My family tapestry is one that is very culturally eclectic. My maternal side of the family hails from the U.K. primarily, with deep roots in Scotland on my Grandmother’s side. As a Yank my heritage has always seemed distant and muddled; only relatable through family trees and Grandparent stories.
I once was traveling in Scotland for business then stayed on to attend a workshop given by an American friend which was held in a tiny town outside of Edinburgh Scotland. I was in a small market with a friend when I spied a woman who bore some of the strong facial features of my Grandmother and Great Grandmother. I was slack-jawed in awe, not well concealed from this lovely, white-haired woman. She approached me to chat and I was as flustered as if I were 12 and had run upon One Direction buying chewing gum at a 7-11. I sputtered like a car that doesn’t really know how to get its start, feebly explaining in partial sentences that my maternal lineage is Scottish, that I’m from America and had never been somewhere where the people look like my relatives. My choppy description left the poor woman believing my Grandmother was deceased (which she wasn’t) making it all the more awkward though she graciously never showed it. She was completely kind and seemingly understanding though I can’t imagine the chat around her dinner table that evening.
My parents were divorced when I was one years old and my mother remarried my Step Dad when I was two years old. My ‘Dad’, as I’ve always called him, brought with him a bright and varied heritage within one generation. His father was Russian-Jewish and his mother Irish-Catholic. Can you imagine? The Jewish holidays were celebrated as were the catholic. A few houses down on the same street lived his maternal Aunt and Grandmother; Gram was Portuguese having immigrated to the U.S. and it was her husband who has been Irish.
For me it was an exciting United Nations experience rolled up into two households. I remember Gram making homemade linguica, a delicious Portuguese sausage. My grandmother made fantastic Matzo Ball soup (and biscotti though I think that is Italian so not sure about those roots). A menorah sat prominently on the fireplace mantel and it always seemed so exotic to me. My favorite thing however was my Great Uncle Frank McGorty who, whenever a family gathering would occur, would bring the spirit of his Irish roots to life. He was warm and funny, and though I don’t quite recall, I believe he’d toss back a pint or two and singing would always ensue.
Uncle Frank was my first taste of the Irish warmth of spirit and perhaps the predisposition to make me so at home when visiting Ireland itself. A huge part of the Irish culture is the pub scene which eludes Americans who may not have traveled there. You could think of it like a bar, but it’s more than that. Usually cozy and dark, pubs are a center of Irish culture. It’s common to meet friends and spend the entire evening enjoying a pint and some simple delicious food, chatting, laughing and catching up.
One of my favorite pub offerings is a traditional Irish Potato Soup. A blend of potatoes, onions, some stock and milk dusted with parsley; that’s it. It is hearty, filling comfort food that is easy to make and to me celebrates simple food at its finest.
heather @french press says
there is Irish, English, and Scottish on both sides of my family and my husbands family, and potato soup is a staple in our house, especially during lent – this look positively delicious!
kate @veggiedesserts says
What a lovely look at your celtic heritage. And a beautiful Irish soup.
Jenn peas and crayons says
Ohmygosh ironically I am Russian-Jewish Irish-Catholic! We call it a cashew. haha 🙂 Love the soup Toni!
Ilona says
Made this tonight. Yum. Going after a second bowl shortly. Thanks for the recipe!
Toni Dash says
I love this soup Ilona! So simple yet so perfect, isn’t it? Thanks so much for letting me know you liked it!
Laura@TransylvanianKitchen says
We also make a similar potato soup. I just love it!
Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats says
Um.. sooo ….do you have any left cuz this just looks all kinds of delicious! I’ll bring my own spoon and bowl and wouldn’t bother you, I just want some of that soup!
Love this recipe Toni! Pinned it!
Sylvia Ellie says
This potato soup looks so appetizing to me. Seems so rich and creamy, yet it’s only milk. Processing the potatoes is genius.
Rebecca {foodie with family} says
What a nice family story with a fabulous soup to back it up! I love potato soup and this one looks especially good!
Brooks says
Toni, this is such a fun read! Coincidentally, we share similar UK and Ireland heritage. Your apt description of the soup is spot on. I plan to relish the soup soon, and it’s been pinned for good measure. Cheers, my friend.
Paula - bell'alimento says
It’s so cold and bleck outside this would certainly do the trick today!
Sarah Caron (Sarah's Cucina Bella) says
What a wonderful story of your heritage. I love the simplicity of this soup too, and its simple roots from within Irish culture. It sounds like pure comfort food.
Angie says
What a great soup for this cooler spring weather!
Jodee Weiland says
Looks wonderful, warm, and delicious! I’ll be adding this to my menu soon. Thanks for sharing!