Imagine a steaming bowl of pure comfort that transports you straight to the rolling green hills of Ireland, where every spoonful tells a story of tradition and warmth. This Irish Farmhouse Vegetable Soup isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple, fresh ingredients into a soul-nourishing experience that will make your kitchen feel like a cozy Irish cottage. Whether you're seeking a quick weeknight meal or a soul-warming dish to comfort you on a chilly day, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Irish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 parsnip, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup peas
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by washing thoroughly and chopping into uniform dice: peel and chop the onion, carrots, potatoes, and parsnip into approximately 1/2-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- In a large heavy-bottomed soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat until it becomes slightly foamy and golden, being careful not to burn.
- Add chopped onions to the melted butter and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate diced carrots, potatoes, and parsnips into the pot, stirring to coat with butter and onions, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to begin releasing their natural flavors.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring all vegetables are fully submerged, and add dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for approximately 25-30 minutes until vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking to preserve their bright green color and fresh taste.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle into warm bowls and optionally garnish with fresh parsley or a small drizzle of cream for extra richness.
Tips
- Vegetable Cutting Technique: Ensure all vegetables are cut into uniform sizes (about 1/2-inch cubes) to guarantee even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Butter Matters: Use high-quality, preferably unsalted butter for a richer flavor. Watch the butter carefully when melting to achieve a golden color without burning.
- Layering Flavors: Sauté vegetables in butter before adding broth to enhance their natural sweetness and develop a deeper flavor profile.
- Broth Selection: Choose a high-quality vegetable broth or homemade stock for the most authentic and rich taste.
- Herb Freshness: While dried thyme works well, consider adding fresh thyme at the end of cooking for a more vibrant herb flavor.
- Pea Preservation: Add frozen peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking to maintain their bright green color and fresh taste.
- Seasoning Secret: Taste and adjust seasoning gradually, remembering that you can always add more salt and pepper, but you can't take them away.
- Resting Time: Allow the soup to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to let the flavors meld together perfectly.
- Optional Enhancements: Garnish with fresh parsley or a swirl of cream for an extra luxurious touch.
- Storage Tip: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
