COCKALEEKIE SOUP RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large heavy-based saucepan until hot. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown, then remove and set aside. Add the bacon, carrots, celery and leek tops, and fry for 5 mins until it all starts to brown. Pour off any excess fat.
• Splash in the wine and boil rapidly, scraping the bottom of the pan. Return the chicken pieces with the herbs and add enough cold water to cover. Slowly bring to the boil, then simmer for 40 mins until the chicken is tender.
• Remove the chicken to a plate, cover with foil and leave to cool slightly. Strain the soup into a clean saucepan and discard all the other ingredients. Leave to stand for a few mins and skim off any fat that rises to the top. Pull the meat from the chicken bones and tear into large chunks.
• Simmer the soup with the chicken, leeks and prunes for another 20-30 mins. Season to taste and serve with really good bread.

Steps:

• Sit the chicken in a large saucepan so it fits snugly and add the stock; you need enough to cover the chicken.
• Add the bay and season with salt and pepper. Bring to the boil on a high heat. Cover and simmer for 1–1¼ hours, or until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the liquid and check the juices run clear with no trace of pink when the thickest part of the leg, between the drumstick and the thigh, is pierced with a skewer (if not, cook for a little longer). Pull it apart slightly so it cools quickly.
• Add the leeks, carrots, celery and prunes to the cooking liquid (if you used water, add a couple of chicken stock cubes at this stage).
• Bring to the boil, then cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
• Pull the meat from the chicken carcass into bite-sized pieces, discarding any skin and bone. Remove the bay leaves from the pan, add a little salt and pepper if needed, return the chicken to the pan and stir. Heat until piping hot. Serve in warmed bowls or mugs.