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Irish Potato Soup Recipe

Irish Potato Soup Recipe

5 from 22 reviews

A comforting Irish Potato Soup featuring creamy potatoes, leeks, and savory herbs, perfect for a warming meal. This recipe is easy to prepare and adaptable for vegan diets by substituting dairy ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 large leek, cleaned and sliced (white and light green parts only)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Fats

  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with plant-based cream for a vegan option)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for vegan)

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat or heat olive oil if making a vegan option. Add the chopped onion, leek, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, building the flavor base for the soup.
  2. Add Potatoes and Herbs: Stir in the diced potatoes, fresh thyme leaves, and bay leaf. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the herbs to release their aroma and the potatoes to begin absorbing flavors.
  3. Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender, ensuring the soup develops a rich, cohesive taste.
  4. Blend Soup: Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Blend the soup to a smooth consistency using an immersion blender or carefully transfer to a blender. This step creates the creamy texture characteristic of Irish potato soup.
  5. Add Cream and Season: Stir in the heavy cream or plant-based cream substitute. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, then simmer for another 5 minutes until heated through, blending the flavors perfectly.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately for a comforting and hearty meal.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil and heavy cream with plant-based cream such as coconut or cashew cream.
  • Using a high-quality vegetable broth enhances the flavor profile significantly.
  • If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half the soup and stir in the rest of the diced potatoes.
  • Fresh thyme pairs best, but dried thyme can be used in half the quantity if fresh is unavailable.
  • Garnish with crispy bacon or shredded cheese if not vegan for added richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish Potato Soup, creamy potato soup, leek soup, vegetarian soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, Irish cuisine