Warm up with a hearty Irish potato soup recipe
Welcome to my kitchen! As a chef specializing in traditional British cuisine, I have a passion for creating recipes that provide comfort and warmth. Today, I want to share with you my personal favorite recipe for Grandda’s Irish Potato Soup. This hearty and flavorful soup is the perfect dish for any season, but especially during the cold winter months.
I am thrilled to share this recipe with you because it has been passed down through generations of my family, and it reminds me of my grandmother’s and grandfather’s loving presence each time I make it. This particular recipe has been modified over the years to become even more delicious while still holding true to its roots.
One of the many reasons I love this Irish potato soup is because it’s simple yet decadent. Every spoonful is filled with chunks of potatoes, onions, and celery, making it both nutritious and satisfying. The fresh thyme and sour cream add a touch of elegance, making this rustic soup into something luxurious.
Whether you’re planning a cozy night in or hosting a large gathering with friends and family, Grandda’s Irish Potato Soup is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. So why not give it a try? Follow me as I guide you through each step of this mouthwatering soup recipe. Get ready to transport your taste buds straight to Ireland with every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a warm and hearty soup that will take you back to your roots? Look no further than Grandma’s Irish Potato Soup recipe. This traditional Irish dish is sure to become a staple in your family’s menu rotation.
What makes this soup so special? For starters, it’s made with simple ingredients that are easy to find and inexpensive. You won’t have to spend a fortune at the grocery store to make this delicious meal.
In addition, this soup is packed full of flavor. The combination of new potatoes, onions, celery, and fresh thyme creates a savory base that will tantalize your taste buds. And let’s not forget about the bacon bits and fresh chives on top – they add an irresistible crunch and burst of freshness to each spoonful.
But perhaps the best thing about this soup is the comfort it provides. It’s like a warm hug from your grandmother – it warms the soul and instills a sense of nostalgia that only comes from dishes made with love. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just need some home-style comfort food, Grandma’s Irish Potato Soup has got you covered.
So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and experience the best of traditional Irish cuisine in your own kitchen.
Ingredient List
Here are all the potato soup ingredients you need to make the best traditional Irish Potato Soup recipe.
Vegetables
- 2 pounds of russet potatoes scrubbed and cut into small pieces
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 cup celery chopped
Dairy products
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Herbs and spices
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tbsp fresh thyme (chopped)
- Fresh chives for garnish
Other Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- Bacon bits or pound bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
- Flour (2 tbsp)
These homely ingredients are selected to ensure that every scoop of soup warms your heart with a rich savannah style Irish flavor packed with creamy potatoes, onions, stock and more.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you’ve gathered all of the ingredients for this Grandda’s Irish Potato Soup Recipe, it’s time for the fun part – cooking! Trust me, you don’t need to be a master chef to make this recipe. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a bowl of warm, creamy and delicious soup in no time.
Step 1: Melt Butter
Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large soup pot over medium heat.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Celery
Add 1 chopped onion and 1 cup of chopped celery to the pot with the melted butter. Sauté for 5 minutes or until the onion is soft and translucent.
Step 3: Add Potatoes
Add 6 potatoes (2 pounds) scrubbed and roughly chopped into bite-sized pieces to the pot. Cover with water (about 6 cups), bring to a boil then reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Mash Potatoes
Once potatoes are cooked, use a potato masher or fork to mash them directly in the soup pot until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 5: Add Half-and-half, Thyme, White Pepper
Stir in 1 cup of half-and-half, 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme and 1 teaspoon of white pepper. Allow soup to simmer on medium-low heat for 15 minutes until heated through.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle soup into bowls and add toppings like sour cream, bacon bits, or freshly cut chives, if desired. Serve with some crusty bread on the side!
This recipe can easily feed up to four people, but if you’re looking for leftovers, simply double or triple ingredients for more servings. Follow the tips below for perfect results.
Substitutions and Variations
As with any recipe, it’s always fun to try out different variations and substitutions to put a unique spin on Grandma’s Irish Potato Soup Recipe. Here are a few ideas:
– Bacon: Swap in some pancetta or ham instead of bacon bits for a heavier meaty flavor.
– Veggies: To switch things up, consider adding carrots or leeks into the mix. They will give the soup an extra depth of flavor and texture.
– Dairy: Instead of half-and-half, you could try heavy cream for an even richer soup. Also, use buttermilk mixed with sour cream for extra tanginess.
– Gluten-free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour if you have an allergy.
– Vegetarian: Substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock and toss in some vegetarian bacon bits.
– Spices: Experiment with adding herbs and spices that are suitable for your taste buds. I would suggest trying smoked paprika, nutmeg, cumin, or coriander; they’ll bring a different dimension of flavor to the soup.
With these creative suggestions, it’ll be hard not to make out-of-the-box combinations that suit your preferences. Make sure you take notes in order to recreate your favourite variation combo. Even though these options provide a new take on tradition Irish Potato Soup; the core comfort recipe ingredients will still be flavoursome and hearty with each spoonful.
