Editor's Note: This recipe is adapted from chef Paul Flynn of The Tannery in Dungarvan, Ireland.

　　In Ireland, boiled bacon and cabbage is a domestic staple. The bacon is usually a "collar" or shoulder, a moderately marbled cut with less fat than American bacon but a bit more than Canadian. The ingredients are boiled together and served with potatoes and a parsley cream sauce.

　　Among contemporary Irish chefs, it's become popular to reinvent this hearty, homey recipe in the more rarefied form of bacon and cabbage terrine. Flynn's version, however, stays closer to dish's comforting roots, while adding a touch of elegance.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

　　1 (1/3-pound) piece Irish bacon (available at specialty foods shops) or Canadian bacon

　　3 tablespoons unsalted butter

　　1 medium onion, finely chopped

　　2 large Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice

　　5 1/2 cups chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth

　　4 Turkish bay leaves

　　2 teaspoons kosher salt

　　1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

　　1/2 small head Savoy cabbage, cored, thinly sliced, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

　　

Step 1

In small saucepan, combine bacon and cold water to cover. Cover, bring to boil over moderate heat, and skim foam from surface. Reduce heat and simmer 7 minutes. Drain and cool, then cut into 1-inch chunks. Set aside.

　　

Step 2

In 6-quart heavy stock pot over moderate heat, melt butter. Add onion and sauté, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add potatoes and sauté 2 minutes. Add stock, bay leaves, salt, and pepper and bring to boil. Reduce heat to moderately low, cover, and simmer until potatoes are soft, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add cabbage and simmer 5 additional minutes. Discard bay leaves. Working in 3 batches, in blender purée soup until smooth (using caution when blending hot liquids). Return to pot, stir in bacon, and rewarm if necessary. Ladle soup into bowls and serve.