🎉 Introduction
When it comes to cozy, soul-warming soups, the Irish know their way around a pot. This Irish Smoked Turkey, Cabbage & Potato Soup is inspired by the rustic flavors of the Emerald Isle, where hearty vegetables and smoky, savory meats come together in a simple yet deeply satisfying way.
Traditionally made with bacon, this version swaps it for smoky turkey strips so you can enjoy all the depth of flavor without pork. The result? A hearty bowl filled with tender potatoes, soft cabbage, caramelized onions, and fragrant herbs, all swimming in a creamy, savory broth.
Perfect for chilly days, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, or anytime you crave a taste of Ireland, this soup is easy to prepare and uses simple ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. Serve it with warm soda bread or crusty artisan bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Peeler (for potatoes)
- Small whisk (for cream)
🛒 Ingredients
Meats:
- 6 slices smoked turkey strips (or turkey bacon), chopped
Fruits & Vegetables:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups green cabbage, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
Canned Goods:
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
Culinary Aids & Spices:
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dairy Products:
- ½ cup heavy cream
Liquids:
- 2 cups water
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Sauté the Smoky Turkey
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook chopped smoked turkey strips over medium heat until slightly crispy, about 4–5 minutes.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving a bit of the rendered fat for flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
- Add diced onion to the pot and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables & Broth
- Add cubed potatoes, chopped cabbage, chicken or vegetable stock, and water.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15–18 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
- Stir in heavy cream and return smoked turkey to the pot. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to warm through.
Step 5: Finish & Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6 bowls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: ~35 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
- Freeze without cream for up to 2 months. Add cream after reheating for best texture.
Reheating:
- Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of stock or water if too thick.
🥄 Variations
- Herb Boost: Add thyme or bay leaves while simmering.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip smoked turkey and add extra potatoes and carrots.
- Extra Creamy: Use half-and-half cream and add a knob of butter before serving.
- Chunky Style: Keep potatoes in larger cubes for a heartier bite.
- Pureed Option: Blend half the soup for a thicker texture.
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar before serving.
- Low-Carb: Swap potatoes for diced cauliflower.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I still make this without smoked turkey?
Yes—just use extra vegetables or a vegetarian sausage alternative.
2. Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Yes, but it will slightly change the color of the broth.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—use coconut cream or oat cream.
4. Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes—cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
5. Can I use leftover roasted turkey?
Absolutely—add it at the end to warm through.
6. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes—carrots, celery, or leeks are great additions.
7. Can I thicken the soup?
Yes—mash some potatoes directly in the pot.
8. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes—store and reheat gently before serving.
9. How do I make it more flavorful?
Add a dash of smoked paprika or Worcestershire sauce (vegetarian if needed).
10. Can I serve it with bread?
Yes—Irish soda bread or crusty baguette pairs perfectly.
🏁 Conclusion
This Irish Smoked Turkey, Cabbage & Potato Soup is a rich, hearty, and comforting bowl that captures the essence of traditional Irish cooking—without the pork. With smoky turkey, tender vegetables, and a creamy broth, it’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out. Whether you make it for a festive occasion or a cozy winter night, it’s bound to become a family favorite.
Irish Smoked Turkey, Cabbage & Potato Soup | Hearty & Comforting Without Pork
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook chopped smoked turkey strips over medium heat until slightly crispy, about 4–5 minutes.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving a bit of the rendered fat for flavor.
- Add diced onion to the pot and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cubed potatoes, chopped cabbage, chicken or vegetable stock, and water.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15–18 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and return smoked turkey to the pot. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to warm through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezer: Freeze without cream for up to 2 months. Add cream after reheating for best texture. Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of stock or water if too thick. 🥄 Variations
Herb Boost: Add thyme or bay leaves while simmering. Vegetarian Version: Skip smoked turkey and add extra potatoes and carrots. Extra Creamy: Use half-and-half cream and add a knob of butter before serving. Chunky Style: Keep potatoes in larger cubes for a heartier bite. Pureed Option: Blend half the soup for a thicker texture. Cheesy Twist: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar before serving. Low-Carb: Swap potatoes for diced cauliflower. ❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I still make this without smoked turkey?
Yes—just use extra vegetables or a vegetarian sausage alternative. 2. Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Yes, but it will slightly change the color of the broth. 3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—use coconut cream or oat cream. 4. Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes—cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. 5. Can I use leftover roasted turkey?
Absolutely—add it at the end to warm through. 6. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes—carrots, celery, or leeks are great additions. 7. Can I thicken the soup?
Yes—mash some potatoes directly in the pot. 8. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes—store and reheat gently before serving. 9. How do I make it more flavorful?
Add a dash of smoked paprika or Worcestershire sauce (vegetarian if needed). 10. Can I serve it with bread?
Yes—Irish soda bread or crusty baguette pairs perfectly. 🏁 Conclusion
This Irish Smoked Turkey, Cabbage & Potato Soup is a rich, hearty, and comforting bowl that captures the essence of traditional Irish cooking—without the pork. With smoky turkey, tender vegetables, and a creamy broth, it’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out. Whether you make it for a festive occasion or a cozy winter night, it’s bound to become a family favorite.
