An Old Rural Irish Recipe

Description: Kale & Oatmeal Soup is a humble, nourishing dish rooted in rural Irish cooking. Made with tender kale, pinhead oatmeal, and a light broth, this simple soup was a staple in country homes for generations. It’s warming, wholesome, and naturally comforting.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Serving Size: Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp butter or oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 litre (4 cups) vegetable or light chicken stock
• 75g (½ cup) pinhead (steel-cut) oatmeal
• 150g (3 cups) shredded kale
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

Step 1 – Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the butter in a pot and cook the onion and carrot for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 2 – Add Oatmeal and Stock

Stir in the pinhead oatmeal, then pour in the stock. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.

Step 3 – Add the Kale

Add the shredded kale and continue cooking for 10–12 minutes until the oatmeal is tender and the kale softened.

Step 4 – Season and Serve

Season well with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and garnish with herbs if desired.

Serving Suggestion

Serve with brown bread for an authentic taste of old Irish rural cooking.