Irish cuisine is renowned for its hearty and wholesome dishes, and nothing embodies this better than a classic vegetable soup. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly day or simply crave a nourishing, comforting meal, this veg soup recipe Ireland offers a vibrant mix of fresh, local vegetables simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth.
This soup is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or leisurely weekend lunches. Ideal for vegetarians and anyone who appreciates a healthy, satisfying bowl of goodness, this recipe celebrates the best of Ireland’s abundant produce and simple cooking traditions.
Read on to discover why this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen, how to make it step-by-step, and tips to customize it to your taste. Plus, explore links to other delightful vegetarian recipes that complement this dish beautifully!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Irish vegetable soup is a perfect blend of fresh, wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors. It’s:
- Nutritious and wholesome: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from a variety of garden-fresh vegetables.
- Easy to prepare: Requires simple equipment and minimal prep time, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Budget-friendly: Uses affordable, seasonal vegetables, ideal for anyone looking to eat well without breaking the bank.
- Highly customizable: You can swap ingredients based on your preferences or what’s available, ensuring no waste and endless variations.
- Perfect for all seasons: Light enough for spring and summer but hearty enough to warm you during colder months.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 sticks celery, sliced
- 1 small leek, cleaned and sliced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- 1 liter vegetable stock (preferably homemade or low sodium)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp kitchen knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Ladle
- Blender or immersion blender (optional, for creamy version)
Instructions
- Prepare your vegetables: Wash, peel, and chop all the vegetables as listed above. Keeping the pieces roughly uniform in size will help them cook evenly.
- Heat the olive oil in your soup pot: Place the pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the garlic and leek: Stir these in and cook for another 2 minutes, releasing their fragrant aromas.
- Incorporate the carrots, potatoes, and celery: Stir well to combine and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to begin softening.
- Pour in the vegetable stock: Add the stock to the pot and bring everything to a gentle boil.
- Add the green beans, cabbage, thyme, and parsley: Stir to mix and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until all the vegetables are tender.
- Season your soup: Taste and add salt and black pepper as needed.
- Optional – blend for creaminess: If you prefer a creamy soup, use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer a portion to a blender and blend before returning it to the pot.
- Serve warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Tips & Variations
“Don’t be afraid to experiment with your vegetables — this soup is wonderfully flexible and can incorporate whatever’s fresh from your garden or market.”
- Add root vegetables: For a heartier version, include parsnips or turnips along with the carrots and potatoes.
- Use fresh herbs: Swap dried thyme for fresh sprigs or add rosemary for a woodsy aroma.
- Include legumes: Add cooked lentils or beans for extra protein and texture.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
- Make it creamy without blending: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of yogurt just before serving.
- Use a slow cooker: For busy days, assemble your ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Check out our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for more inspiration.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 150 kcal |
Protein | 4 g |
Carbohydrates | 28 g |
Dietary Fiber | 7 g |
Fat | 4 g |
Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
Sodium | 350 mg |
Vitamin A | 3200 IU |
Vitamin C | 35 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetable soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of hearty Irish soda bread or a crusty baguette. For a fuller meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad or a light cheese platter.
If you’re looking for a vegan bread option to complement your soup, check out our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.
For those who enjoy richer flavors, topping the soup with a swirl of vegan béchamel sauce can add a creamy touch — see our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for a quick recipe.
Looking for other healthy, plant-based dishes? Our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals offer exciting global flavors that pair beautifully with this classic Irish soup.
Conclusion
Embracing the simplicity and warmth of Irish cooking, this vegetable soup recipe brings together fresh, wholesome ingredients into a nourishing, soul-satisfying bowl. It’s a versatile recipe that allows home cooks to adapt based on the season’s best produce or what’s on hand in the pantry.
Perfect for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone simply seeking a healthy, comforting meal, this soup is a testament to the power of simple, fresh food.
Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch or a starter for a larger meal, this soup will quickly become a cherished favorite in your home. Don’t forget to explore our other recipes to keep your kitchen inspired and your meals exciting!
đź“– Recipe Card: Veg Soup Recipe Ireland
Description: A hearty and wholesome vegetable soup inspired by traditional Irish flavors. Perfect for a warming meal any time of the year.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 sticks celery, chopped
- 1 parsnip, diced
- 1 leek, cleaned and sliced
- 1 litre vegetable stock
- 400g canned chopped tomatoes
- 100g kale, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add carrots, potatoes, celery, parsnip, and leek; cook for 5 minutes.
- Pour in vegetable stock and canned tomatoes, bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add chopped kale and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with crusty bread.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 22 g
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