Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 leeks, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 8 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup milk
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine chicken pieces, leeks, onion, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour or until chicken is cooked through.
2. Remove chicken pieces from the pot and shred the meat. Discard the bones and skin.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk until a dough forms.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the pot with the chicken broth. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until dumplings are cooked through.
5. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Temperature:
Simmer on low heat
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken can be substituted with turkey or pork
- Leeks can be substituted with onions or shallots
- Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth
Variations:
- Add diced carrots and celery for extra flavor and nutrition
- Use a slow cooker instead of a pot for a hands-off approach
- Add a splash of white wine for a more complex flavor
Tips and tricks:
- Use a sharp knife to cut the chicken into pieces
- Make sure the dumpling dough is not too wet or too dry
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the dumplings from the pot to prevent them from falling apart
Storage instructions:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in a pot on low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve in bowls with a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top.
Garnishes:
Chopped parsley or chives
Pairings:
Crusty bread and a green salad
Suggested side dishes:
Roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dumplings are too dry, add more milk to the dough
- If the dumplings are falling apart, make sure the dough is not too wet and handle them gently
Food safety advice:
Make sure the chicken is cooked through before serving.
Food history:
Cock-a-Leekie is a Scottish soup that dates back to the 16th century.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, comforting, and hearty
Serving suggestions:
Serve as a main course for lunch or dinner.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Scottish
Taste: Savory, Herbal, Rich, Hearty, Comforting