Scotch Broth Soup Recipe (2024)

Published October 23, 2022.This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This tasty Scotch broth soup recipe is loaded with vegetables, fall off the bone slow cooked lamb shanks, and tender-cooked barley. You will be blown away by the delicious flavors in this traditional Scottish soup recipe.

I’ve long said that soup is my first love because I adore making it and eating it. If you are similar, you must try my Cream of Mushroom or Ribolita.

Scotch Broth Soup Recipe (1)

Scotch Broth

Scotch broth is a Scottish soup made with lamb or mutton, along with barley and vegetables. It is also known as barley soup or the pot-au-feu of Scotland. Scotch broth is considered the national soup of Scotland because of its deep, over 200-year history.

This is a simple-to-prepare soup, and the flavors are outstanding, especially if you are a fan of lamb. There are a few ingredients you can add or swap out to make it to your liking if you see the ingredients and chef notes below.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Scotch Broth Soup Recipe (2)
  • Lamb – I prefer lamb shanks because they become the most tender and have a good amount of fat for flavor.
  • Vegetables – I use a combination of onions, leeks, celery, carrots, potatoes, turnips, and garlic.
  • Herbs – Fresh chopped parsley is commonly used in this soup.
  • Stock – A good vegetable, chicken, lamb, or beef stock will work for this.
  • Barley – Any good barley will be good to use in this Scotch broth.
  • Peas – You can use fresh peas or split peas; I prefer the latter.

How to Make Scotch Broth

Season the lamb shanks well on all sides with salt and pepper.

Scotch Broth Soup Recipe (3)

Next, add oil to a large pot or rondeau over high heat until it begins to smoke.

Scotch Broth Soup Recipe (4)

Place in the lamb shanks and sear them until golden brown on all sides.

Scotch Broth Soup Recipe (5)

Pour in the stock, season with salt and pepper, and braise over medium-low heat for 3 hours or until the lamb becomes tender and falls off the bone.

Scotch Broth Soup Recipe (6)

In the meantime, prepare the barley and set it aside.

Scotch Broth Soup Recipe (7)

Next, prepare the split peas and set them aside as well.

Scotch Broth Soup Recipe (8)

Add some oil to a separate large pot over medium heat and cook the leeks and onions until browned, which takes about 20 minutes.

Scotch Broth Soup Recipe (9)

Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, which usually takes about 1 minute.

Scotch Broth Soup Recipe (10)

Add the vegetables and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes over low and medium heat.

Scotch Broth Soup Recipe (11)

Remove the lamb shanks and chop them into small pieces. This should be very easy since it will be so tender.

Scotch Broth Soup Recipe (12)

Add the lamb along with the braising liquid to the pot of vegetables. You may need to add a little more stock or water.

Scotch Broth Soup Recipe (13)

Cook over low to medium heat until the vegetables are tender, which takes about 25 minutes.

Scotch Broth Soup Recipe (14)

Season the soup with salt and pepper and stir in the chopped parsley.

Scotch Broth Soup Recipe (15)

Serve the soup by adding it to a serving bowl and spooning in the desired amount of barley and split peas.

Scotch Broth Soup Recipe (16)

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead:You can make this up to 1 day before; follow the reheating instructions below.

How to Store:You can store this Scotch Broth covered in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. This will also freeze covered for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.

How to Reheat:Add the desired amount of soup to a medium-sized saucepot and cook over low heat until hot. Adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper and serve.

Scotch Broth Soup Recipe (17)

Chef Notes + Tips

  • You can use other cuts of lamb such as leg, ground, or loin.
  • If you do not have cabbage, you can use kale.
  • Other things you can add to the soup are parsnips or rutabaga.

More Soup Recipes

  • Ultimate Chili
  • Picadillo
  • Lentil Soup
  • Straciatella
  • Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Scotch Broth Soup Recipe (18)

Video

Save

Scotch Broth Soup Recipe

Scotch Broth Soup Recipe (19)

Print

5 from 5 votes

This tasty Scotch broth soup recipe is loaded with vegetables, fall off the bone slow cooked lamb shanks, and tender-cooked barley.

Servings: 12

Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours hours 1 minute minute

Total Time: 3 hours hours 26 minutes minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons lard
  • 2 1 ½ pound lamb shanks
  • 128 ounces beef stock
  • 1 sliced large leek
  • 1 peeled and small diced yellow onion
  • 5 finely minced cloves of garlic
  • 1 peeled and large diced turnip
  • 4 peeled and large diced carrots
  • 4 ribs of large diced celery
  • 2 peeled and large diced russet potatoes
  • ¼ green cabbage cut into 1” inch pieces
  • 1 recipe for cooked barley
  • 1 recipe for cooked split peas
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • This tasty Scotch broth soup recipe is loaded with vegetables, fall off the bone slow cooked lamb shanks, and tender cooked barley.

  • Season the lamb shanks well on all sides with salt and pepper.

  • Next, add some oil to a large pot or rondeau over high heat until it begins to smoke.

  • Place in the lamb shanks and sear them until golden brown on all sides.

  • Pour in 96 ouncers of stock, season with salt and pepper, and braise over medium-low heat for 3 hours or until the lamb becomes very tender and falls off the bone.

  • In the meantime, prepare the barley and set it aside.

  • Next, prepare the split peas and set them aside as well.

  • Add some oil to a separate large pot over medium heat and cook the leeks and onions until browned, which takes about 20 minutes.

