Irish country pubs serve some of the coziest soups you'll ever eat. Our rich, hearty and delicious bowls of Irish soup will transport you to the Emerald Isle.
32 Hearty Irish Soups and Stews
Updated on Jan. 14, 2025
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Potato Leek Soup
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family and I crave a steaming bowl of potato leek soup on a cold winter evening, but we don't want the butter and fat content of regular soup recipes. So I created this lighter version. I have shared it with many folks, and everyone who has tried it loves it for the robust, satisfying flavor. —Christine Frye, Odessa, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 193 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 593mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Irish Beef Stew
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
3 hours 55 min
Servings
15 servings (3-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Rich and hearty, this Irish beef stew is my husband's favorite. The beef is incredibly tender. Served with crusty bread, it's an ideal cool-weather meal and perfect for any Irish holiday. —Carrie Karleen, St. Nicolas, Quebec
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 301 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 441mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
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Fennel Carrot Soup
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings (2 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator:
This soup is perfect as a first course for a special-occasion dinner. It gets its delicious flavor from toasted fennel seeds—a pleasant complement to the carrots, apple and sweet potato. —Marlene Bursey, Waverly, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 117 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 989mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch.
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Cabbage Stew
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chock-full of ground turkey, cabbage, carrots and tomatoes, this turkey cabbage soup delivers delicious down-home comfort on cool days. If you don't like cabbage, replace it with chopped green peppers. Simply saute the peppers with the turkey, onion and garlic. —Susan Lasken, Woodland Hills, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 180 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 674mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat.
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Deb’s Mushroom & Barley Soup
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
10 servings (3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing is more comforting than coming home to this rich soup! I prepare the ingredients the night before and start the slow cooker on my way out the door in the morning. —Debra Kamerman, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 180 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 967mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 15g protein.
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Creamy Root Veggie Soup
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On chilly nights, we fill the pot with parsnips and celery root for a smooth, creamy soup. Garlic, bacon and fresh thyme make it even better. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 295 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 851mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein.
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Vegetable Beef Soup
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
4 hours
Servings
26 servings (9-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
When you need to feed a crowd, consider this beefy favorite loaded with both fresh and frozen veggies. —Sue Straughan, Prattville, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 245 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 1090mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 18g protein.
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Hearty Vegetable Lentil Soup
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings (1-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother has diabetes, so I often prepare this dish for her. I wanted a hearty soup that hits the spot on cold autumn nights, so I paired the lentils with turkey bacon and a handful of spices. —Nicole Hopping, Pinole, California.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 314 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 708mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 17g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat.
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Autumn Bisque
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I like cozy comfort soups that taste creamy—without the cream. This one’s full of good stuff like rutabagas, leeks, fresh herbs and almond milk. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 146 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
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Roasted Pepper Potato Soup
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I really enjoy potato soup, and this rich creamy version is different than most I've tried. I like its lemon and cilantro flavors, but you can adjust the ingredients to best suit your family's taste buds. --Hollie Powell of St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 204 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 1154mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein.
11/32
Cream of Potato Soup
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy potato soup is pure comfort food, especially welcome when the temperatures take a plunge. I serve this often...it's a simple supper that can be prepared in a short time. —Ruth Ann Stelfox, Raymond, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 482 calories, 24g fat (15g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 982mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
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Halibut & Potato Chowder
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Several times a year I invite both my retired and current teaching friends to a dinner party with their spouses. I've served this halibut chowder at those parties, and it's always a big hit. —Teresa Lueck, Onamia, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 316 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 671mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
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Ham & Potato-Rutabaga Chowder
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
The ingredients in this dish are a nod to my mother's tasty potato and rutabaga side dish, which was always paired with baked country ham; dishes she served during the cold months when I was a child. Whenever I make this chowder it brings me back to a time when life was just a little bit simpler. —Cheryl Perry, Hertford, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 254 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 776mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
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Best Seafood Chowder
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
32 servings (8 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband is an avid fisherman. When a family get-together was planned and we had to bring something, we created this recipe using fish from our freezer. The chowder got rave reviews from the relatives! —Heather Saunders, Belchertown, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 193 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 625mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein.
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Beef Cabbage Soup
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was a little girl, I helped my parents work the fields of their small farm. Lunchtime was always a treat when Mother picked fresh vegetables from the garden and simmered them in her big soup pot. We loved making this delicious recipe. —Ethel Ledbetter, Canton, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 116 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 582mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat.
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Spiced Split Pea Soup
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
8 hours 25 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A hint of curry adds the perfect amount of kick to this family-pleasing soup. Just assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker and go about your day while it cooks. —Sue Mohre, Mount Gilead, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 139 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 347mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 8g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat.
