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scotch broth recipe traditional authentic scottish stew soup lamb beef

Traditional Scotch Broth

Rich in flavor and deliciously hearty, this authentic Scottish soup will nourish both your body and soul!
5 from 76 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 1/2 pounds lamb shoulder or shanks (or beef with bones)
  • 2 tablespoons quality lard or butter
  • how to make lard (it's super easy, click link for my tutorial!)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup pearl barley
  • 1/3 cup dried green split peas
  • 4 sprigs thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 6 cups quality chicken broth
  • homemade chicken broth (click link for recipe)
  • 1 large carrot, diced
  • 1 turnip, peeled and diced
  • 1 rutabaga, peeled and diced
  • 1 parsnip, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded green cabbage
  • 1 medium leek, chopped, rinsed and drained
  • fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook the onions and garlic in the lard or butter until softened, 4-6 minutes.  Add the lamb, herbs, barley, split peas, salt and broth.  Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 2 hours.  Skim off any foam.   Add the carrot, turnip, rutabaga and parsnip.  Simmer for another hour.  
  • Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs.  Remove the meat, shred it and discard the bones.  Return the shredded meat to the pot along with the leek and cabbage.  Simmer for another 30 minutes.  Add salt to taste.  
    I like this soup on the thick side, almost a stew.  If you prefer the soup a bit thinner, add some more broth.
    Serve garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 314kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 23gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 579mgPotassium: 936mgFiber: 8gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 2095IUVitamin C: 32.2mgCalcium: 93mgIron: 3.4mg
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Scottish
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