Cock-A-Leekie Soup

James Martin gives the classic restorative Scottish soup a twist - the prunes add a sweet contrast to the rich chicken broth

• Cooking Time Prep 15 mins
  Cook 1 hr, 30 mins
• Skill Level Easy
• Servings Serves 6

Nutrition per serving

• Kcalories

  337

• Protein

  36g

• Carbs

  9g

• Fat

  16g

• Saturates

  5g

• Fibre

  3g

• Sugar

  8g

• Salt

  1.1g

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 medium chicken, jointed into pieces
• 180g smoked bacon lardons
• 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

Directions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Simmer the soup with the chicken, leeks and prunes for another 20-30 mins. Season to taste and serve with really good bread.

Categories: All Christmas, Events