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Beef Barley Soup
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
9 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty beef barley soup is a favorite menu item in our house throughout the year. Everyone savors the flavor. —Elizabeth Kendall, Carolina Beach, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 133 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 859mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Leek Soup with Brie Toasts
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking for something special to fix on a holiday, look no further. This velvety soup is accented with tarragon, and the toasted bread topped with melted Brie cheese is the crowning touch. —Marie Hattrup, Sparks, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 411 calories, 27g fat (16g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 1110mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
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Chicken Vegetable Soup
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
2 hours 35 min
Servings
16 servings (about 4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I experimented with different variations, and this is the best chicken vegetable soup recipe I came up with. It's especially good to take to potlucks or share with friends. I often take a bowl to work to heat up for a fast lunch. —Bertha Vogt, Tribune, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 195 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 537mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
20/32
Turnip Soup
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
40 min
Servings
9 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
In nearby Wardsboro, Vermont, they have a fall festival where one of the entrees is this delicious soup. Reheats wonderfully in a slow cooker! —Liz Wheeler, Wilmington, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 138 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 526mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
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Savory Root Vegetable Soup
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Instead of the usual side dishes, consider serving a vegetable-laden soup at Thanksgiving or other holidays. Each spoonful will warm the body and soul. —Zan Brock, Jasper, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 255 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 855mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 9g protein.
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Potato Soup
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll be surprised at the taste of this rich and cheesy easy potato soup. It really is the best potato soup recipe, ever. I came up with it after enjoying baked potato soup at one of our favorite restaurants. I added bacon, and we think that makes it even better. —Coleen Morrissey, Sweet Valley, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 250 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 823mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
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Beef Lentil Soup
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can prepare this soup as the main course in a hearty lunch or dinner. On cold winter evenings here in New England, I've often enjoyed sipping a steaming mugful in front of our fireplacel. —Guy Turnbull, Arlington, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 314 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 661mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 8g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch.
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Cream of Crab Soup
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of our Chesapeake Bay delicacies is the Maryland Blue Crab. It's abundant from May through October and used in a variety of dishes, like this rich soup.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 262 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 878mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 16g protein.
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Chicken Barley Soup
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
No question—this is my favorite barley soup! It's so filling that I serve it as a hearty main dish, and I have given the recipe to many of our friends and relatives. It simply tastes too good to keep to yourself! —Diana Costello, Marion, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 259 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 127mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
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Parsnip Soup
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
“My mum used to make this recipe at home in England, where parsnips are more widely used than here. It’s very aromatic and has a nice bite from the curry and pepper.”
Julie Mathieson – Bristol, Tennessee
Julie Mathieson – Bristol, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 113 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 513mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Cream of Celery Soup
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This simple, silky cream of celery soup is easy to make and full of flavor. It uses celery, celery seed, sweet yellow onion and a touch of dry sherry and heavy whipping cream for richness. Add a perfectly toasted grilled cheese sandwich for an irresistibly comforting meal. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 179 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 1001mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
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Irish Onion Soup
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
The inspiration behind this recipe came from my father, who owned a restaurant and created the original dish. This version stars contemporary ingredients but still serves the same popular robust flavor. —Theresa Miller, Sault St. Marie, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup soup with 1 slice cheese toast: 347 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 1119mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
29/32
Vegetable Beef Soup
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
4 hours
Servings
26 servings (9-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
When you need to feed a crowd, consider this beefy favorite loaded with both fresh and frozen veggies. —Sue Straughan, Prattville, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 245 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 1090mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 18g protein.
30/32
Lamb Stew
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a delicious, nourishing and economical dish. The flavor improves if you make the stew the day before you serve it. —Margery Richmond, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 360 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 721mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
31/32
Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
There's no better way to use up leftover St. Patrick's Day corned beef, cabbage and potatoes than to make a hearty soup. This second-time-around soup is one of my best.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 132 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 818mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
32/32
Vegetable Barley Soup
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
8 hours 30 min
Servings
12 servings (3-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll love this delicious meatless soup brimming with veggies and barley. The plus is it's good for you too! —Mary Tallman, Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 135 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 689mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
Irish Soups FAQ
What should you serve with Irish soups?
The perfect fare alongside Irish soups is a thick, hearty slice of bread. Sourdough, cornbread, a crusty dinner roll or Irish soda bread are made for soups and stews. Otherwise, you can’t go wrong with an assortment of vegetable sides (so long as they’re not already present in the soup) like brown sugar-glazed carrots, a big bowl of roasted red potatoes or simply gorgeous browned butter roasted cauliflower.
Which of these Irish soups are gluten-free?
The Irish soups in this list that are gluten-free are fennel carrot soup, corned beef and cabbage soup, creamy root veggie soup, hearty vegetable lentil soup, autumn bisque soup, cabbage stew, roasted red pepper potato soup, beef cabbage soup, spiced split pea soup, chicken vegetable soup, turnip soup, savory root vegetable soup, beef lentil soup and parsnip soup.
Which of these Irish soups are vegetarian?
The Irish soups in this list that are vegetarian are fennel carrot soup, autumn bisque soup, roasted red pepper potato soup, cream of potato soup and vegetable barley soup.
