Thoughtless Thursday: Cock-A-Leekie Soup

When I studied abroad in Scotland, there was a tea room up the road from my flat that served THE BEST cock-a-leekie soup.  It’s a classic Scottish dish that has as many variations as there are clans.  Many traditionalists use prunes, but I couldn’t bring myself to put something sweet in this soup.  The version I like didn’t use them, so I didn’t as I made this up today.  The end result is light, healthy, and delicious (if a little bit early to be served as a Burns Supper–that’s not until the 25th).   It comes in at 4 servings at 365 and 6.4 grams of fat.  Serve with a good crusty bread, like Irish Soda Bread.

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 6 leeks, washed and diced
  • 1 large Yukon gold potato, diced
  • 1/4 cup pearled barley
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
  • 6 cups rich chicken stock (homemade is best)

Directions:  Dump it all in the crock, stir well and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8.

Printable version.

6 thoughts on “Thoughtless Thursday: Cock-A-Leekie Soup

  1. Never made leek soup before, had some a few years ago & loved it. This has way too much thyme for me….I’ll try it again with maybe 1/3 teaspoon, will also put more barley in it. Thanks for sharing! Love the simplicity:)

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