Nothing beats a warm bowl of Irish Vegetable Soup on a chilly day. This creamy and nourishing soup is a staple in Irish kitchens, known for its simple ingredients and comforting flavors. Made with fresh vegetables, a light broth, and a creamy finish, this soup is a perfect balance of taste and nutrition.
Irish vegetable soup is versatile, allowing you to use whatever vegetables you have on hand. It’s naturally vegetarian, but you can customize it with different broths or proteins. Plus, it’s an excellent way to get a good dose of vitamins and fiber in a single meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a soothing dinner, this soup is sure to satisfy.
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples and fresh vegetables.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Creamy & Comforting: A velvety texture without needing heavy cream.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Use your favorite vegetables or add protein for extra nutrition.
- Great for Meal Prep: Stores well and tastes even better the next day.
This Irish vegetable soup is perfect for anyone who loves easy, homemade meals. The combination of root vegetables, herbs, and a creamy base creates a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you enjoy it as a starter or a main dish, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 parsnip, peeled and diced (optional)
- 1 leek, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or cream (or dairy-free alternative)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
Equipment Used:
- Large pot
- Cutting board & knife
- Immersion blender or regular blender
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon
Directions & Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt butter or heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, potatoes, parsnip, and leek. Sauté for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add Garlic & Broth: Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and parsley. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes or until all vegetables are tender.
- Blend to Desired Consistency: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, work in batches to blend the soup and return it to the pot.
- Add Milk & Final Seasoning: Stir in the milk or cream and season with salt and black pepper. If using frozen peas, add them now and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of cream.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (about 1 cup) contains:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fats: 6g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
This Irish vegetable soup is a nutritious meal rich in fiber and essential vitamins. The vegetables provide antioxidants and natural sweetness, making this a great option for a healthy diet.
For a lower-calorie version, use low-fat milk or skip the cream entirely.
Prep Time and Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations:
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk and olive oil instead of butter.
- Chunky Soup: Skip blending for a hearty vegetable soup.
- Protein Boost: Add cooked lentils or shredded chicken.
- Extra Flavor: Stir in grated cheese for a richer taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Q: Can I freeze Irish vegetable soup?
A: Absolutely! Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Q: What can I serve with this soup?
A: This soup pairs well with Irish soda bread, a fresh salad, or a grilled cheese sandwich.
Pro Tips By Lynda:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher the veggies, the better the flavor.
- Blend Carefully: If using a regular blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending.
- Adjust Consistency: Add more broth for a thinner soup or more potatoes for a thicker consistency.
- Season to Taste: Always taste the soup before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with warm crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and a swirl of cream.
- Pair with a simple green salad for a light lunch.
Traditional Irish Vegetable Soup : Hearty & Comforting
Nothing beats a warm bowl of Irish Vegetable Soup on a chilly day. This creamy and nourishing soup is a staple in Irish kitchens, known for its simple ingredients and comforting flavors
- Large pot
- Cutting board & knife
- Immersion blender or regular blender
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 carrots (peeled and diced)
- 2 potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 parsnip (peeled and diced (optional))
- 1 leek (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or cream (or dairy-free alternative)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt butter or heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, potatoes, parsnip, and leek. Sauté for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add Garlic & Broth: Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and parsley. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes or until all vegetables are tender.
- Blend to Desired Consistency: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, work in batches to blend the soup and return it to the pot.
- Add Milk & Final Seasoning: Stir in the milk or cream and season with salt and black pepper. If using frozen peas, add them now and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of cream
Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher the veggies, the better the flavor.
Blend Carefully: If using a regular blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending.
Adjust Consistency: Add more broth for a thinner soup or more potatoes for a thicker consistency.
