Best 14 Cock A Leekie Recipes

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"Cock a leekie", also known as "cock-a-leekie" or "chicken and leek soup", is a classic Scottish dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. This hearty and flavorful soup is made with a flavorful chicken broth and a variety of ingredients including leeks, carrots, celery, barley, and of course, chicken. With its simple yet comforting flavor, "cock a leekie" is a perfect meal for a cold winter day or any time you need a nourishing and delicious soup.

Let's cook with our recipes!

COCK A LEEKIE SOUP



Cock a Leekie Soup image

Traditional Scots soup of chicken and leeks. One pound of potatoes, peeled and cubed, could be substituted for the barley, if desired.

Provided by briony

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes

Time 1h40m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 pounds chicken thighs, bone in, skin removed
10 cups water
1 onion, chopped
⅓ cup barley
1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed chicken broth
7 leeks, sliced
2 stalks celery, thickly sliced
1 sprig fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a large pot over high heat, combine the chicken, water, onion and barley. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour. Remove chicken, discard the bones and skin, chop meat into bite size pieces and return to the pot.
  • Add the chicken broth, leeks, celery, thyme, parsley, salt and ground black pepper. Simmer for 30 more minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 242.8 calories, Carbohydrate 12.4 g, Cholesterol 125.9 mg, Fat 6.5 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 32.4 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 502.8 mg, Sugar 2.6 g

TASTY SCOTTISH COCK-A-LEEKIE SOUP



Tasty Scottish Cock-a-leekie Soup image

Cock-a-leekie soup is a staple dish in many Scottish homes and, if you've been brought up eating Scottish food, there is a high chance you'll be familiar with this warming chicken and leek based soup. Traditionally served in the winter and named 'Scotland's National Soup' Cock-a-leekie is a thick and flavoursome soup consisting of leeks, chicken and rice traditionally garnished with prunes.

Provided by Phil & Sonja

Categories     Recipes

Time 1h45m

Number Of Ingredients 10

Small whole chicken (1.3lb approx)
4 large leeks
4 large carrots
2 sticks of celery
2 bay leaves
1 onion *optional
120g long grain rice
Salt and white pepper
2.5 litres of cold water (approximately)
A handful of dried prunes **optional

Steps:

  • Chop the green parts off the leeks and put in the bottom of a pot, place the chicken on top.
  • Surround the chicken with the celery sticks, carrots, onion, and bay leaves. Cut them down to fit if necessary.
  • Add liberal amounts of salt and white pepper.
  • Pour cold water over the top (it should cover the chicken so you may need to use a little more or less than stated.
  • Cover and bring to the boil, then turn down to simmer for about one hour, until juices run clear when you push a knife into the chicken, or the chicken is falling off the bone.
  • Chop two whites of the leeks into rounds. The other two remains of the leeks are not necessary for the rest of the recipe so you can set aside to use for something else.
  • Chop the 2 remaining carrots into small pieces.
  • Use a spoon to remove some of the fat that floats to the top of the water.
  • Remove the chicken (I find the most uncomplicated way is to put in a colander over a bowl to collect any extra liquid, then tip the liquid back in the pot).
  • Set aside to cool a little.
  • Take the green part of the leeks, the onion, celery, and carrots from your stock.
  • Add the chopped whites of the leeks and the carrot and cook for 10 minutes.
  • Add the rice and simmer for a further 15 minutes, until the rice is cooked.
  • Meanwhile, remove the chicken from the bone and shred, and discard the bones.
  • Taste the stock and add more salt and pepper if necessary or simmer for longer and allow it to reduce to strengthen the flavour.
  • Add the shredded chicken back in and allow to heat through for a few minutes.
  • Dish into a bowl and sprinkle with a few chopped, dried, prunes then serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 400 calories, Carbohydrate 27 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 105 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 17 grams fat, Fiber 4 grams fiber, Protein 35 grams protein, SaturatedFat 5 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 279 grams sodium, Sugar 9 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams unsaturated fat

