Classic Cock-a-Leekie Soup Recipe

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Classic Cock-a-Leekie Soup Recipe
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
60 mins
Total Time:
80mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on December 03, 2023

Warm up with a bowl of traditional Cock-a-Leekie Soup. This classic Scottish dish combines tender chicken, leeks, and prunes in a flavorful broth. Perfect for cold winter nights or anytime you crave a comforting soup. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
  • 4 leeks, white and pale green parts only, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup pitted prunes
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. In a large pot, add the chicken, leeks, onion, carrots, celery, chicken broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 1 hour or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  3. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Once it's cool enough to handle, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Add the pitted prunes and continue simmering for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  5. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
  6. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.
  7. Enjoy this comforting Cock-a-Leekie soup!

Interesting Facts

  • The name 'Cock-a-Leekie' comes from 'cock' meaning chicken and 'leekie' meaning leeks in Scottish dialect.
  • This soup has been a traditional Scottish dish since the 16th century and is often served on Burns Night, a celebration of Scotland's national poet Robert Burns.