Cock-a-leekie is a Scottish soup made with chicken, leeks, and rice. The name of the soup is spelled in various ways, with Cockieleekie being one of them. The spelling is phonetic and reflects the way the word is pronounced in Scotland. The first part of the word, "cockie," is pronounced with a long "o" sound, and the second half, "leekie," is pronounced with an "i" sound. The IPA transcription for Cockieleekie would be ˌkɒkɪˈliːki.
Cockieleekie is a traditional Scottish soup that is typically made with chicken, leeks, and various other ingredients. The name "cockieleekie" is derived from the Scottish words "cock-a-leekie", meaning "cooked with leeks".
The soup is known for its simple yet hearty and flavorful qualities. It starts by simmering a whole chicken in water along with a mixture of leeks, onions, carrots, and sometimes celery. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender and succulent. After several hours of simmering, the chicken is removed from the pot, and the meat is shredded or chopped before being returned to the soup.
Cockieleekie often features other ingredients such as barley, rice, or prunes, which add texture and depth of flavor to the soup. It is commonly seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs such as thyme or parsley. The resulting soup is a warm and comforting dish, often served on cold Scottish winter days.
Cockieleekie has been enjoyed in Scotland for centuries and is considered a traditional part of Scottish cuisine. It is often served as a starter or main course and is sometimes accompanied by a crusty bread roll. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic leeks, and the rich, savory broth makes cockieleekie a beloved dish among residents and visitors alike.
The word Cockieleekie is derived from Scottish Gaelic and has its origins in the Old French language as well. The term combines two words: cock meaning a chicken and leekie referring to leeks. It was originally spelled as cocquyllicky in Old French, with cock representing the old French coq and leekie derived from lique, which meant broth or soup. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation evolved, resulting in the word we know today as Cockieleekie.