Uncover the Secrets of Traditional Cuisine with Cock-a-Leekie
Among the many gems tucked into the pages of With a Saucepan Over the Sea—a delightful culinary travelogue published in 1902—lies one of Scotland’s most iconic and enduring dishes: Cock-a-Leekie Soup. Sometimes spelled “Cocka Leekie,” this traditional Scottish soup is more than just a warm, comforting bowl—it's a flavorful thread woven through centuries of Scottish history.
Described in the book as “the oldest recipe for soup known,” Cock-a-Leekie dates back to the fourteenth century, and has long been cherished for its simplicity and satisfying flavor. Originally made with the tough meat of an old rooster (hence “cock”), softened by long simmering with leeks and often enriched with prunes, this dish has evolved over the centuries into many regional and family variations.
Here is the recipe as published in 1902:
COCKA LEEKIE. (Scotland.)
This is the oldest recipe for soup known, as it dates back to the fourteenth century. Wash and trim 1 dozen leeks, cut them in pieces half an inch long, discarding roots and tops, then fry them in 1 ounce of butter, with 2 stalks of celery and carrot, cut fine. When brown but not burnt, add 1½ quarts of chicken broth and 1 cup of cooked chicken, cut into dice. Simmer, covered, 2 hours, then add salt, pepper, and yolk of an egg, blended with a little of the broth, first, before adding to the soup.
So, essentially: clean and slice the leeks, brown them gently to bring out their flavor without burning, and enrich the soup with an egg yolk tempered in broth, for a silky texture.
Cock-a-Leekie endures not just because it's delicious—it endures because it is deeply nourishing and adaptable to modern kitchens. Its ingredient list is humble, yet its flavor is rich and layered. It exemplifies a kind of thrift and care in cooking that resonates with the current resurgence in interest in traditional foods and heritage recipes. In a time when we often reach for convenience, this soup invites us to slow down, savor the process, and reconnect with the kinds of meals that sustained generations. Food is history, culture, and comfort—all in one bowl.
So, if you're searching for a recipe that has stood the test of time, one that's hearty and full of old-world charm, Cock-a-Leekie might be the perfect thing to bring to your table.