Delicious & Nutritious: Easy Scotch Broth Soup Recipe

Folks, let me tell you something – there’s nothing more satisfying on a cold winter night than a bowl of hot soup that can warm you up from the inside out. And if you’re looking for a recipe to help you achieve that kind of warmth, then look no further than this Crock Pot Scotch Broth Soup.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “what in tarnation is Scotch broth?” Well, let me tell you, it’s a traditional soup from Scotland that’s made with root vegetables, pearl barley, lamb, and beef stock. It’s a hearty and filling soup that will leave you feeling satisfied and content.

And the best part about this recipe is that it’s made in a slow cooker! No need to babysit a pot on the stove all day long. Just toss in your ingredients and let it cook low and slow while you go about your day. Plus, the longer it cooks, the tastier it gets.

So if you’re ready to try a delicious and easy traditional Scotch Broth recipe in your crockpot or slow cooker, then gather up your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crock Pot Scotch Broth Soup
Crock Pot Scotch Broth Soup

Folks, have you ever tried a traditional Scotch Broth soup recipe? If not, then folks trust me, you are missing out on one of the most delightful and scrumptious dishes of all time. Allow me to introduce you to the revolutionary crock pot scotch broth soup recipe that is bound to tickle your taste-buds.

Firstly, let’s talk about the delicious ingredients that make up this sensational soup. This mouth-watering recipe boasts lamb shanks, pearl barley, and the triple-combo of celery, carrots, and onion. These filling additions take full advantage of the slow cooking technique by breaking down slowly, creating a piping hot and nutritious broth filled with tender chunks of meat and vegetables.

You’ll relish in the rich and meaty beef flavors as they delicately meld together with the sweetness of carrots, potatoes, and perfectly cooked barley. The addition of black pepper and bay leaves creates a depth of flavor that will excite even the most sophisticated of palates.

Not only is this recipe incredibly delectable but it also has many positive health benefits. Firstly, lamb is an excellent source of protein, loaded with essential nutrients like iron and zinc that are vital to maintain good health. Moreover, pearl barley, also known as the “World’s Healthiest Food,” is lower in calories compared to other whole grains while still providing ample dietary fiber for optimal digestion.

Finally, who doesn’t appreciate a dish that requires little preparation or cooking time? By following my recipe guidelines, all you need to do is place all ingredients into your slow cooker or crock pot and let it do its magic.

In conclusion folks, whether you’re looking for a hearty winter warmer or just an easy soup recipe that will create minimal fuss – this crock pot scotch broth soup recipe will satisfy any culinary cravings with ease. So why wait? Give it a go today!

Ingredient List

 A warming bowl of Scotch Broth, perfect for a cold winter's day.
A warming bowl of Scotch Broth, perfect for a cold winter’s day.

Ingredient List

To make Crock Pot Scotch Broth Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 2 lamb shanks
  • 1 cup pearl barley
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 celery ribs, chopped
  • 3 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 peeled and diced scotch broth carrots
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 beef bouillon cubes or 2 cups of beef broth
  • 8 cups of water or vegetable broth mix
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Note: The lamb shanks can be substituted with stew meat or bone broth. Additionally, you can use a crock pot or a slow cooker.

Pearl barley, onion and carrots are must-have ingredients for any Scotch Broth recipe. To give the soup an authentic Scottish taste, you can add scotch broth vegetables like diced swede, turnips or kale. Soaking Scotch broth mix in boiling water overnight is a common practice in Scotland to tenderize the meat and enhance its flavor. For this recipe, we’re using cooked lamb shanks instead of Scotch broth meat.

The Recipe How-To

 This soup is packed with vegetables and hearty barley, making it a nutritious and filling meal.
This soup is packed with vegetables and hearty barley, making it a nutritious and filling meal.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Now that we have gathered all of the ingredients, let’s start creating this scrumptious and filling crock pot scotch broth soup recipe!

Step 1: Soak the Scotch Broth

After rinsing the Scotch broth mix, I take a large bowl and cover the Scotch broth mix with boiling water. I then leave it to soak for at least an hour.

Pro-Tip: Leaving it overnight can add extra delicious flavors, so if you have time, let it soak longer.

Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables and Meat

While waiting for the Scotch broth to soak, I prepare the vegetables and meat needed for this recipe. I chop one onion, peel and dice four medium potatoes, wash and cut into rounds two peeled carrots, wash and slice two celery ribs and remove leaves if desired, then set them aside.

Next, I trim any excess fat from around two lamb shanks to get that tasty rich meaty beef soup while still keeping a bit of fat to add more flavor. Then I season the lamb shanks with salt, black pepper and any other preferred seasoning.

Step 3: Adding Ingredients to Slow Cooker Pot

Now that we have prepared all of our ingredients let’s add them in our crock pot like a pro! First up are the soaked Scotch broth mix along with its soaking water. Then place both lamb shanks on top of the layer of soaked barley. Pour in enough beef broth or stock cubes dissolved in boiling water making sure everything is completely covered.

