe instructions and let it cool at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days until ready to eat.
If you plan on making this hearty soup for meal prep or if you are cooking for a larger crowd, go ahead and double or triple the recipe amount. Store the soup in individual servings in containers so you can reheat them quickly anytime throughout the week. It’s best to store the soup without adding any garnishes such as parsley until after reheating.
When reheating, place the desired amount into a saucepan over medium heat, then add enough vegetable broth or water to maintain its consistency. Stir occasionally until thoroughly reheated – this should take about 5-7 minutes or less depending on how hot your stovetop burners get.
Do not microwave or reheat using high heat or boiling temperatures as it may break down the vegetables and beans, resulting in a mushy appearance and taste. Once the soup is reheated thoroughly, add some fresh parsley on top and serve steaming hot!
This recipe does make a large batch of soup that will serve many people. If you find yourself with leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or placed in the freezer for long-term storage. To thaw frozen soup safely, place it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat following the instructions mentioned earlier.
In short, making Crockpot Irish White Bean and Cabbage Soup is a smart choice when it comes to prepping meals ahead or storing them for later. With these simple guidelines, you can easily meal prep and save time without sacrificing flavor or quality.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now, let’s dive into some tips that will help you achieve the best results with your Crockpot Irish White Bean and Cabbage Soup recipe.
– Soaking the white beans overnight is highly recommended to reduce cooking time and improve texture. Alternatively, you can also use canned beans for convenience, but they may be less flavorful.
– When adding the vegetables to the slow cooker, ensure they’re roughly chopped and of similar size to guarantee even cooking.
– If you prefer a thicker soup consistency, add more pearl barley or diced potatoes towards the end of the cooking time.
– Don’t be afraid to play around with the seasonings according to your personal preference. For instance, if you prefer a bolder flavor, add more caraway seeds or rosemary.
– To save time on prep work, you can chop and measure all the vegetables ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
– For an extra depth of flavor, try using homemade vegetable broth instead of store-bought. But if you’re short on time, any quality vegetable broth will do.
– It’s important not to overload your slow cooker with too many ingredients. Ensure the pot is at least half full but no more than two-thirds full to avoid overflow or undercooked food.
– During cooking, refrain from opening the lid often as it can affect the temperature and increase the cooking time.
– Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and a burst of freshness that complements the hearty flavors of this soup.
By following these tips, you’ll be sure to have a delicious Irish White Bean and Cabbage Soup that will warm your soul and impress your taste buds.
Bottom Line
Now, I hope you are convinced that this Crockpot Irish White Bean and Cabbage Soup Recipe is worth trying. It’s a warm, comforting, and nutritious dish that everyone in your family will love. With the blend of spices and vegetables, it’s perfect for cold nights or when you need something hearty and satisfying.
Don’t forget to follow my step-by-step instructions and use the freshest ingredients for the best taste. Try switching up some of the veggies or using a different type of bean to experiment with variations. And remember, this recipe is not only easy but also affordable and can be made in a slow cooker, so it’s convenient too.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and start cooking! You will find yourself devouring a steaming bowl of this delicious Irish White Bean and Cabbage Soup in no time. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Crockpot Irish White Bean and Cabbage Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 celery ribs, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 head cabbage, chopped
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 1 lb potato, diced
- 1/3 cup pearl barley
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon caraway seed
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 -8 cups vegetable broth
- 28 ounces great northern beans
- 14 ounces diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Place the vegetables, seasonings, and barley into the crockpot. Do not add the beans, tomatoes, or parsley.
- Add enough vegetable broth to just cover the vegetables (start with 6 cups and add more as needed). Cover and cook on low heat for 7 hours.
- Add beans, tomatoes, parsley, and salt to taste. Check seasonings and add more herbs if necessary. Cover and cook for another hour.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.