Cock-a-Leekie Soup

(a traditional Scottish recipe)

Makes 6 - 8 servings

3-pound whole chicken, rinsed and quartered
2 quarts chicken stock
1 bay leaf
10 peppercorns
4 whole cloves
5 cups chopped leeks
1 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup pearl barley
3 Tbsp chopped parsley
Salt and pepper

Place chicken in large pot with 1 quart water; add stock, bay leaf, peppercorns, and cloves. Bring to low boil, skimming as needed. Reduce to low simmer and cook about 1 1/2 hours, skimming as needed. Remove chicken; let cool. Remove any fat floating on stock, then strain through a very fine mesh colander lined with cheesecloth. Clean out soup pot and return stock to it. Add leeks and carrots, bring to boil, and add barley. Simmer until barley is cooked, about 35 minutes. Meanwhile, remove skin and bones from chicken; shred the meat. When barley is cooked, stir in chicken and parsley. Heat through. Season to taste.

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