COCK-A-LEEKIE



Cock-a-Leekie image

This porridgelike soup has Scottish roots. Barley makes it thick, and prunes give it a slightly sweet note; white wine and vegetables, includung leeks, add flavor. It's a popular lunch bowl that hits the spot.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Chicken     Chicken Breast Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 1/4 pounds skinless chicken thighs (on the bone; 4 pieces)
1 1/4 pounds skinless chicken breast halves (on the bone; 3 pieces)
Four 14 1/2-ounce cans low-sodium chicken broth, skimmed of fat
2 cups white wine or water
2 large celery ribs, halved crosswise
1 large carrot, peeled
2 large garlic cloves, peeled
6 leeks, white and light-green parts only, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced crosswise
12 pitted prunes, quartered (2/3 cup packed)
1/2 cup barley
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Steps:

  • Heat a 6-quart Dutch oven on medium-high until hot. Add thighs; cook until browned, turning once, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl. Repeat with breasts.
  • Add broth, wine, celery, carrot, and garlic to Dutch oven. Bring to a boil; scrape any browned bits from pot; return chicken to pot, reduce heat, and simmer, skimming as necessary, for 1 hour. Transfer chicken to a plate; let cool. Transfer vegetables to another plate; reserve.
  • Add leeks, prunes, and barley to broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until thick, about 40 minutes more. Once chicken has cooled, shred meat. Finely dice carrot and celery. Stir chicken, carrot, celery, and parsley into soup, heat through, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 416 g, Cholesterol 132 g, Fat 5 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 43 g, Sodium 754 g

COCK-A-LEEKIE SOUP



Cock-a-Leekie Soup image

Cock-a-leekie soup is a delicious and traditional Scottish recipe that is easy to make. This chicken and leek soup has many variations.

Provided by Elaine Lemm

Categories     Appetizer     Entree     Dinner     Soup

Time 2h

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (2 3/4-pound) whole chicken (fresh and free-range)
12 medium-sized leeks (well-washed and cut to 1-inch lengths)
4 ounces long grain rice (washed)
3 to 4 medium-sized carrots (peeled and grated)
Salt to taste
Ground black pepper to taste
Garnish: Chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Cut up the whole chicken and chop some of the meat into pieces. (You will have leftover chicken meat.)

Nutrition Facts : Calories 930 kcal, Carbohydrate 44 g, Cholesterol 274 mg, Fiber 6 g, Protein 90 g, SaturatedFat 12 g, Sodium 622 mg, Sugar 11 g, Fat 43 g, ServingSize Serves 4, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

COCK-A-LEEKIE



Cock-a-Leekie image

Provided by Frank Bruni

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 quarts salt-free homemade chicken stock or commercial low-sodium chicken broth
2 medium leeks, trimmed of roots and tough dark green leaves, quartered lengthwise and thoroughly washed
4 whole star anise
1 4-pound fresh free-range organic chicken, cut into 8 pieces and skinned
Salt
12 small to medium red potatoes, halved
4 ounces (about 12) dried prunes, cut into 1/4-inch slices
2 cups heavy cream
8 slices smoked bacon
1/4 cup minced mint leaves

Steps:

  • Place chicken stock in a large saucepan and place over high heat to bring to a boil. Meanwhile, set aside a large bowl of ice water. When stock is boiling, add leeks and poach for 2 minutes. Remove with tongs and place in ice water until cool, then drain.
  • Add star anise and chicken pieces to broth. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently until chicken is just done, about 30 minutes. Transfer chicken and anise to a bowl and add enough hot broth to just cover; set aside. Return remaining broth to high heat and reduce to 1 1/2 to 2 cups. Meanwhile, in a medium pan of lightly salted water, boil red potatoes until tender, about 20 minutes.
  • Add prunes and cream to reduced broth. Boil until prunes are soft and sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, fry bacon until lightly browned and beginning to crisp, about 5 minutes. Add leeks and continue to cook until leeks are lightly browned, another 5 minutes. Transfer bacon and leeks to paper towels to drain; keep warm.
  • Season sauce with salt to taste. Drain potatoes and toss with mint. Drain chicken (broth may be reserved for another use), discarding star anise. To serve, place chicken on a plate, ladle with prune sauce, and top with leeks and bacon. Add potatoes and serve.