Then add in all remaining veggies – the chopped onion, diced potatoes, sliced carrots, sliced celery ribs, along with two bay leaves seasoning. Mix everything well together making sure to immerse all parts into the beef mixture.

Step 4: Slow Cooking

Now I let the crock pot work its magic by cooking on low heat for 8 to 10 hours. This gives time for all the flavors to cook together and the lamb shanks to tenderize.

Pro-Tip: For small or larger slow cooker pots, adjust cooking time depending on size. Check soup broth mix a few times while cooking, if needed add more beef broth or water.

Step 5: Serving

Once everything is cooked to perfection, remove the lamb shanks from the pot and discard any bones or fat. Shred the meat then return it back into the crock pot.

Ladle the scotch broth soup into bowls and serve with some crusty bread or crackers for an added crunch. Enjoy your delicious and hearty slow cooker scotch broth soup!

Now enjoy this filling and nutritious soup filled with beef stew meat, carrots, potatoes, pearl barley, celery ribs and lamb shanks. A bowl of this classic Scotch Broth will leave you feeling warm

Substitutions and Variations

 The Crock Pot does all the work for you, letting you come home to a delicious homemade soup.
The Crock Pot does all the work for you, letting you come home to a delicious homemade soup.

Folks, if you’re like me, you know that the key to a good recipe is the ability to improvise. That’s why I’m here to give you some great substitution ideas and variations for this Crock Pot Scotch Broth Soup Recipe.

First up, let’s talk about the meat. While I personally love lamb shanks for this recipe, you can absolutely use beef stew meat or even bone broth. The key is to make sure that you have a flavorful, rich meat that will stand up to the other hearty ingredients in this soup.

Next, let’s talk about the vegetables. Carrots and potatoes are a staple of this dish, but don’t be afraid to mix it up. You can add some diced turnips or parsnips for a little extra sweetness or even throw in some kale for added texture and nutrition.

If you’re looking to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan-friendly, fear not! Simply substitute vegetable broth mix for the beef bouillon cubes and skip the lamb altogether. You can also swap out the pearl barley for quinoa or another grain if desired.

And lastly, if you’re looking for a quicker cooking option, try making this recipe on the stovetop instead. Simply simmer all of your ingredients together until cooked through and tender – no need to wait hours for your slow cooker to do the job!

Remember, cooking should be fun and creative – so don’t hesitate to mix and match flavors and ingredients until you find your perfect version of this tasty Scotch Broth Soup.

Serving and Pairing

 The aroma of the soup simmering in the Crock Pot is enough to make your mouth water.
The aroma of the soup simmering in the Crock Pot is enough to make your mouth water.

Well, here it is! You have your slow-cooked, hearty and oh-so-tasty scotch broth soup. Now, what do you do with it? Let’s talk about the best ways to serve and pair this delicious dish.

First of all, I must say that a slice of bread with butter is a must-have with this soup. It can be white bread, whole-wheat bread or even sourdough. The simplicity of bread and butter complements the richness of the soup quite well.

This soup is also great if you are looking for a filling and nutritious meal. The lamb shanks and barley provide a good amount of protein and fiber. You can serve it as a main course or as a side dish paired up with some chicken or vegetable broth to balance out the flavors.

If you want to take the pairing game to another level, try adding some kale to the pot. This green goodness adds not only flavor but also some powerful nutrients such as vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

For a more traditional approach, serve your scotch broth soup with some root vegetables on the side such as carrots or potatoes. They soak up the broth like a sponge and make for simple yet perfect side dishes.

Finally, let’s not forget about drinks. A nice dark beer pairs beautifully with scotch broth soup. In fact, in Scotland they say that scotch broth is best enjoyed with a wee dram of whisky!

In conclusion, this soup is something else. It’s tasty, rich and meaty – so don’t hesitate when it comes to experimenting with different serving methods and pairings. Follow your fancy and enjoy this Scottish classic any way you want!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 This classic Scottish soup is a comforting dish that's sure to become a family favorite.
This classic Scottish soup is a comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Now, I know that sometimes we can’t always indulge in a hearty bowl of soup right away. But don’t you worry, this crock-pot scotch broth soup recipe is perfect for make-ahead, storing, and reheating.

When it comes to make-ahead, you can easily prepare everything up to the cooking stage if you’d like. If you’re using lamb shanks or beef stew meat, then you can even cook them in advance and store them separately with their juices. This will allow the flavors to develop over time, producing an even more delicious dish.

To store the soup after cooking, let it cool down completely before transferring it into an airtight container or bag. You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating from frozen, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat your stored crock-pot scotch broth soup, I recommend that you use a pot on the stove instead of the microwave as it will preserve all of its tasty ingredients better. Simply heat it gently and slowly until it’s heated throughout. Give it a good stir before tasting as you may need to add some seasoning such as black pepper to bring out all those warm Scotch broth flavors once again.

With these tips and tricks, you can easily make and store your crock-pot scotch broth soup ahead of time and have a hearty meal ready whenever your craving calls for it.

