Cock-a-Leekie Soup (Chicken and Leek Soup)

Ingredients

1 whole chicken, approx 1.5 kg

500g Leeks, chopped and washed, white and green parts separated

1 bay leaf

2 pints chicken stock
2 pints water
2 cloves garlic crushed

30 g rice.

Method

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pot, gently fry green parts of leek and crushed garlic for 2 minutes. add the whole chicken, bay leaf, stock and water in a large pot. Bring to the boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, simmer gently, cover for approx 3 hours.

2. Pierce flesh to make sure the chicken is cooked, then remove chicken and bay leaf from pot. Please take time to ensure you have removed all the bones, as they may break up into smaller pieces during cooking. Skim any fat from surface, add rice , white parts of leek, salt and pepper, simmer vigorously for 10-15 minutes or until rice is tender.

3. Remove some flesh from cooked chicken, add to soup and simmer for a further 10 minutes.

Season to taste, enjoy with some crusty bread if desired.