Since I’m Irish American, I should say something like “this is the soup of my homeland.” But no. The reason I love this soup is that it has absolutely no cabbage. God, I hate corned beef and cabbage with the heat of a thousand suns. And because of the whole “Irish American” thing I had to eat it every damn year on March 17th. Boiled food is only enjoyable when you’re deep in your cups.
YUCK.
So when I found this recipe (original by the ever-awesome Clinton Kelly) I found a cabbage-free meal I could enjoy on St. Patrick’s Day.

As a side note, I do not go out to any bars on St. Patrick’s Day. A lot of Irish Americans frown on those we consider amateur drinkers. If you can’t “handle your drink” then get the hell out of our face. And those who puke green beer on the 17th of March – you are an amateur drinker and we collectively hate you. So those bars called “O” something or “Murphy’s” something? Yeah. They HATE you. But they will take your money. And they will color the beer green. But they also will call you a “fecking idiot” under their breath. So next time you go to your local (if it happens to be an Irish bar) – don’t order the green beer. Get a nice pint or a good glass of whiskey. That’ll garner you some major respect. Also, enjoy the music. Don’t mutter about not liking the music. WE HEAR YOU. Learn to clap with one hand (the other should be holding a pint). Learn the words to Wild Rover and sing along!

Wild Rover

I’ve been a wild rover for many’s the year
And I’ve spent all me money on whiskey and beer
But now I’m returning with gold in great store
And I never will play the wild rover no more
And it’s no, nay, never
No, nay never no more
Will I play the wild rover
No never no more
I went to an alehouse I used to frequent
I told the landlady my money was spent
I ask her for credit, she answered me nay
Such a custom as yours I can have any day
And it’s no, nay, never
No, nay never no more
Will I play the wild rover
No never no more
I brought from me pocket ten sovereigns bright
And the landlady’s eyes opened wide with delight
She said:’I have whiskeys and wines of the best
And the words that you told me were only in jest’
And it’s no, nay, never
No, nay never no more
Will I play the wild rover
No never no more
I’ll go home to my parents, confess what I’ve done
And I’ll ask them to pardon their prodigal son
And when they’ve caressed me, as oft times before
I never will play the wild rover no more
And it’s no, nay, never
No, nay never no more
Will I play the wild rover
No never no more
And it’s no, nay, never
No, nay never no more
Will I play the wild rover
No never no more

“May your troubles be less and your blessings be more,
And nothing but happiness come through your door.”

Sláinte!

KatieB

P.S. if someone says “pogue ma thoin” to you at an Irish bar you are about to get hit in the face. Run.

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 leeks (washed and sliced)
1 onion (diced)
2 stalks celery (chopped)
1 garlic clove (minced)
2 cups milk
4 cups chicken stock
1 bay leaf
4 Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and cubed)
salt & freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons parsley, fresh (chopped)
1⁄2 cup half-and-half
Irish cheese – shredded

In a large stockpot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, leeks, celery, and garlic, and cook until all have softened and become fragrant (about 5 minutes.) Add the stock, milk, bay leaf, and potatoes, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Cook until potatoes are tender, about 25 minutes. Stir in the parsley and half and half. In batches, puree in an immersion blender.
Serve soup topped with Irish Cheddar cheese shredded on top.