Tips for Perfect Results

 You can customize this soup by using your favorite vegetables and adding in some meat, like lamb or beef.
You can customize this soup by using your favorite vegetables and adding in some meat, like lamb or beef.

Now that you have all the necessary ingredients and know how to make this delicious slow cooker Scotch broth soup, it’s time to share some tips for achieving perfect results. The following advice will help you avoid common mistakes and ensure that your soup turns out just the way you want it.

1. Don’t overcook the barley

One of the most common mistakes when making Scotch broth is to overcook the barley. This can result in a mushy texture and an unappetizing appearance. To avoid this, check your barley regularly and test it for doneness after about 45 minutes of cooking time.

2. Use high-quality meat

The quality of your meat can make or break your soup. For the most flavorful and tender results, use high-quality lamb shanks or beef stew meat. Look for meat with plenty of marbling as this will release more flavor during the cooking process.

3. Optimize flavor with herbs and spices

Adding freshly ground black pepper and bay leaves to your broth mixture will enhance its flavor significantly. These ingredients give Scotch broth its signature taste, so be sure not to skimp on them.

4. Don’t skip the soaking step

Soaking your pearl barley before adding it to your slow cooker will ensure even cooking and help prevent tough grains. This step is crucial for achieving a consistently delicious and perfectly-textured soup.

5. Let it cool before serving

Allowing your scotch broth soup to cool a bit before serving will help its flavors fully develop and harmonize, which can greatly improve its taste. Plus, it’s always best to avoid burning your tongue on hot soup!

By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to create a tasty, rich, meaty beef soup filled with nutritious ingredients that’s sure to impress anyone who tries it.

FAQ

As a chef who specializes in British cuisine, I understand that cooking can be challenging and confusing at times. That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive FAQ section for your convenience. Here, you’ll find answers to some common questions about this crock pot scotch broth soup recipe. Whether you need advice on ingredient substitutions, cooking time or storage tips, I’m here to help! So, read on and let’s get cooking!

What happens if you don’t soak Scotch broth mix?

To avoid having a crunchy soup, in case you forget to soak the mix, you can try boiling it in water for 20 minutes and then letting it soak for a couple of hours. Remember that the soft and stodgy texture is what makes Scotch Broth a special and delectable dish.

Do you have to pre soak Scotch broth mix?

To prepare the broth mix for your British cuisine recipe, you’ll need to give it a good soak overnight. If you’re using a non-quick cook mix, place it in a bowl and add enough water to cover it, then set it aside. When you’re ready to cook, boil some water in a pan and dissolve some stock cubes in it. Finally, add the soaked broth mix to the pan and let it cook.

Is Scotch broth good for you?

Scotch broth is a highly nutritious soup that can be likened to a superfood. This soup is packed with essential nutrients like root vegetables, pearl barley, lamb protein, and cabbage. Moreover, rutabaga, turnip, or swede, components of the soup, are rich in antioxidants, making Scotch broth a healthy meal choice.

Can you overcook broth in slow cooker?

Although slow cookers are designed for extended cooking times, it is still possible to overcook food if the temperature setting is inadvertently set too high or the cooking time exceeds the recommended length.

Bottom Line

Now that you’ve read through the recipe and learned all of the tips and tricks, it’s time to start cooking! I can assure you that this Crock Pot Scotch Broth Soup recipe is one of the most delicious and satisfying dishes you will ever make. This simple yet tasty broth soup filled with beef stew meat, carrots, potatoes, and flavorful spices will warm your soul and delight your taste buds.

The combination of lamb shanks, chicken broth, and beef bouillon cubes lends a rich, meaty flavor to this soup that will leave you craving for more. And with the added ingredient of pearl barley, this soup is not only filling but also very nutritious. The root vegetables in this recipe are perfect for a cold day or an easy weeknight dinner.

With such easy-to-follow instructions and readily available ingredients, you’ll be able to make Scotch broth like a pro. This traditional scotch broth recipe crock pot version is perfect for anyone who wants to create something tasty, rich, and meaty without too much fuss.

So why wait? Get out your slow cooker and start making this delicious dish today! I guarantee you won’t regret it.

Crock Pot Scotch Broth Soup
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Crock Pot Scotch Broth Soup Recipe

One of my most favorite hearty, heart warming soups converted for crockpot cooking.
Course Soup
Cuisine Scottish
Keyword Easy, Inexpensive, Kid-Friendly, Lamb/Sheep, Low Cholesterol, Meat, Potluck, Vegetable, Weeknight, Winter
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 hours
Calories 500.5kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs lamb, diced
  • 1/2 cup pearl barley
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 celery ribs, sliced
  • 4 carrots, chopped
  • 1 cup diced rutabaga
  • 8 cups water
  • 4 beef bouillon cubes
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a crockpot.
  • Cover and cook on low 8-10 hours or cook on high 5-6 hours.

Nutrition

Serving: 535g | Calories: 500.5kcal | Carbohydrates: 34.3g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 23.7g | Saturated Fat: 9.7g | Cholesterol: 120.6mg | Sodium: 1208mg | Fiber: 7.8g | Sugar: 8.4g

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