Hey there, food enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the delightful world of Cock-a-Leekie Soup. This traditional Scottish dish is a true gem in Scottish cuisine and rightfully holds the title of Scotland’s “National” Soup. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this hearty and flavorsome recipe.
Cock-a-Leekie Soup - A Taste of Scotland

To begin our culinary adventure, let’s take a moment to appreciate this tantalizing image. Can you already smell the fragrant aroma wafting through your kitchen? Now, let’s delve into the details and discover what makes this dish so special.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken
- 4 leeks, thoroughly washed and sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup of pitted prunes
- 6 cups of chicken stock
- 1 bay leaf
- A handful of fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste

Now that we have our ingredients on hand, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to create this traditional Scottish delight.
Instructions
- In a large pot, add the chicken, leeks, onion, chicken stock, bay leaf, and thyme.
- Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool.
- While the chicken is cooling, add the prunes to the pot and let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Once the chicken has cooled, shred the meat and discard the bones. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the soup for another 15 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
- Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs.
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There you have it, a pot of warm and satisfying Cock-a-Leekie Soup, ready to be savored. But before we dig in, let’s talk about how to prepare this Scottish delicacy to perfection.
How to Prepare Cock-a-Leekie Soup
Cock-a-Leekie Soup is best enjoyed when prepared with love and a few tricks up your sleeve. Here are some tips to ensure your soup is simply outstanding:
- Use homemade chicken stock for the best flavor.
- Thoroughly wash and slice the leeks, removing any grit or sand.
- Allow the soup to simmer slowly to develop deep flavors.
- Adding prunes gives this soup a unique and slightly sweet twist, making it even more delightful.
- Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to elevate the overall taste profile.

Preparation Time
Preparing Cock-a-Leekie Soup requires a bit of time and dedication. From start to finish, you can expect to spend approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. But trust us, every minute is worth it when you taste the final result!
Servings
This flavorful soup recipe serves around 6 hungry souls, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Now that you’ve got the recipe and all the necessary information, it’s time to get cooking. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this delectable Scottish specialty. The rich flavors and heartwarming experience of Cock-a-Leekie Soup will transport you to the enchanting landscapes of Scotland.
Nutrition Facts
While we indulge in the deliciousness of Cock-a-Leekie Soup, it’s essential to take a closer look at the nutrition facts. Here’s what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Fat: 4g

Tips
Finally, let’s leave you with a few handy tips to ensure your Cock-a-Leekie Soup turns out to be an absolute triumph:
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables or herbs of your choice.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld together overnight.
- Use the leftover chicken bones to make homemade chicken stock for future use.
- Serve the soup with some crusty bread or Scottish oatcakes for a complete Scottish experience.
Enjoy your journey into the heart of Scottish cuisine with this iconic Cock-a-Leekie Soup recipe. It’s a taste that will make you feel right at home—even if your roots aren’t in Scotland. So grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and let the aroma of simmering soup whisk you away to the land of tartans and bagpipes. Slàinte mhath!