Cocky Leekie Soup
250kcal
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
- 3 large leeks cleaned and sliced thinly, using only the white and light green parts
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 chicken breast or thigh boneless and skinless, or use leftover cooked chicken
- 4 cups chicken stock homemade or store-bought
- 2 large carrots sliced thinly
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 6 pitted prunes optional, but recommended for a traditional touch
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Knife and chopping board
- Wooden spoon
- Slotted spoon (for removing chicken)
- Forks (for shredding chicken)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Method
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the butter or oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the leeks, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Chicken and Stock: Add the chicken pieces (raw or cooked), then pour in the chicken stock. Stir in the carrots, celery, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer: Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. If you’re using leftover chicken, just heat it through.
- Add Prunes (Optional): Add the prunes and continue to simmer for 5 minutes. This will give the soup a sweet, unique flavor.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir well.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or thyme if necessary.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or oatcakes.
Notes
- Prunes: While traditional, prunes are optional. They add sweetness to balance the savory flavor of the chicken and leeks. You can skip them if you prefer a purely savory soup.
- Chicken Options: You can use either raw chicken or leftover cooked chicken in this recipe. For extra flavor, bone-in chicken can be used and shredded after cooking.
- Freezing: Cocky Leekie Soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before storing it in a
n airtight container. Reheat when ready to enjoy.