Yes, potatoes have been grown all over in Ireland for centuries and we’ve been growing them here in Iowa, for a very long time too! I think this vegetable was our children’s favorite to grow. They were little buried treasures under ground in the garden just waiting to be uncovered with a pitch fork. It was so fun to watch as the little gardener’s eyes would pop as they would count how many each plant would produce.
This classic Irish potato soup is hearty, easy to prepare and quite inexpensive. Most every cook has these ingredients for this recipe already in her pantry.
I, part Irish, love the thought that some of my ancestors came over from Ireland. Commoners, farmers and most likely potato growers. 
One of my all-time favorite true stories tells of a man from England who changed Ireland with the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was intentional, determined and full of grace and kindness.
As I eat my potato soup tonight with Mr. Farmer, I will think of all the courage it took St. Patrick to proclaim the gospel on the emerald island.
Do you suppose his favorite soup was potato? Maybe. (I really think he’d like this recipe.
Irish Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled, sliced or diced
- 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
- 3 T butter (Irish preferrabley)
- 2 t instant chicken bouillon
- 2 C water
- 2 C milk
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 t fresh or dried parsley
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 t fresh black pepper
- 1 t salt
- 3 T flour
- 2 strips bacon
- 1/4 C shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add potatoes, onion, celery, garlic, parsely, salt and pepper. Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring off an on. (Just a soft cook, no browning. Bring 2 C water to boil in microwave; add instant bullion, stir, then pour into saucepan. Then slowly add 1 C milk. Gradually add the next C of milk. Thickening (this is optional): Place 2 T flour in the measuring cup. Whisk in enough COLD water to make a thick gravy. Bring the temp of the soup up to almost boiling, pull of the burner and whisk in flour mixture. This will thicken the soup just a little.Add cheddar cheese to soup (optional) and or top with a T of cheddar cheese and the chopped bacon for garnish.
This soup took about 30 minutes to prepare. It was super easy and delicious.
I hope you will enjoy it, too.
Psalm 139: 1-4
O LORD, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise;
You discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down
And are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
Behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.”
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