COCK-A-LEEKIE (CHICKEN AND LEEK SOUP)



Cock-a-Leekie (Chicken and Leek Soup) image

Make and share this Cock-a-Leekie (Chicken and Leek Soup) recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Molly53

Categories     Poultry

Time 1h

Yield 7 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 1/2 lbs frying chickens, cut up
4 cups water
1 medium carrot, sliced
1 stalk celery, sliced
1/2 cup barley
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 cups leeks, with tops (sliced and cleaned very well)

Steps:

  • Heat all ingredients except leeks to boiling in large stockpot or Dutch oven.
  • Reduce heat, cover and simmer 30 minutes.
  • Add leeks.
  • Bring back to a boil; reduce heat.
  • Cover and simmer until thickest pieces of chicken are done, about 15 minutes.
  • Remove chicken from broth and cool slightly; remove chicken from bones and skin.
  • Skim fat from both and remove bay leaf.
  • Cut chicken into 1 inch pieces and return to broth.
  • Heat about 5 minutes; serve.

COCK-A-LEEKIE PIE



Cock-a-Leekie Pie image

The chicken and leek meld together as they cook in the filling.

Provided by Inez Valk-Kempthorne

Categories     Soup/Stew     Chicken     Bake     Kid-Friendly     Bon Appétit     Small Plates

Yield 6 Servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
3 bacon slices, cut into 1/4" pieces
2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
3 leeks, white and pale-green parts only, thinly sliced into rounds
2 sprigs thyme, leaves stripped
1/2 cup quartered pitted prunes
1/3 cup all-purpose flour, plus more
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
All-Butter Pie Dough
1 large egg, beaten to blend

Steps:

  • Place a rack in lower third of oven; preheat to 375°. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook bacon, stirring often, until crisp, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon.
  • Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook in same skillet until brown, about 3 minutes per side. Add a splash of water to skillet. Cover, reduce heat, and cook until chicken is cooked through, 10-12 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  • Add leeks to skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add a splash of water, cover, and cook until leeks are very soft, 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. Shred chicken and add to leeks along with thyme leaves and prunes.
  • Melt remaining 4 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in 1/3 cup flour and cook, whisking constantly, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Whisk in broth, adding a little at a time, until smooth. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 5-7 minutes. Mix sauce into leek mixture; season with salt and pepper. Let cool.
  • Roll out 1 disk of dough on a lightly floured surface to a 14" round. Transfer to a 10" cast-iron skillet or a 9 1/2"-diameter deep pie dish. Lift up edge and let dough slump down into dish. Trim, leaving a 1" overhang. Spoon filling into skillet. Roll out second disk of dough to 11" round. Drape over filling and trim to a 1" overhang. Fold overhang under; crimp with a fork. Cut a few vents in top; brush with egg.
  • Bake until crust is golden brown, 50-60 minutes. Let pie cool slightly.
  • Do ahead: Filling can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.

