Cock-a-Leekie (Chicken and Leek Soup)

“Hmm, hmmm, good! This is one of the best chicken soups I have ever tasted. I made a double batch and have individual servings in the freezer to take to work.”

“This is a very good basic soup – you basically make the stock and the soup at the same time. Be sure you add enough seasonings for your taste since the ones listed are pretty standard. I added many more carrots and celery, and a can of white beans. The barley was good in there too. Would be much quicker with pre-cooked chicken but you wouldn’t get as chickeny a flavor. Also, it would up a little greasier than I normally make soup because I didn’t get to strain the broth (as I would have if I were just making stock) – but could do that next time. But it sure was tasty and we’ll make it again!”

“I used leftover chicken and added a handful of stems from my broccoli and cauliflowerIt was great my husband loved it….”

“I was looking for inspiration for the bunch of leeks and left over turkey breast that I had in the fridge and came upon this recipe.I fiddled with it a bit and came up with a darn fine bowl of creamy leek and barley soup.My method was a bit different. I sauteed the leeks and celery first.(I did not use any carrots).I used 4 cups of turkey stock instead of the water and chicken boullion and simmered until the vegetables were tender.I pulled the bay leaf out of the pot and pureed the lot with an immersion blender.I then added the barley and the chopped up left over turkey breast meat, cooking until the barley was softened.I liked the previous reviewers idea of adding dill so just before serving I stirred in about 3 tbsp chopped dill weed.The dill really added a nice crsip dimension.Although not the original recipe as posted, it was lovely.Thanks to Molly and Chris Reynolds for their inspiration.”

“With all these five-star reviews, I feel like a spoiler, but honestly, my DH and I didn’t find this soup to be all that flavorful. Thanks for sharing, though.A postscript:On the second day, I added 1/2 tsp dillweed and some more bouillon to the leftover soup.We liked it a lot more, but I guess it was no long Cock-a-Leekie!”

“An absolutely delightful and easy-to-make soup. I don’t usually mess with original recipes, but so many reviewers suggested adding white beans, I did too (adds a little more fiber). Thanks, Molly53–you sure do have alot of posted recipes!”

“This was the best recipe for soup I have ever made.I did add the white beans, mushrooms and extra broth as suggested in the notes.I loved it!”

“Very good, and easy to make.Everyone loved it.Good dish to make ahead and leave on the stove for everyone to get it when they are ready.I will make this again.”

“I was looking for more recipes, using barley and am I glad I found this one! I did add a can of white beans, mushrooms and extra broth. Besides, being very healthy, the flavor is fantastic.”

“yummy! I bought a whole chicken & asked the butcher to cut it up for me (6 pieces). I also substituted barley for quinoa, as I am gluten intolerant. I added 1/2 cup for 15 minutes and it was just beautiful. Very subtle but lovely!”

“Really, really good!I put an extra carrot, celery stalk, half-cup of leeks, and teaspoon of bullion in because I like lots of flavor.Also added a head of baby choi in because I needed to use it.I think you knocked mom’s chicken soup out of first place.Thanks!”

“Really good – we all loved it!I used about 6 cups of chicken stock, but I had also added an extra carrot and about 2/3 cup of barley.Thanks for posting!”

“What a great winter soup/stew.I didn’t have quite enough chicken and it still turned out great.My husband would eat this every day.Very easy to make and very quick. The chicken was fall apart tender.”

“Have made this soup lots of times and everyone who has it loves it.I’m even making it again tonight and have passed the recipe on to a workmate so she can try and fill her 4 hungry kids!”

“My husband loved this soup! He ate 5 bowls last night. I can’t believe how easy it is to make. Thank you!”

“My DH said, “Don’t ever tell anyone the name of this stew!”He thought it sounded silly, but that didn’t affect his taste buds.I didn’t have any celery, so that’s the only thing I left out.I used 1 cup of barley because I wanted it to be really thick.I thought this was the most wonderful, simple and easy recipe.Definate comfort food and it deserves more than 5 stars!”

“It was a raw, cold winter’s night.I made this soup.My mouth grinned and my stomach sang for joy!This was great.Now, I hate chicken soup, mostly because I find it boring.I make it for my family because they like and it’s a healthy thing to eat.But NOW I will only make them cock-a-leekie soup!”

“The recipe that brought me to the ‘zaar.I love this stuff and make it often.Easy and flavorful!Try it you’ll like it!”

“I got some leeks and really wasn’t sure what to do with them. I went on food.com looking for a soup recipe, and found this.It was simple to make, but chicken soup normally is. It was tasty and my family enjoyed it. I only gave it 4 stars because it has just a bit to much leek for my liking.Will make it again!”

“We loved this soup Molly!For such simple ingredients, the flavour was outstanding.I followed the recipe except I did addan additional 2 Cups chicken stock as I wanted a thinner soup.I also added 1 tsp of dill right at the very end.I will be making this on a regular basis as the family devoured it! Thanks so much for posting!”