This hearty and flavorful soup combines the richness of Guinness with the freshness of vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. Topped with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a comforting meal perfect for chilly days. Whether you’re enjoying it with a pint of Guinness or just as it is, this soup is sure to satisfy.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 slices of bacon (turkey bacon for a healthier alternative)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 ½ cups cabbage (3 cups coarsely chopped and remainder sliced thin for topping)
- 4 medium red or yellow potatoes, peeled and chopped coarsely
- 6 sage leaves, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup Guinness or other dark beer of choice
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon fennel seed
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large soup pot on medium heat. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy, about 10 minutes. Remove bacon and place on a paper towel to drain. Set aside to cool. Leave a bit of bacon fat in the pan for flavor.
- Once the bacon has cooled, crumble it into small bits for serving later.
- Return the pot to medium heat, add the second tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the carrots, followed by the cabbage and garlic. Cook for a few minutes until softened.
- Add the chopped potatoes and sage. Season with a bit of salt.
- Add vegetable broth, water, Guinness, bay leaf, and fennel seed. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
- Remove from heat. Discard the bay leaf. Puree the soup with a handheld blender, or transfer to a food processor, leaving some chunks of potatoes and vegetables for texture (optional).
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of thinly sliced cabbage for garnish.
Notes:
- Turkey bacon can be substituted for a lighter option.
- For those who don’t eat bacon, cook it separately and add as a topping for individual servings.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Potassium: 400mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 6g
- Vitamin A: 2000 IU
- Vitamin C: 50mg
- Calcium: 100mg
- Iron: 3mg
The Role of Guinness in the Soup
Guinness plays a pivotal role in this soup, acting as both a flavor enhancer and a key ingredient that elevates the overall taste. This dark beer is known for its smooth, malty flavor, which brings a unique depth to the broth. The slight bitterness of the beer balances the sweetness of the vegetables and the richness of the bacon, creating a complex flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying.
The use of Guinness in soups, stews, and other dishes is not uncommon in Irish cuisine, where the beer’s robust flavor pairs perfectly with savory ingredients. In this vegetable soup, Guinness complements the potatoes, carrots, and cabbage, adding an extra layer of flavor that sets this dish apart from ordinary vegetable soups. It’s a simple but effective way to bring a touch of Irish tradition to your kitchen.
Vegetables: Freshness and Texture
The soup is packed with a variety of fresh vegetables, each contributing its own texture and flavor to the dish. The potatoes, for example, provide a creamy and hearty base that makes the soup incredibly filling. When cooked, the potatoes absorb the flavors of the broth and Guinness, becoming tender and flavorful.
Cabbage is another key vegetable in this soup. It adds a slight sweetness and a bit of crunch to the dish, enhancing the overall texture. Cabbage is also a nutritious vegetable, rich in vitamins and antioxidants. In this recipe, it is used in two ways: coarsely chopped to cook in the soup and thinly sliced as a garnish, providing both flavor and visual appeal.
Carrots bring a subtle sweetness that balances the other savory ingredients in the soup. When simmered, they become tender and integrate seamlessly with the broth, adding to the overall richness. The combination of these vegetables creates a satisfying and wholesome base for the soup, making it both nutritious and comforting.
Bacon: A Savory Crunch
Bacon is an essential ingredient in this recipe, contributing a savory crunch that elevates the soup’s flavor. It adds a smoky richness that contrasts beautifully with the freshness of the vegetables. The bacon is crisped in the pot at the beginning of the cooking process, allowing it to release its fat and infuse the soup with its rich flavor.
Once cooked, the bacon is crumbled and used as a topping for the soup, providing a delicious contrast in texture. The crisp, salty bacon complements the creamy potatoes and tender vegetables, creating a satisfying balance of flavors. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, turkey bacon can be used to reduce the fat content while still delivering a satisfying crunch.
For those who don’t eat bacon, the recipe allows for flexibility. Simply cook the bacon separately and add it as a topping to individual servings, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the soup to their liking.
Cheddar Cheese: The Creamy Finish
To finish off this already rich and flavorful soup, shredded cheddar cheese is sprinkled on top. The cheese melts into the hot soup, adding an extra layer of creaminess that ties the dish together. The sharpness of the cheddar pairs beautifully with the savory bacon and the depth of the Guinness, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
Cheddar cheese is a classic topping for many soups, and in this recipe, it enhances the overall richness while adding a satisfying creaminess. The melted cheese adds comfort and indulgence, making each spoonful a delicious treat. If you prefer a milder cheese, you can opt for a different variety, but cheddar is the perfect complement to this hearty soup.
Fennel and Sage: Aromatic Herbs
The inclusion of fennel seed and sage adds a wonderful aromatic depth to the soup. Fennel seed, with its sweet, slightly licorice-like flavor, complements the earthy vegetables and enhances the soup’s complexity. It adds a subtle spice that rounds out the richness of the Guinness and bacon, making the soup feel more refined without overpowering the other ingredients.
Sage, with its warm and savory notes, brings an herbaceous touch to the soup. It’s often used in traditional soups and stews, providing a fragrant backdrop that enhances the overall flavor. Together, fennel and sage create a balanced and flavorful base that complements the other ingredients without overwhelming them.
A Soup for All Occasions
This Guinness-infused vegetable soup is the perfect dish for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner on a cold night or a flavorful starter for a holiday meal. It’s hearty and filling, making it ideal for those looking for a satisfying meal that won’t leave them hungry an hour later. The rich flavors of the soup, combined with the textures of the vegetables, bacon, and cheese, make it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress.
This soup is also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your preferences by adding other vegetables, such as parsnips or leeks, or experimenting with different types of cheese. If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. The soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days, allowing the flavors to develop even further.
Perfect for Chilly Days
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of hot soup to warm you up on a chilly day, and this Guinness-infused vegetable soup does just that. The combination of rich, hearty vegetables, savory bacon, and a flavorful broth makes it the ultimate comfort food. The Guinness adds a depth of flavor that transforms a simple vegetable soup into something special, making it a perfect dish for colder months when you crave warmth and comfort.
The addition of melted cheddar cheese and crispy bacon gives the soup a satisfying richness, while the vegetables provide a refreshing balance of freshness and texture. Every spoonful offers a comforting experience that will leave you feeling full and content.
Conclusion: A Hearty, Flavorful Meal
In conclusion, Guinness-infused vegetable soup is a delightful and hearty dish that combines rich flavors with fresh, wholesome ingredients. The Guinness adds depth to the broth, while the bacon and cheddar cheese provide savory richness. The vegetables, including cabbage, carrots, and potatoes, offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy this soup on a chilly day, serve it at a gathering, or simply indulge in a delicious homemade dish, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Its versatility allows you to adapt it to suit your tastes, making it an ideal meal for any occasion. With its combination of rich, comforting flavors, this Guinness-infused vegetable soup is the perfect dish to satisfy your hunger and warm your soul.