COCK-A-LEEKIE SOUP



Cock-a-leekie soup image

James Martin gives the classic restorative Scottish soup a twist - the prunes add a sweet contrast to the rich chicken broth

Provided by James Martin

Categories     Lunch, Main course

Time 1h45m

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 medium chicken , jointed into pieces
180g smoked bacon lardon
2 carrots , chopped
2 celery sticks, chopped
1-2 leeks , washed and cut into thick rounds (tops reserved)
splash of white wine
2 bay leaves
½ bunch thyme sprigs
15-20 stoned prunes
good-quality bread , to serve

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a large heavy-based saucepan until hot. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown, then remove and set aside. Add the bacon, carrots, celery and leek tops, and fry for 5 mins until it all starts to brown. Pour off any excess fat.
  • Splash in the wine and boil rapidly, scraping the bottom of the pan. Return the chicken pieces with the herbs and add enough cold water to cover. Slowly bring to the boil, then simmer for 40 mins until the chicken is tender.
  • Remove the chicken to a plate, cover with foil and leave to cool slightly. Strain the soup into a clean saucepan and discard all the other ingredients. Leave to stand for a few mins and skim off any fat that rises to the top. Pull the meat from the chicken bones and tear into large chunks.
  • Simmer the soup with the chicken, leeks and prunes for another 20-30 mins. Season to taste and serve with really good bread.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 337 calories, Fat 16 grams fat, SaturatedFat 5 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 9 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 8 grams sugar, Fiber 3 grams fiber, Protein 36 grams protein, Sodium 1.1 milligram of sodium

COCK-A-LEEKIE SOUP;COCKIE LEEKIE



Cock-a-Leekie Soup;Cockie Leekie image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h20m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 pitted prunes
4 teaspoons Scotch
One 3 1/2 pound free-range chicken, cut into 8 pieces
1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 medium leeks, (light green and white only), halved and cut into 1/2 inch slices
10 sprigs flat- leaf parsley
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
5 cups homemade canned low-sodium chicken broth

Steps:

  • In a small bowl combine the prunes with the Scotch and 2 tablespoons of water and set aside. Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of the salt and the pepper. Place a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat and melt half of the butter. Saute the chicken on each side until well browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate, and pour off any fat left in the pan. Add the remaining butter to the pan, saute the leeks over medium-low until tender, about 25 minutes.
  • Tie the parsley, thyme, and bay leaf with a string. Add the herb bundle, the chicken and the broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, and then lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook the soup for until the chicken is cooked through and tender, about 25 minutes. Remove the chicken, set aside to cool slightly. Remove the herb bundle and discard. Skim any fat from the surface of the soup with a spoon or ladle, if needed. Remove the chicken meat from the bones and cut into 1-inch chunks. Add the chicken cubes, the prunes, and their liquid to the soup. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes. To serve divide the soup evenly among 6 warm soup bowls.

SCOTTISH COCK-A-LEEKIE SOUP



Scottish Cock-a-Leekie Soup image

It may take a few hours to make this famous Scottish soup but there's really not much to it other than some chopping and simmering. It's one of the world's best chicken soups! Top with freshly ground black pepper and chopped fresh chives.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Chicken Soup

Time 4h10m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 ½ pounds leeks
1 (4 pound) whole chicken
1 large bay leaf
3 cloves garlic, halved
4 medium pitted prunes
3 quarts cold water, or more as needed
¼ cup uncooked white rice
1 tablespoon kosher salt, or more to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Steps:

  • Cut off the leek tops (the dark green, fibrous parts) and wash well. Set aside the leek bottoms.
  • Put clean leak tops in the bottom of a large pot. Place chicken on top and add bay leaf, garlic, dried plums, and 3 quarts water. Set over high heat until it starts to simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low or low and simmer gently, occasionally pushing the chicken under the liquid with tongs, for 1 hour 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, prepare leek bottoms by trimming off the root ends and slicing them in half lengthwise. Turn leeks and cut crosswise into ½-inch slices. Transfer to a large bowl and fill with cold water so leeks are floating. Toss with your hands to loosen dirt. Grab leeks with your hands, shake gently to remove water, and transfer to another bowl. Place in the refrigerator until needed.
  • Carefully lift chicken with two forks, let liquid drain from the cavity, and place it in a bowl. Separate meat from skin and bones. Tear meat into bite-sized pieces put in the refrigerator until needed.
  • Place skin and bones back into the pot and gently simmer for 1 more hour.
  • Set a colander in a bowl. Use a skimmer spoon to transfer all solids from the broth to the colander. Discard solids and transfer any broth back to the pot.
  • 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 want and adding more water if it's reducing down too much.
  • Add remaining sliced leeks, chicken, and thyme. Simmer over medium-low for 20 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 810.1 calories, Carbohydrate 37 g, Cholesterol 227 mg, Fat 46.2 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 59.9 g, SaturatedFat 13.1 g, Sodium 1224.8 mg

