Delicious Scottish Oaty Vegetable Soup Recipe
Have you ever tasted traditional Scottish cuisine? If not, get ready to be transported to the rolling hillsides of Scotland with this delicious Scottish Oaty Vegetable Soup recipe. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients like turnip, carrot, onion, and leek, this soup is easy to prepare and will warm you up on even the coldest of days.
But what sets this soup apart is the use of traditional Scottish oatmeal or “oaties,” which add bulk and a distinctive nutty flavor to the broth. The oaty vegetable soup has been a staple in Scottish kitchens for generations, often referred to as scotch broth or just simply vegetable soup.
Not only is it a hearty and satisfying dish that’ll make your taste buds dance, but this soup is also incredibly versatile. It’s vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and can easily be adapted to use different seasonal veggies like kale or potatoes.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s put on our aprons and get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Scottish Oaty Vegetable Soup Recipe is a simple and comforting bowl of soup that’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re in need of a quick, easy, and healthy meal. This recipe is a traditional Scottish soup made with oaty vegetable broth mix that gives it a distinctive flavor even better when served the next day.
What I love about this recipe is its versatility – it can be adjusted to your preference of vegetables, and it can also be made vegan or gluten-free. The soup oats add bulk to the recipe, and the pearl barley provides high fiber that’s good for your digestive system.
This Scottish Oaty Vegetable Soup Recipe also offers nutritional value because of the vitamins and minerals in the vegetables such as carrots, onions, leeks, turnips, and more! It is surprisingly filling primarily thanks to the inclusion of oatmeal rolled oats, so you won’t have to worry about feeling hungry soon after enjoying a bowl.
Additionally, it’s easy to make with natural ingredients that offer an exceptional taste which can be altered according to your preferred flavor profile. Whether you prefer potato soup or kale soup, this soup could easily become one of your go-to meals!
In short, if you’re looking for a simple warming soup that’s hearty enough to hold its own as a full meal or as part of an entrée dish in any season, then this Scottish Oaty Vegetable Soup Recipe is perfect for you!
Ingredient List
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 leek, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, chopped
- 1 medium turnip, chopped
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 6 cups vegetable broth or water
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup milk (optional)
This Scottish Oaty Vegetable Soup Recipe has a list of simple and nutritious ingredients that will make you enjoy every spoonful. The recipe calls for basic vegetables like onions, leeks, carrots, and turnips that are easily available in any grocery store. Rolled oats are the star ingredients of this soup as they not only add an extra flavor to the soup but also make it thick and substantial. You can use either vegetable broth or water as a base of the soup. Using olive oil not only gives a healthy twist to the recipe but also adds extra flavor to it. Fresh parsley adds a fresh flavor and best when used in moderation. The addition of milk is optional for the creamy texture; however, it can be skipped to keep it light and vegan-friendly suitable for those looking for a gluten-free vegan meal.
The Recipe How-To
Once you have gathered all of your ingredients, it’s time to start making this delicious Scottish Oaty Vegetable Soup recipe. Follow these simple steps and you will have a perfect bowl of soup in no time.
Preparation
Begin by chopping one medium carrot, one medium turnip, one medium onion, and one leek. Set them aside for later use.
In a pot, heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped vegetables to the pot and cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until they are slightly tender.
Cooking
After the vegetables are slightly tender, add in 1/2 cup of Scottish oats or oatmeal and stir them well with the vegetables. Let them cook together for about 2 minutes before adding in 6 cups of vegetable broth or water.
Add a pinch of salt to the broth mixture and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about an hour.
Adding finishing touches
After simmering for an hour, the soup should have a thick consistency. Add 1 cup of freshly chopped parsley and 1 cup of milk to give it a creamy texture. Stir well and let it cook for another 5 to 7 minutes on low heat.
Lastly, season your soup with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
Serving
Your soup is now ready to be enjoyed! This recipe makes enough soup for about six servings, so grab some bowls and ladle in some of this savory oaty vegetable broth. It’s perfect for any occasion and even better served alongside some Scottish oatcakes or toastie vegetarian sandwiches.
So there you have it – a delicious recipe for Scottish Oaty Vegetable Soup that’s simple, warming eat and easy make.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to soups, there are endless possibilities for substitutions and variations to fit your tastes and dietary needs. Here are some ideas to help you switch up this Scottish Oaty Vegetable Soup recipe:
– For a vegan soup, simply omit the milk or substitute with a non-dairy option such as almond or soy milk.
– If you prefer a thicker soup, try adding more oatmeal to the recipe. Rolled oats work well, but you could also experiment with quick-cooking oats or steel-cut oats for a heartier texture.
– To make the soup gluten-free, be sure to use certified gluten-free oatmeal and broth mix.
– If leeks aren’t your thing, substitute with another onion or skip them altogether.
– You can also play around with the types of vegetables used in this soup. Sweet potatoes, parsnips, and even squash would all be great additions.
– Looking for some extra protein? Add in some cooked chicken or beef for a heartier meal.
– Don’t have access to traditional Scottish oatcakes or skirlie? Try serving the soup with some crusty bread or crackers instead.
– Want to change up the flavor profile? Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves. Or try adding in some kale for an extra pop of green.
Remember that cooking is all about experimentation and creativity. Feel free to make this recipe your own by trying out new ingredients and flavors!
