Introduction
Cock-a-Leekie Soup is a classic Scottish dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. This comforting soup features tender pieces of chicken, leeks, prunes, and rice, simmered together to create a flavorful broth. It’s a hearty and warming dish, perfect for cold days or as a starter to a traditional Scottish meal.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, about 3-4 lbs (1.5-2 kg), cleaned
- 4 large leeks, cleaned and sliced (white and light green parts only)
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 cup (100g) uncooked rice
- 8-10 pitted prunes, chopped
- 8 cups (2 liters) chicken stock or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 bay leaf and a few sprigs of thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the whole chicken in a large pot. Add the chicken stock or water, along with the bay leaf and thyme if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove the Chicken:
- Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Skim off any excess fat from the broth if necessary.
- Cook the Vegetables and Rice:
- Add the sliced leeks, carrots, celery, and rice to the pot. Continue to simmer the soup for another 20-30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the rice is cooked.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones, discarding the skin and bones. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot.
- Add the Prunes:
- Stir the chopped prunes into the soup and let them simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Season and Serve:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the hot Cock-a-Leekie Soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with a slice of rustic bread.
Cock-a-Leekie Soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, with the sweetness of prunes balancing the savory chicken and leeks. This traditional Scottish dish is sure to warm you up and bring a taste of Scotland to your table. Enjoy!