Serving and Pairing
This Irish potato soup is best served hot and paired with some crispy bacon bits, sour cream, and freshly chopped chives. The addition of these toppings will not only enhance the flavor but also add a delightful texture to the soup.
If you are looking for a more filling meal, try serving it with some potato cakes made from leftover mashed potatoes or a hearty slice of homemade bread. The creamy and velvety texture of the soup will complement the crispy exterior of the potato cakes or the softness of bread perfectly.
For a complete Irish-themed spread, serve this soup alongside other classic dishes such as colcannon soup, Irish stew, or creamy leek soup. You could also pair it with your favorite salad for a lighter option.
This soup pairs well with a variety of beverages such as a pint of Guinness or any other beer of your preference. However, if you’re opting for something non-alcoholic, try it with a cup of warm tea, coffee, or even hot cocoa.
Overall, serving and pairing options for this traditional Irish potato soup recipe are endless. Get creative and enjoy this comfort food on any occasion, may it be St. Patrick’s Day or just as a comforting dish on a rainy day.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to making Irish potato soup, there are some great make-ahead, storing, and reheating tips that can help you save time and hassle. Making the soup ahead of time is a great option for days when you know you won’t have a lot of time to spare in the kitchen. The good news is that this soup stores extremely well in the fridge and freezer, so you can easily make large batches and save some for later.
To make-ahead, simply follow the recipe instructions but don’t add any toppings like sour cream, bacon bits or fresh chives, as these can become soggy when the soup is stored. Simply let the soup cool down completely before transferring it into an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat the potato soup from frozen state: take it out from the freezer and place it into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it comes back to boil. Let it cook for additional 5 – 10 minutes until hot all over, then serve.
If you are reheating from fridge temperature: Pour out your desired quantity of soup and warm it over medium heat while stirring occasionally. Add more water or half-and-half if needed to get desired consistency.
When storing or reheating the soup, be sure to avoid overcooking it as this can cause the potatoes to become mushy and lose their texture. Reheating slowly and gently helps maintain its original flavour and texture.
Irish potato soup is perfect comfort food for those chilly days that are yet to come. With these tips on how to make-ahead, store, and reheat your soup properly, you’ll have yourself some delicious home-cooked meals – just like grandma’s Irish potato soup recipe!
Tips for Perfect Results
As an expert British chef specializing in traditional Irish cuisine, I have some helpful tips to make sure that your Irish Potato Soup is a true masterpiece. Here are my top tips for achieving the best results:
1. Make sure to use the freshest ingredients possible for maximum flavor. It can make all the difference in creating an unforgettable dish.
2. Use a good quality butter to sauté the onions and celery until they are aromatic and lightly browned before adding the potatoes.
3. When adding water, be mindful not to add too much or too little, as this can affect the consistency of your soup.
4. Experiment with different types of potatoes to find the perfect ones for your soup. While new potatoes work well, you can also try russet potatoes for a heartier texture.
5. To make it ultra-creamy, use milk or half-and-half instead of water, but be careful not to boil it vigorously or it may curdle.
6. Don’t be afraid to add other seasonings and ingredients such as fresh thyme and white pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
7. One simple way to make it more hearty is to top it off with bacon bits, sour cream, or fresh chives from your garden.
8. If you like it chunky, blend only half of the soup for a thicker texture and leave the remaining soup as is for extra bites.
By following these tips and being creative with variations, you can make a delicious bowl of Irish Potato Soup that will warm hearts and bellies alike!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of traditional Irish potato soup to warm your soul on a chilly day. With this recipe, passed down through generations of grandmothers and perfected over time, you’ll be able to recreate that same feeling of homey comfort in your own kitchen.
Whether you stick to the classic ingredients or experiment with substitutions and variations, this soup has endless possibilities for customization. Pair it with some warm bread or savory potato cakes and you’ve got a meal fit for any occasion. And don’t forget to top it off with some sour cream, bacon bits, and fresh chives for an added touch of richness and flavor.
So the next time you’re in the mood for a hearty and delicious soup, give this recipe a try. It’s sure to satisfy your taste buds and warm your heart just like grandma’s Irish potato soup always does.
Grandda’s Irish Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (1 7/8 ounce) package leek soup mix
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
- 1 lb cubed new potato
- 1 1/3 cups French-fried onions
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans cheddar cheese soup
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives
- bacon bits
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
Instructions
- in a large kettle bring water and stock to a boil add potatoes, leek soup mix Thyme, peppers, and chives.
- Simmer about 30 minutesstir in cheddar soup til well blended.
- in a small saucepan, melt teh butter then add teh flour to form a roux cook 3 minutes stirring constantly.
- stir into potato mixture.
- simmer 12 minutes
- Top with french fried onions, Sour cream and bacon bits.
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.