Scotch broth

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Scotch broth
Alternative namesBarley broth[1]
TypeSoup
CourseStarter
Place of originScotland
Main ingredientsBarley, lamb, mutton or beef, root vegetables (carrots, swedes), dried pulses

Scotch broth is a soup originating in Scotland. The principal ingredients are usually barley, stewing or braising cuts of lamb, mutton or beef, root vegetables (such as carrots, swedes, or sometimes turnips), and dried pulses (most often split peas and red lentils). Cabbage and leeks are often added shortly before serving to preserve their texture, colour and flavours. The proportions and ingredients vary according to the recipe or availability.[2][3] Scotch broth has been sold ready-prepared in tins for many years.[4]

History[edit]

In the early 19th-century cookery book A New System of Domestic Cookery by Maria Rundell, "Scotch Mutton Broth" is made with mutton neck, skimmed and simmered around an hour before good-quality cuts of bone-in mutton are trimmed of their fat and added to the soup. After several hours, soup vegetables are added—turnips, carrots and onion—and simmered until just tender; finally, pre-soaked Scotch barley is added. The soup is served with a garnish of fresh parsley.

According to Christian Isobel Johnstone, the mutton could be served on the side as a bouilli with caper sauce, parsley and butter, pickled cucumbers, or nasturtiums (edible flowers) with mustard and vinegar.

Ingredients[edit]

The main ingredients are barley, stewing lamb or mutton, and root vegetables like swedes, potatoes, turnip and carrot. Dried beans are another common addition, as are cabbage and leeks, which can be added in later stages of cooking.[5]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Grigson, Jane (1985). Jane Grigson's British Cookery. p. 159.
  2. ^ Green, Jonathan (2010). "When Does a Broth Become Scotch Broth?". Scottish Miscellany: Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Scotland the Brave. New York: Skyhorse Publishing. ISBN 9781616080631.
  3. ^ Lass, An Ayrshire (11 February 1929). "Scotch Broth - "Baith Meat and Medicine"". The Glasgow Herald. Glasgow, Scotland, UK. p. 6. Retrieved 10 March 2012.
  4. ^ "(Scotch broth advertisement)". Pittsburgh Post Gazette. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. 1 November 1935. p. 12. Retrieved 10 March 2012.
  5. ^ Green, Jonathan (2010). Scottish Miscellany: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Scotland the Brave. ISBN 9781616080631.