Scottish Cock-a-Leekie Soup
Scottish Cock-a-Leekie Soup is a comforting chicken and leek broth accented with prunes that lend a gentle sweetness and rich color. Slow-simmered stock, tender chicken, and soft leeks come together with thyme and a hint of garlic for a deeply savory bowl. Ideal for a cozy dinner on a chilly day or as a warming starter for a traditional meal.
- Prep30 mins
- Cook3 hrs 40 mins
- Serves6
- DifficultyMedium
- 1
Cut off the leek tops (the dark green, fibrous parts) and wash them well. Set aside the leek bottoms.
- 2
Put the clean leek tops in the bottom of a large pot. Place the chicken on top and add the bay leaf, garlic, dried plums, and 3 quarts water. Set over high heat until it begins to simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low or low and simmer gently, occasionally pressing the chicken under the liquid with tongs, for 1 hour 15 minutes.
- 3
Meanwhile, prepare the leek bottoms by trimming off the root ends and slicing them in half lengthwise. Turn the leeks and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch slices.
- 4
Transfer the leeks to a large bowl and fill with cold water so they float. Toss with your hands to loosen any dirt. Lift the leeks out with your hands, shake gently to remove water, and transfer to another bowl. Place in the refrigerator until needed.
- 5
Carefully lift the chicken with two forks, let the liquid drain from the cavity, and place it in a bowl. Separate the meat from the skin and bones. Tear the meat into bite-sized pieces and put it in the refrigerator until needed.
- 6
Place the skin and bones back into the pot and gently simmer for 1 more hour.
- 7
Set a colander in a bowl. Use a skimmer spoon to transfer all solids from the broth to the colander. Discard the solids and pour any broth back into the pot.
- 8
Add half of the sliced leeks to the pot with salt, pepper, and rice. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour, skimming some fat off if you like and adding more water if it reduces too much.
- 9
Add the remaining sliced leeks, chicken, and thyme. Simmer over medium-low for 20 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasonings. Serve.
- Calories 594.85 kcal High
- Protein 66.85 g Good Source
- Carbs 77.79 g Moderate
- Total Fat 7.3 g Moderate
- Saturated Fat 0.1 g Low Source
- Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source
- Cholesterol 163.28 mg High
- Sodium 535.79 mg High
- Fiber 0.69 g Low Source
- Sugar 22.48 g High
- Added Sugar 20.11 g High
- Calcium 66.06 mg Low Source
- Iron 6.41 mg Good Source
- Potassium 660.02 mg Moderate
- Vitamin A 17.55 mcg_rae Low Source
- Vitamin C 32.54 mg Good Source
- Vitamin D 0.0 mcg Low Source
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Garlic 🧄
About This Recipe
Scottish Cock a Leekie Soup is a Scottish soup recipe made with 10 ingredients. It takes about 4 hrs 10 mins, serves 6, and is rated medium. Key ingredients include Black Pepper, Dried Bay Leaves, Fresh Thyme, and Garlic. Each serving provides about 594.85 kcal, and is a good source of protein.
Recipe Questions
- What is Scottish Cock-a-Leekie Soup?
- It is a Scottish soup recipe made with 10 ingredients, usually served for soup.
- What is Scottish Cock-a-Leekie Soup made of?
- The main ingredients are Black Pepper, Dried Bay Leaves, Fresh Thyme, Garlic, Green Lentils. The full list of 10 is above.
- What goes well with Scottish Cock-a-Leekie Soup?
- Explore these Scottish side-dish recipes.
- How long does it take to make Scottish Cock-a-Leekie Soup?
- About 4 hrs 10 mins in total: 30 mins to prepare and 3 hrs 40 mins to cook.
- How many calories are in one serving?
- One serving provides about 594.85 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
- Is Scottish Cock-a-Leekie Soup easy to make?
- This recipe is rated medium, with 10 ingredients and 9 steps.
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