COCK-A-LEEKIE

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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.

Deidra Hogan
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I love the addition of the prunes to this soup. They add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that really makes the soup special.


Otsile Sefatsa
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This soup is a great make-ahead meal. I often make a big batch on the weekend and then reheat it for lunch or dinner during the week.


galaxy god
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I'm not a huge fan of leeks, but I really enjoyed this soup. The leeks were very mild and flavorful, and the chicken and barley made it really hearty.


King Elias
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This soup is the perfect way to warm up on a cold day. It's also very healthy, so I don't feel guilty about indulging in a big bowl.


Comfort Akrabah
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I love the simplicity of this recipe. It's just a few basic ingredients, but they come together to create a really flavorful and satisfying soup.


small jr
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This soup is a great way to use up leftover chicken. It's also a very affordable meal to make. I like to serve it with a side of crusty bread or crackers.


Amy Daniels
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This is one of my favorite recipes for leek soup. It's so easy to make and always turns out delicious. I often add a bit of chopped carrots or celery for extra flavor.


Bongani Khoza
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I made this soup for my family and they all loved it. Even my picky eater son went back for seconds! The soup is creamy and flavorful, and the leeks and chicken are perfectly cooked.


Md r Sg
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This soup is the perfect comfort food for a cold winter day. It's warm, savory, and incredibly satisfying. I especially love the addition of the pearl barley, which gives it a nice chewy texture.


U umair
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I'm not usually a fan of leek soup, but this recipe changed my mind. The addition of chicken and barley made it hearty and filling, and the thyme and bay leaf gave it a lovely aromatic flavor.


Mr.Double-N M2
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This recipe was a hit at my dinner party. Everyone loved the creamy texture and the subtle sweetness of the leeks. It's a definite keeper!


Abdul Aziz lntelligence
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What a fantastic soup! The leeks and chicken were so tender and flavorful. And the broth was incredibly rich and satisfying. This is definitely a new favorite in my household.