Serving and Pairing
The Scottish Oaty Vegetable Soup is a simple, warming soup that is perfect for any cold winter evening. It can be served as a main dish for dinner or as a starter for lunch. To make it even more filling, serve it with one of Scotland’s traditional sides – oatcakes or toastie! The soup’s oats add both bulk and a distinctive flavor, making it even better when served the next day.
For a twist on the Scottish classic, try serving the soup with a side of tattie neep and carrot soup. The creamy texture of the potato soup pairs perfectly with the chunky vegetables in this recipe. Another great pairing would be a kale salad tossed with olive oil and vinegar dressing. The savory flavors of the soup blend well with the kale’s bitterness, creating a delicious contrast.
If you are looking for something more substantial to serve alongside this hearty soup, try adding some protein such as chicken or fish. A grilled chicken breast or poached salmon fillet would be excellent choices. You can also incorporate pearl barley into your soup to add some high fiber content and extra nutrients.
When it comes to drinks, milk is an excellent option because it complements the creamy richness of this vegetable soup. However, if you prefer something stronger, you can pair it with a red wine or beer. A glass of Chardonnay would also work well due to its buttery notes that complement the richness of this dish.
Overall, this easy-to-make yet flavorful Scottish Oaty Vegetable Soup is versatile and ideal for serving at any mealtime. Whether you choose to pair it with traditional sides like oatcakes and tattie neep soup, or incorporate pearl barley and protein into your dish – this soup recipe will not disappoint!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the greatest things about this Scottish Oaty Vegetable Soup recipe is that it can easily be made in advance, stored, and reheated later. In fact, thanks to its hearty ingredients and flavors, this soup tastes even better the next day. To create a make-ahead meal that will save you time during hectic weekdays, just prepare as instructed, let the soup cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.
When it’s time to reheat the soup, just transfer it to a medium saucepan and heat over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you’d like to thin out the soup after refrigeration, simply add a splash of milk or water as needed until you achieve your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl if you’re short on stovetop space.
It’s important to keep in mind that this soup recipe does contain oatmeal, which can thicken over time with the absorption of liquid. So if you find that your make-ahead soup has thickened too much after being refrigerated, simply add a bit more water or stock when reheating. This will ensure the soup has the perfect texture and consistency.
You can also freeze any leftover soup for later use by transferring cooled portions into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion; freeze for up to two months. Just remove from the freezer and let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and enjoying.
In conclusion, with its make-ahead capabilities and delicious flavor profile, this Scottish Oaty Vegetable Soup is perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches. Plus, with proper storage techniques outlined here, you won’t have to worry about any leftovers going to waste.
Tips for Perfect Results
As an experienced chef specializing in British cuisine, I have had my fair share of vegetable soups. From traditional Scottish oaty vegetable to lentil and barley soup, I have learned some tips and tricks to ensure that your soup turns out perfect every time. In this section, I will share with you some of my top recommendations for making the best Scottish Oaty Vegetable Soup.
1. Use authentic Scottish oats
The type of oatmeal you use determines the outcome of your soup. Hence, it is crucial to use authentic Scottish oats that are coarse or steel-cut for the unique texture and flavor. Rolled oats tend to break down and make the soup mushy. You can easily find Scottish oats at a specialty store.
2. Toast the oats before adding them to the soup
Toasting the oats gives them a nuttier flavor which enhances the overall taste of the soup. Heat a separate pan over medium heat and add the oats before stirring constantly until they turn brownish.
3. Add milk for a creamier texture
Adding some milk towards the end gives your soup a creamy texture without being too heavy on cream or flour-based thickeners. It blends well with other ingredients and adds depth to your soup without overpowering other flavors.
4. Experiment with different vegetable combinations
You can never go wrong by incorporating different types of vegetables in your soup recipe. For instance, you can add potatoes, turnips, carrots, kale, onion, or any other winter vegetable in season to create layers of flavors that won’t disappoint.
5. Serve with a side of oatcakes or pearl barley
Scottish oatcakes or pearl barley are great sides for this delicious soup. They’re gluten-free and high fiber foods that add extra filling to your meal while complementing its unique flavor.
By following these simple tips above, you can make a bowl of traditional Scottish Oaty Vegetable Soup like a pro!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Scottish Oaty Vegetable Soup recipe is an easy, nutritious and delicious soup that truly reflects the traditional Scottish cuisine. This soup is perfect for cold winter days or any day you want a simple warming soup that will fill you up.
With its unique blend of vegetables, oats and spices, this soup is gluten-free and provides a high fiber content to meet your dietary needs. The recipe is easy to make and can be customized with different ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Whether you are looking for a simple meal, hosting a dinner party or trying to impress your guests with traditional Scottish recipes, the Scottish Oaty Vegetable Soup recipe is definitely a must-try. So why not add this flavorful soup to your repertoire of healthy recipes? Trust me; it’s going to be one of your all-time favorites!
Scottish Oaty Vegetable Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium carrot, chopped
- 1 medium turnip, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 leek, trimmed and chopped
- 30 g medium oatmeal
- 570 ml meat stock or 570 ml vegetable stock
- 400 ml milk
- salt and pepper
- chopped parsley
Instructions
- Add vegetables to olive oil and 'sweat' them over a very gentle heat, with the lid on, for five minutes, until just coated and softened.
- Stir in the oatmeal and cook for another minute or so, stirring to prevent sticking.
- Pour in the stock and stir well.
- bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 45 minutes.
- Add seasoning (if using) and parsley.
- Finally, add milk (if using), reheat gently, and serve hot.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.