Scotch Broth

4.78 from 40 votes

Scotland’s classic scotch broth is a soul-warming soup made with lamb, barley and root vegetables.

Prep Time30

Cook Time2 30

Total Time3

Course: Soups and Stews

Cuisine: Scottish

Keyword: barley and lamb soup, lamb soup, lunch, scotch broth, soup, soup with barley

Servings: servings

2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
2 ½ pounds lamb shoulder, neck or leg, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
10 cups chicken broth water or a combination of both
¼ cup pearl barley
2 bay leaves
1 bouquet garni stems of fresh thyme, oregano, parsley and rosemary tied together with string
2 medium leeks white and light green only, chopped
1 medium onion chopped
2 small turnips peeled and cut into cubes
3 medium carrots peeled and cut into small cubes
1 cup shredded cabbage
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley

In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, over medium-high, heat the oil and add the lamb pieces, sprinkle the meat with the salt and pepper and sear, about 8 minutes.
Pour in the chicken stock, scraping up any bits left in the pot from the searing. Stir in the pearl barley, bay leaves and the bundle of fresh herbs. Bring the pot to a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour with the lid on the pot but slightly ajar.
Add the leek, onion, turnip and carrots to the pot, stirring to combine. Return the soup to a boil then reduce the heat to low and simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
Stir the shredded cabbage into the soup and simmer for another 15 minutes. Remove and discard the bay leaves and the remains of the herb bundle.
To serve, ladle into soup bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with warm crusty bread.