Uncover the Secrets of Traditional Cuisine with Cock-a-Leekie
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.
Cock-a-leekie, or Cocka Leekie, is a classic Scottish soup recipe dating back to at least the Renaissance period. It's consistently made with leeks, carrots, and chicken, but can include other additions, depending on family tradition. The vegetables are sautéed in butter until browned, then simmered with the broth and chicken for a couple of hours. Finally, a seasoned egg yolk is added to thicken the soup.
This particular version comes from With a Saucepan Over the Sea, published in 1902.