Hearty Irish Classic: Corned Beef And Cabbage Soup Recipe

Steaming bowls of comfort emerge from kitchens when corned beef and cabbage soup beckons hungry souls.

Cold days demand warm, satisfying meals that chase away winter’s chill.

Rich aromas of tender meat and soft vegetables swirl through this classic recipe.

Each spoonful promises a hearty blend of traditional flavors and comforting warmth.

The soup combines robust corned beef with sweet cabbage for a perfectly balanced meal.

Salt and pepper enhance the deep, savory notes that make this dish irresistible.

Settle in and savor every delicious bite of this soul-warming culinary embrace.

Tips To Try For Corned Beef And Cabbage Soup

• Perfect Simmering Technique: Cook the corned beef low and slow to ensure maximum tenderness, allowing the meat to break down gradually and absorb all the delicious broth flavors.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining soup into a hearty shepherd's pie by transferring to a baking dish, topping with mashed potatoes, and baking until golden brown and crispy.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace water with dairy-free vegetable broth and skip any potential cream additions to make the soup completely lactose-free and suitable for those with dairy sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap potatoes with cauliflower chunks to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining a similar texture and absorbing the rich broth flavors perfectly.
• Spice It Up: Add a dash of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes during the sautéing stage to introduce a subtle heat that complements the savory corned beef and enhances the overall soup complexity.

How To Serve Corned Beef And Cabbage Soup

• St. Patrick's Day Feast: Serve this hearty soup as the centerpiece of a traditional Irish-inspired meal with rustic bread and green salad.
• Cozy Comfort Platter: Pair the soup with crusty sourdough, butter on the side, and a light beer for a warming winter dinner that hugs your soul.
• Leftover Magic Makeover: Transform remaining soup into a rich pot pie by topping with flaky puff pastry and baking until golden brown and bubbling.
• Meal Prep Champion: Store in airtight containers for easy lunches, garnishing with fresh herbs right before eating to brighten up the flavors.

Keep Corned Beef And Cabbage Soup Tasty

• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Store leftover soup in airtight containers, keeping portions separate for quick reheating during busy weekdays. Refrigerated soup stays fresh for 3-4 days.
• Freezing Magic: Cool soup completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Sealed soup maintains excellent quality for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating Wisdom: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently on stovetop, stirring occasionally to restore original texture and prevent scorching. Add small splash of broth if soup seems too thick.
• Temperature Safety: Always check soup reaches 165°F when reheating to eliminate potential bacteria. Discard any soup left at room temperature for over 2 hours to ensure food safety.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours 40 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 7

Everything Needed For Corned Beef And Cabbage Soup

• Leeks: Bring a mild, sweet onion essence that adds depth and sophistication to the soup's foundation.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, pungent kick that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Bay Leaves: Infuse a subtle herbal complexity that complements the hearty meat.
• Parsley: Offers a fresh, bright note that cuts through the richness of the soup.

• Corned Beef: Choose a high-quality, well-marbled cut for maximum tenderness and rich, salty flavor.

• Carrots: Add natural sweetness and a vibrant orange color to the soup.
• Bell Pepper: Introduces a mild, sweet crunch and additional nutritional value.
• Potatoes: Select waxy varieties that hold their shape and provide a creamy, satisfying texture.
• Cabbage: Opt for fresh, crisp cabbage that adds a delightful bite and traditional Irish character.

• Water or Broth: Select a rich, flavorful stock to enhance the overall taste of the soup.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for a smooth, fruity base that supports the sautéing process.

• Black Pepper: Freshly ground for a sharp, aromatic seasoning that awakens the palate.

Gear To Use For Corned Beef And Cabbage Soup

• Large Soup Pot: Essential for cooking and simmering all ingredients together, with enough space to hold the soup.
• Two Forks: Perfect for easily shredding the tender corned beef into bite-sized pieces.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping leeks, garlic, carrots, bell pepper, potatoes, and cabbage.
• Sharp Knife: Critical for precise vegetable and meat preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately measuring broth or water.

Easy Way To Make Corned Beef And Cabbage Soup

• Kickstart the Flavor Base

Warm up a big soup pot and drizzle in some olive oil. Toss in chopped leeks and let them dance around for 4-5 minutes until they soften. Sprinkle in garlic, carrots, and bell peppers, stirring everything to create a delicious foundation.

• Tenderize the Corned Beef

Drop the corned beef into the pot with water or broth, along with bay leaves and parsley. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then dial down the heat. Let everything simmer gently, covered, for about 3 hours until the meat becomes mouthwateringly tender.

• Shred and Return

Lift the beef out of the pot and break it into delectable shreds using two forks. Return these juicy meat pieces back into the simmering liquid.

• Build the Hearty Texture

Introduce cubed potatoes and chopped cabbage into the pot. Allow everything to bubble and meld together uncovered for 30-40 minutes until the vegetables surrender their crispness.

• Final Touch and Serve

Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper across the surface. Scatter some extra parsley on top and ladle this comforting soup into waiting bowls. Enjoy the warmth and richness of this classic dish.

Hearty Corned Beef And Cabbage Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Irish corned beef and cabbage soup blends hearty meat with classic vegetables in a comforting broth. Home cooks can savor this warming dish that celebrates traditional flavors with simple ingredients and rich cultural heritage.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (0.45 kg) lean corned beef brisket, fat trimmed
• 6 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
• 2 leeks (white and light green parts only), chopped
• 3 medium carrots, chopped
• 1 large russet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 small head green cabbage, cored and chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• ¼ cup (4 tbsps) chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
• 2 tsps olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, gently sautéing leeks until translucent and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Vegetable Symphony: Incorporate minced garlic, diced carrots, and bell peppers, allowing them to soften and release their essential flavors for 2-3 minutes.
3. Meat Immersion: Nestle corned beef into the vegetable base, pour water or broth, add bay leaves and parsley. Bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
4. Tenderizing Process: Cover and slow-cook for 3 hours, allowing the meat to become incredibly tender and absorb the herbaceous essence of the surrounding ingredients.
5. Meat Preparation: Remove corned beef, shred meticulously using two forks, creating succulent strands that will distribute evenly throughout the soup.
6. Final Cooking Stage: Return shredded meat to the pot, introduce cubed potatoes and chopped cabbage. Simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes until vegetables reach perfect tenderness.
7. Finishing Touches: Season with freshly cracked black pepper and optional parsley garnish, creating a robust and flavorful Irish-inspired soup ready to be served.

Notes

• Slow-Cook for Tenderness: Simmer the corned beef on low heat for 3 hours to guarantee melt-in-your-mouth meat texture and develop rich, deep flavors.
• Vegetable Timing Matters: Add potatoes and cabbage later in cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain their fresh, firm texture while absorbing the soup’s delicious broth.
• Control Liquid Consistency: Monitor broth levels during long cooking process, adding extra water or broth if needed to prevent soup from becoming too thick or dry.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Consider adding a splash of Guinness or red wine during simmering to introduce complex, robust undertones that complement the corned beef’s saltiness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 40mg