If you are craving a hearty, comforting Irish classic that feels like a warm embrace from the inside out, then this Dublin Coddle Recipe is exactly what you need. Steaming bowls filled with tender pork sausages, crisp bacon, soft onions, and gently simmered potatoes and carrots all soaked in a fragrant, savory broth — it’s a dish that echoes generations of Irish home cooking. Every spoonful delivers rich flavors and comforting textures, turning simple ingredients into a bowl of pure joy that’s perfect for chilly days or anytime you need a little extra coziness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Dublin Coddle Recipe lies in its simplicity; the ingredients are straightforward but each one plays an essential role in building the dish’s rich, comforting profile. From the smoky bite of the bacon to the soft melt of potatoes, every element adds depth, texture, and color to this timeless stew.
- 4 pork sausages (about 12 oz): Choose good-quality sausages as they form the hearty protein base that makes this dish satisfying.
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon: Adds smoky richness and a lovely crisp texture when crumbled on top.
- 2 medium onions, chopped: Caramelize to a sweet softness that balances the meats and broth.
- 3 medium starchy potatoes (about 1 lb), diced: These provide that tender, fluffy bite that absorbs all the lovely flavors.
- 2 medium carrots, sliced: Bring subtle sweetness and a vibrant splash of color.
- 4 cups chicken stock (low-sodium): The liquid that braises everything together with a gentle savory base.
- 2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried): Earthy herb notes that brighten the deep flavors.
- 2 tsp fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried): Freshness and a touch of green for balance.
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste: Adds a mild, piquant kick to round out the dish.
How to Make Dublin Coddle Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon and Brown the Sausages
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Cook your thick-cut bacon slices until they are irresistibly crisp, then set them aside to avoid overcooking later. Next, add the sausages to the same pot and brown them until their exteriors develop a beautiful golden color. This step locks in flavor and builds the dish’s signature richness.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions in the Bacon Drippings
With the bacon fat left in the pot, toss in the chopped onions. Sauté them gently until they become soft and translucent, soaking up all the smoky goodness left behind from the bacon and sausages. This creates a wonderful savory base for your coddle.
Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Carrots
Stir in the diced starchy potatoes and sliced carrots, coating them in the rich onion and bacon flavors. These hearty vegetables not only bulk up the dish, but as they cook, they soak in the delicious juices, making each bite tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Pour in the Chicken Stock and Seasonings
Pour enough chicken stock into the pot to cover the vegetables by about an inch. Add your fresh thyme, parsley, and black pepper at this point. These herbs infuse the broth with an earthy, aromatic quality that perfectly complements the meat and vegetables.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let your Dublin Coddle Recipe simmer away for at least 40 minutes so the potatoes become soft and the flavors meld together into a luscious, comforting stew. Patience here guarantees mouthwatering results.
Step 6: Serve with Crispy Bacon and Crusty Bread
Before serving, crumble the reserved crisp bacon over the top of the coddle to add a contrasting crunch and smoky punch. Don’t forget a generous slice of crusty bread on the side to soak up all the wonderful juices—this dish is pure comfort food at its finest.
How to Serve Dublin Coddle Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a hint of brightness and vibrant green color. A little cracked black pepper right before serving also enhances the overall flavor complexity, balancing the richness.
Side Dishes
While Dublin Coddle is hearty on its own, it pairs beautifully with traditional Irish soda bread or a rustic artisan loaf to mop up the savory broth. For an added touch, a simple side of sautéed greens or a crisp cabbage salad provides freshness that complements the fullness of the stew.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Dublin Coddle Recipe in large shallow bowls for a cozy, family-style feel. Layering the sausages and vegetables attractively before ladling over broth makes the dish look inviting. For a fun twist, you could portion the coddle into individual cast iron pots to keep everything warm and rustic at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Dublin Coddle tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and it will keep well for up to 3 days.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes beautifully. Cool it completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without sacrificing taste or texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent overcooking the delicate potatoes and carrots. Stir occasionally until heated through, adding a splash of broth or water if the stew thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in this Dublin Coddle Recipe?
Absolutely! While traditional pork sausages deliver authentic flavor, feel free to use your favorite varieties, such as Irish bangers, chicken sausages, or even vegetarian sausages for a different twist.
Is it necessary to use fresh herbs or can I use dried?
Both work well. Fresh thyme and parsley add a brighter, fresher note, but dried herbs are perfectly fine and more convenient if fresh aren’t available. Just remember to use half the amount of dried herbs since they are more concentrated.
Can I prepare Dublin Coddle in a slow cooker?
Yes! After browning the bacon and sausages and sautéing the onions, transfer everything along with the vegetables, stock, and seasonings to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours for tender results.
What makes potatoes “starchy” and why are they best for this recipe?
Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds break down slightly during cooking, helping to thicken the broth and absorb flavors. They create the perfect soft texture that melts in your mouth rather than staying firm and waxy.
Can I add other vegetables to the Dublin Coddle Recipe?
Of course! While the traditional recipe focuses on potatoes and carrots, you can sneak in parsnips, leeks, or even cabbage for added layers of flavor and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about a pot of Dublin Coddle Recipe simmering on the stove — it’s like a heartfelt hug delivered in a bowl. This dish celebrates simple, wholesome ingredients elevated to their fullest potential through slow simmering and love. If you’ve never tried it before, now is the perfect time to gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and create some delicious memories with this unforgettable Irish classic.
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Dublin Coddle Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
Dublin Coddle is a hearty and comforting traditional Irish stew featuring tender pork sausages, crispy bacon, soft onions, potatoes, and carrots simmered slowly in a flavorful chicken stock infused with fresh herbs. Perfect for warming up on a chilly day, this rustic one-pot meal delivers a delicious blend of savory tastes and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Meats
- 4 pork sausages (about 12 oz)
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
Vegetables
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 3 medium starchy potatoes (about 1 lb), diced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
Liquids & Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken stock (low-sodium)
- 2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 tsp fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the thick-cut bacon slices until they are crisp. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Brown the sausages: In the same pot with the bacon drippings, add the pork sausages and brown them on all sides until golden. This will develop rich flavor and texture.
- Sauté the onions: Add the chopped onions to the pot with the drippings and sauté them until they become soft and translucent, which will enhance their sweetness.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the diced potatoes and sliced carrots with the onions, mixing everything well to combine all flavors.
- Pour in stock and season: Pour the low-sodium chicken stock over the vegetables until they are covered by about an inch. Add the fresh thyme, fresh parsley, and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, stirring gently.
- Simmer the stew: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 40 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the Dublin Coddle hot in bowls topped with the reserved crumbled crispy bacon. Accompany with crusty bread for a classic presentation.
Notes
- Using low-sodium chicken stock helps control the saltiness of the stew, making it healthier and allowing the flavors of the fresh ingredients to shine.
- For a more authentic taste, use fresh herbs if possible; however, dried herbs work well as alternatives.
- You can add other root vegetables such as parsnips or turnips for variety.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and often taste better the next day as flavors develop further.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the chicken stock and sausages are gluten-free certified.