COCK-A-LEEKIE SOUP



Cock-a-Leekie Soup image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     appetizer

Time 1h45m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 pitted prunes
4 teaspoons Scotch
One 3 1/2 pound free-range chicken, cut into 8 pieces
1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 medium leeks, (light green and white only), halved and cut into 1/2 inch slices
10 sprigs flat-leaf parsley
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
5 cups chicken broth, homemade canned low-sodium

Steps:

  • In a small bowl combine the prunes with the Scotch and 2 tablespoons of water and set aside. Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of the salt and the pepper. Place a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Saute the chicken on each side until well-browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate, and pour off any fat left in the pan. Add the remaining butter to the pan, saute the leeks over medium-low until tender, about 25 minutes. Tie the parsley, thyme, and bay leaf with a piece of kitchen twine. Add the herb bundle, the chicken and the broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, and then lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook the soup for until the chicken is cooked through and tender, about 25 minutes. Remove the chicken, set aside to cool slightly. Remove the herb bundle and discard. Skim any fat from the surface of the soup with a spoon or ladle, if needed. Remove the chicken meat from the bones and cut into 1-inch chunks. Add the chicken cubes, the prunes, and their liquid to the soup. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes. To serve divide the soup evenly among 6 warm soup bowls.
  • Copyright 2001 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved.

COCK-A-LEEKIE



Cock-a-Leekie image

Categories     Low Sodium     Simmer     Boil

Yield serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 1/4 pounds skinless chicken thighs (on the bone; 4 pieces)
1 1/4 pounds skinless chicken breast halves (on the bone; 3 pieces)
4 14 1/2-ounce cans low-sodium chicken broth, skimmed of fat
2 cups white wine or water
2 large celery ribs, halved crosswise
1 large carrot, peeled
2 large garlic cloves, peeled
6 leeks, white and light-green parts only, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced crosswise
12 pitted prunes, quartered (2/3 cup packed)
1/2 cup barley
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Steps:

  • Heat a 6-quart Dutch oven on medium-high until hot. Add the thighs; cook until browned, turning once, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl. Repeat with the breasts.
  • Add the broth, wine, celery, carrot, and garlic to the Dutch oven. Bring to a boil; scrape any browned bits from the pot. Return the chicken to the pot, reduce heat, and simmer, skimming as necessary, for 1 hour. Transfer the chicken to a plate; let cool. Transfer the vegetables to another plate; reserve.
  • Add the leeks, prunes, and barley to the broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until thick, about 40 minutes more. Once the chicken has cooled, shred the meat. Finely dice the carrot and celery. Stir the chicken, carrot, celery, and parsley into the soup, heat through, and serve.
  • Fit to eat recipe
  • (Per serving)
  • Calories: 416
  • Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 132mg
  • Carbohydrate: 32g
  • Sodium: 754mg
  • Protein: 43g
  • Fiber: 5g

COCK A LEEKIE SOUP



Cock a Leekie Soup image

I am actually copying this from "all recipes" because I want to keep all my recipes on one site -- this one. This can also be made with breast meat and is quite good.

Provided by John W

Categories     Chicken

Time 1h45m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
10 cups water
1 onion, chopped
1/3 cup barley
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can condensed chicken broth
7 leeks, sliced
2 stalks celery, thickly sliced
1 sprig fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a large pot over high heat, combine the chicken, water, onion and barley. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour. Remove chicken, discard the bones and skin, chop meat into bite size pieces and return to the pot.
  • Add the chicken broth, leeks, celery, thyme, parsley, salt and ground black pepper. Simmer for 30 more minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.

