Best 9 Cock A Leekie Chicken And Leek Soup Recipes

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**Cock-a-Leekie: A Hearty and Flavorful Scottish Soup to Warm Your Soul**

Cock-a-leekie, a classic Scottish soup, is a delightful symphony of flavors that showcases the humble leek, the national vegetable of Scotland. This hearty and comforting soup is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients, combining the natural sweetness of leeks with the savory richness of chicken and the aromatic depth of herbs. Our collection of cock-a-leekie recipes offers a variety of interpretations of this timeless dish, each with its unique twist on the traditional flavors. From the classic version featuring tender chicken, leeks, and barley, to modern variations with wild rice or a creamy twist, these recipes cater to every palate. Whether you're looking for a traditional Scottish meal or a comforting bowl of soup to warm your soul, our cock-a-leekie recipes are sure to satisfy. Indulge in the goodness of fresh leeks, succulent chicken, and aromatic herbs, and experience the true essence of Scottish culinary heritage.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

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

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



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

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 (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 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 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 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

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

Tips:

  • Choose the right type of chicken. A whole chicken or chicken pieces with bone will give the soup a richer flavor. If you are using a rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and bones before adding it to the soup.
  • Use fresh, high-quality leeks. Leeks that are fresh will have a bright green color and firm texture. Avoid leeks that are wilted or have brown spots.
  • Wash the leeks thoroughly before using them. Leeks can have dirt and grit trapped between their layers, so it's important to rinse them well.
  • Cut the leeks into thin slices. This will help them cook evenly and release their flavor into the soup.
  • Use a good quality chicken broth. If you don't have homemade chicken broth, use a store-bought brand that is low in sodium.
  • Add vegetables to the soup for extra flavor and nutrition. Some good options include carrots, celery, parsnips, and turnips.
  • Season the soup to taste with salt, pepper, and herbs. Common herbs used in cock-a-leekie soup include thyme, rosemary, and sage.
  • Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or crackers.

Conclusion:

Cock-a-leekie soup is a classic Scottish dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. It's a hearty, flavorful soup that is easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With its creamy texture and rich flavor, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.

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