Best 9 Cock A Leekie Scottish Chicken Soup Recipes

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"Cock-a-leekie" is a classic Scottish soup that is believed to date back to the 16th century. The name comes from the Scottish words "cock", meaning rooster, and "leekie", meaning soup or broth, referring to the main ingredients of the dish. This hearty and flavorful soup is often served as a main course or as a starter and is enjoyed by people of all ages. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

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 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 SOUP



Cock-a-Leekie Soup image

Cock-a-Leekie is a comforting, traditional Scottish soup made with a whole chicken, leeks and often prunes. Perfect for a cold day or a Robbie Burns supper! This is a quick version and the process is simplified by using prepared chicken broth, cooked chicken, barley and potatoes. A bit of brown sugar substitutes for the prunes.

Provided by Developed for CFC by Nancy Guppy, RD, MHSc

Yield 15

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
3 leek(s), sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrot(s), medium, sliced
3 potato(es), with skin, diced
3 cups chicken breast(s), cooked, diced
½ cup barley, dry
14 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 bay leaves
1 tbsp thyme, fresh
or
1 tsp thyme, dried
¼ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
1 tsp brown sugar
½ tsp salt, (optional)
½ cup parsley, fresh, chopped, for garnish

Steps:

  • Heat butter and olive oil over medium-low heat in a deep soup pot.
  • Remove tough green ends of leeks. Split in half and run under cold water to remove any dirt residue. Slice white and tender green portion into ½ inch (1.25 cm) half moons. Add to soup pot with the minced garlic. Increase heat to medium high. Stir and sauté for 5 minutes.
  • Peel and slice the carrots into rounds. Dice the potato. As long as they are scrubbed it isn't necessary to peel the carrots or potatoes. Stir into the soup pot and continue to sauté while stirring.
  • Dice the cooked chicken. Add to pot with the barley, chicken broth, thyme leaves, bay leaves and freshly ground black pepper. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until barley is tender.
  • Stir in brown sugar. Taste and add salt if needed. How much salt you need depends on the saltiness of the broth. Remove bay leaves.
  • To serve garnish with fresh chopped parsley (optional garnish).

Nutrition Facts :

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

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

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.

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



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

Cock a Leekie Soup is a Scottish peasant dish with many regional variations, some which goes back as far as the 16th century. Some cooks add chopped grilled bacon, some use beef stock, some add Jamaican pepper and many suggest offering stewed prunes with the finished dish. From britishfoods.about.com. Posted for ZWT6.

Provided by lazyme

Categories     Whole Chicken

Time 1h15m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 lbs fresh whole chickens
12 medium leeks, well washed and chopped to 3/4-inch lengths
4 ounces washed long grain rice
3 -4 medium sized carrots, peeled and grated
salt and crushed black pepper

Steps:

  • Put the chicken in a pot with enough water to more than cover.
  • Add 6 leeks.
  • Cover the pot and simmer gently for 1 hour or until the chicken is falling off the bone.
  • Remove the chicken and reserve.
  • Strain the stock into a fresh pot, add the rice and cook in a covered pot for 10 minutes.
  • Add the grated carrots and the remainder of the chopped leeks and continue cooking for 20 minutes.
  • Taste for intensity of flavour and, if necessary, reduce further to increase the taste.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Chop a little of the reserved chicken and add to the finished soup.
  • Note: The reserved chicken is sometimes served as a separate course with mealie or boiled potatoes and a very strong sauce or perhaps yellow mustard.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 601.5, Fat 24.3, SaturatedFat 6.8, Cholesterol 107, Sodium 186, Carbohydrate 64.8, Fiber 6.5, Sugar 12.6, Protein 31.6

Tips:

  • Use a large pot or Dutch oven to make the soup. This will give the ingredients plenty of room to cook and prevent the soup from boiling over.
  • If you don't have any leftover chicken, you can use cooked chicken breasts or thighs from the grocery store. Just be sure to shred the chicken before adding it to the soup.
  • To make the soup more flavorful, use a combination of chicken broth and white wine. You can also add a bay leaf or two for extra flavor.
  • Don't overcrowd the pot with vegetables. If you add too many vegetables, they will not cook evenly and the soup will be too thick.
  • Let the soup simmer for at least 30 minutes, or longer if you have time. This will allow the flavors to develop and meld together.
  • Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or crackers. You can also garnish the soup with chopped parsley or chives.

Conclusion:

Cock-a-leekie soup is a delicious and hearty soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you are looking for a comforting and flavorful soup, give cock-a-leekie soup a try. You won't be disappointed!

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