Description: Irish Farmhouse Soup is a hearty and comforting soup that combines the flavors of root vegetables, bacon, and herbs. It’s a classic Irish dish that is both nutritious and delicious.

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 1 hour

Serving size: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 4 slices of bacon, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 parsnips, peeled and diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
2. Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it becomes translucent and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the diced carrots, potatoes, parsnips, and minced garlic to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, and add the bay leaf and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 45 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Remove the bay leaf from the pot and discard it. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree about half of the soup until smooth. This will give the soup a creamy texture while still keeping some chunky vegetables.
6. Return the soup to low heat and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Ladle the Irish Farmhouse Soup into bowls, and garnish with the crispy bacon and chopped parsley.
8. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting Irish soup!
   
   Note: You can customize the recipe by adding other vegetables like leeks or cabbage if desired. Serve with crusty bread or Irish soda bread for a complete meal.