Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup

In a large pot, heat a little bit of oil over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside. Leave the bacon fat in the pot for added flavor.
Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same pot, add the onion and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and fragrant.
Add Potatoes and Broth:

Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to combine. Pour in the chicken broth and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Add Cabbage and Seasoning:

Stir in the chopped cabbage, dried thyme, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue simmering for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cabbage is tender.
Finish the Soup:

Once the soup is ready, add the crispy bacon back into the pot. If you prefer a creamier texture, add the heavy cream at this stage and stir to combine.
Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serving and Storage Tips