Cock-a-leekie soup
In its own language: cock-a-leekie
Scottish chicken and leek soup, sometimes thickened with rice or barley
Cock-a-leekie soup is a Scottish dish made from leeks and chicken stock, often with rice or barley as a thickener. Prunes are sometimes added, either cooked in or as a garnish. The soup is served at Burns' Suppers and has been called Scotland's national soup, though its roots may trace back to France.
- Often called Scotland's national soup
- Traditionally made with leeks, chicken stock, and sometimes prunes
- First recipe printed in 1598
- Served at Burns' Suppers
- Vegetarian versions exist with leeks and mixed vegetables
What is Cock-a-leekie soup?
Cock-a-leekie soup is a Scottish chicken and leek soup, often described as the country's national soup. The main ingredients are leeks and chicken stock, with black pepper for seasoning. Rice or barley is sometimes used to thicken the broth. Prunes may be added during cooking or sliced thinly as a garnish, giving a subtle sweetness. The soup can range from a clear broth with leeks and little meat to a heartier version with more chicken and vegetables. Some versions are vegetarian, using leeks, mixed vegetables, and meat substitutes.
Where does Cock-a-leekie soup come from?
Though widely seen as Scottish, cock-a-leekie soup likely began as a chicken and onion soup in France. It reached Scotland by the late 16th century, where leeks replaced onions. The first printed recipe appeared in 1598, but the name 'cock-a-leekie' only emerged in the 18th century. The Orchtertyre House Book from 1737 records its presence at Scottish tables. Victorian cookbooks, such as those by Isabella Beeton and Christian Isobel Johnstone, describe the soup and its thickening with oatmeal or leeks.
How is Cock-a-leekie soup made?
Traditionally, the soup is made by simmering a broiler fowl to create a chicken stock, with leeks added for flavor. The classic version uses only leeks and chicken, sometimes resulting in a clear or greenish broth with little meat. Modern recipes often include rice, barley, or oatmeal to thicken the soup and make it heartier. Prunes may be cooked in or added as a garnish. Vegetarian versions use leeks, mixed vegetables, and chicken-flavored substitutes.
How and when is Cock-a-leekie soup eaten?
Cock-a-leekie soup is eaten as a starter or main course at lunch or dinner. It is a traditional dish at Burns' Suppers, which celebrate the Scottish poet Robert Burns. The soup is served hot, often with a garnish of julienned prunes for those who follow the older recipes. It can be enjoyed as an everyday meal or as part of festive occasions.
Kinds of Cock-a-leekie soup
The soup varies from a delicate, clear broth with just leeks and chicken to a thick, stew-like dish with rice, barley, or oatmeal. Some cooks add prunes for sweetness, either during cooking or as a garnish. Vegetarian versions replace chicken with mixed vegetables and meat substitutes. The amount of chicken and vegetables can vary, making the soup lighter or more filling.
What Cock-a-leekie soup means
Cock-a-leekie soup is closely tied to Scottish identity and is often called Scotland's national soup. It is a staple at Burns' Suppers and has appeared on notable menus, such as the first-class luncheon on the RMS Titanic. The dish reflects both everyday and festive Scottish cooking, and its simple ingredients have allowed it to endure for centuries.
Questions people ask about Cock-a-leekie soup
What is cock-a-leekie soup made of?
It is made from leeks and chicken stock, often thickened with rice, barley, or oatmeal. Prunes are sometimes added for sweetness, and some versions include more chicken or vegetables.
Where does cock-a-leekie soup come from?
The soup is from Scotland, though it may have started as a chicken and onion soup in France before leeks replaced onions in Scottish kitchens.
Is cock-a-leekie soup always made with meat?
No, there are vegetarian versions that use leeks, mixed vegetables, and chicken-flavored substitutes instead of chicken.
When is cock-a-leekie soup usually eaten?
It is served at lunch or dinner, and is a traditional part of Burns' Suppers, which celebrate the poet Robert Burns.
What makes cock-a-leekie soup unique?
The use of prunes, either cooked in or as a garnish, sets it apart from other chicken soups and adds a subtle sweetness.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Cock-a-leekie", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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