Cock-a-Leekie Soup (15th century)

Cock-a-Leekie Soup  (15th century)

Cock-a-leeky soup

Ingredients:
1 chicken, deboned
1lb leeks cleaned and cut into 1-inch pieces
4 pints vegetarian or chicken stock or water
1/2 cup long grain rice
One teaspoon brown sugar
Salt and pepper
bay leaf, parsley, thyme
1/4 lb chopped bacon

Fry up the bacon in a large saucepan and add the chicken once the bacon is about half done.  Continue stiring until the chicken is about half done (7 minutes).  Add broth/water and cover.  Add three-quarters of the leeks, (green as well as white sections), herbs (tied together in a bundle), salt and pepper and return to the boil. Simmer gently for 2-3 hours, adding more water if necessary. Add the rice and the remaining leeks and simmer for another 30 minutes. Check for flavor and serve with a little chopped parsley. Serves 6/8 people.