COCK-A-LEEKIE SOUP (SCOTTISH CHICKEN AND LEEK SOUP)



Cock-a-Leekie Soup (Scottish Chicken and Leek Soup) image

Leeks star in this classic Scottish chicken soup, adding their sweet, oniony flavor to the meaty, fragrant broth. Some versions of this recipe omit the prunes, but their rich fruitiness is what sets this dish apart from other chicken soups. Rice, either brown or white, can stand in for the barley, and some recipes call for oats (in which case use an equal amount of steel-cut, rather than rolled). For a heartier, more stewlike soup, use 3/4 cup barley.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Time 2h30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

3 1/2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
3 teaspoons kosher salt (Diamond Crystal), plus more as needed
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed
4 large leeks, cleaned, greens and whites separated
3 medium carrots, peeled (reserve peels), cut into 1/4-inch-thick coins
2 celery stalks, thinly sliced (reserve any leaves)
1 head garlic, halved crosswise
1 bunch parsley, stems and leaves separated
3 to 5 fresh thyme sprigs
1 fresh or dried bay leaf
1 star anise or clove
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup pearl barley
1/2 cup chopped pitted prunes

Steps:

  • Season chicken with 2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Set chicken aside while prepping the other ingredients.
  • Put leek greens, carrot peels, celery leaves, garlic, parsley stems, thyme, bay leaf and star anise at bottom of a large Dutch oven or soup pot. Place chicken on top of the vegetables. Add remaining 1 teaspoon salt and the peppercorns, and pour in 8 cups cold water, or enough to just submerge the chicken.
  • Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to a simmer and partly cover the pot. Cook until chicken is cooked through and very tender, 45 to 55 minutes.
  • While the chicken cooks, thickly slice 3 of the leek whites into 1/2-inch coins. Thinly slice the remaining leek white; set thinly and thickly sliced leeks aside separately.
  • When the chicken is tender, using tongs, transfer to a large bowl or plate to cool. Strain the broth into a large bowl, discarding vegetables and herbs.
  • Wipe out the Dutch oven and return it to medium-high heat. Add butter, letting it melt. Add the thick leek coins (save the thinly sliced leek for garnish), a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté until tender and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer leek whites to a bowl (they can go on top of the chicken if there's room).
  • Pour broth back into the pot. Bring broth to a brisk simmer, and stir in barley, carrots and celery. Let broth simmer uncovered until the liquid is reduced by a third, and the barley and vegetables are tender, 40 to 50 minutes.
  • While the broth is simmering, use a fork or your fingers to shred chicken into bite-size pieces, discarding skin and bones.
  • Once the barley and vegetables are tender, stir in shredded chicken, sautéed leek whites and the prunes, and simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the prunes to soften (some might disintegrate). Taste and add salt, if needed. To serve, garnish with thinly sliced leek whites and parsley leaves.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, seasonal vegetables and free-range chicken will make all the difference in the flavor of your Cock-a-Leekie soup.
  • Don't overcrowd the pot: If you add too many ingredients to the pot, the soup will become watery and bland. Add the vegetables in batches, and cook them until they are tender before adding the next batch.
  • Season to taste: Add salt and pepper to taste, and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can also add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to brighten the flavor.
  • Let the soup rest: Once the soup is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop.
  • Serve with crusty bread or crackers: Cock-a-Leekie soup is traditionally served with crusty bread or crackers. This helps to soak up the delicious broth.

Conclusion:

Cock-a-Leekie soup is a classic Scottish dish that is enjoyed by people all over the world. It is a hearty and flavorful soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this soup is a great choice for home cooks of all skill levels. So next time you're looking for a comforting and delicious meal, give Cock-a-Leekie soup a try.

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