  • Stir in the garlic and cook just until fragrant, which usually takes about 1 minute.

  • Add in the vegetables and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes over low heat to medium heat.

  • Remove the lamb shanks and chop into small pieces. This should be very easy since it will be so tender.

  • Add the lamb along with the braising liquid to the pot of vegetables. You may need to add the remaining 32 ounces of stock.

  • Cook over low to medium heat until the vegetables are tender, which takes about 25 minutes.

  • Season the soup with salt and pepper and stir in the chopped parsley.

  • Serve the soup by adding it to a serving bowl and spoon in the desired amount of barley and split peas.

Notes

Make-Ahead: You can make this picadillo up to 1 day ahead of time; just follow the reheating instructions below.

How to Store:You can store this Scotch Broth covered in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. This will also freeze covered for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.

How to Reheat:Add the desired amount of soup to a medium-sized saucepot and cook over low heat until hot. Adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper and serve.

You can use other cuts of lamb such as leg, ground, or loin.

If you do not have cabbage, you can use kale.

Other things you can add to the soup are parsnips or rutabaga.

Nutrition

Calories: 161kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 19gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 672mgPotassium: 1006mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 3899IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 74mgIron: 3mg

Course: Appetizer, dinner, Main, side

Cuisine: American

Author: Chef Billy Parisi

Elevate Your Every Day Cooking

Get Chef Billy’s go-to tips that transform “blah” into “brilliant” plus weekly newsletter!

Add a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

11 comments

    • Gary Frank
    • Scotch Broth Soup Recipe (20)

    Wonderful rich soup, love the flavor given by the lamb shanks. This is a keeper.

    • Reply
    • BILL Dorgan
    • Scotch Broth Soup Recipe (21)

    This recipe is scrumptious!
    Flavorful Fall Soup!
    Thanks Chef Billy!

    • Reply
      • Chef Billy Parisi

      my pleasure!

      • Reply
    • Sonia
    • Scotch Broth Soup Recipe (22)

    MAGNIFIQUE!

    • Reply
      • Chef Billy Parisi

      Thanks!

      • Reply
    • Lara

    This soup is so lovely and flavorful. Reminds me of growing up in Canada and eating this often. Made this for my parents and they loved it! Will absolutely be a keeper!
    Used the lamb shanks. Seared them in duck fat and played around with the veggie ratios. Cozy, beautiful soup. Thank you!

    • Reply
      • Chef Billy Parisi

      my pleasure!

      • Reply
    • Lee
    • Scotch Broth Soup Recipe (23)

    Lamb lovers, you’re in for a treat! Billy’s Scotch Broth recipe is delicious. IMO I think the lamb shank is the way to go… it gives so much flavor to the broth! I’m looking forward to making it again, but next time thickening it to more of a stew consistency … and finishing it in a crock covered by puff pastry before serving. Thanks Billy!

    • Reply
    • Eva Geiringer

    Love Scotch Broth soup! Such great flavors. I’m missing the quantity of barley in this recipe?

    • Reply
    • Scotch Broth Soup Recipe (24)

        You can find the quantity in my how to cook barley recipe. https://www.billyparisi.com/how-to-cook-barley/

        • Reply
      • Chris
      • Scotch Broth Soup Recipe (25)

      This is a beautiful recipe. Full of flavours. I had never heard of gremolata before. It really brought everything together to make it an awesome recipe. I will be making this again! Thanks for sharing. Chris

      • Reply
    Scotch Broth Soup Recipe (2024)

    FAQs

    What is Scotch Broth soup made of? ›

    Scotch broth is a Scottish soup made with lamb or mutton, along with barley and vegetables. It is also known as barley soup or the pot-au-feu of Scotland. Scotch broth is considered the national soup of Scotland because of its deep, over 200-year history.

    Does Campbell soup make Scotch Broth anymore? ›

    The Scotch Broth was one of the most interesting and adored soups from the company, so it was a shock to many customers when the item promptly disappeared from stores altogether. The hearty Scotch Broth was made with mutton broth, carrots, barley, water, and potatoes alongside seasoned cooked lamb.

    Is Scotch Broth good for you to eat? ›

    It makes good nutritional and economical sense. Scotch broth is packed with vegetables, providing a healthy dollop of our 5+ a day, at the same time taking “the edge' off the appetite so the main course doesn't need to be as hearty, having filled up on healthy soup at the start.

    Can you use Scotch Broth mix without soaking? ›

    Do I Have To Soak The Broth Mix? Soak the broth mix in cold water overnight for best results. If you forget try boiling the mix in water for 20 minutes then leave to soak for a couple of hours. If you don't soak the mix then your soup with be crunchy.

    Which cereal is used in Scotch Broth? ›

    Most commonly, you'll find “pearl barley” which has the hull and bran removed or “hulled barley” which has simply has its husk removed and will be darker in color. Hulled barley will take longer to cook. A traditional Scotch Broth can use lamb shanks or beef. (Some have no meat at all if you use a rich broth.)

    What is the healthiest broth to use for soup? ›

    Bone broth is brimming with nutrients including protein, minerals and vitamins. The vitamin and mineral content, however, will vary depending on the amount and types of bones and vegetables used in the base. Unlike regular chicken or beef stock, bone broth is higher in protein and averages about 8 to 10 grams per cup.

    What soup is Campbell's discontinuing? ›

    Campbell's Chunky Philly-Style Cheesesteak soup

    Campbell's officially discontinued its Philly-style cheesecake soup in 2021 to very little pushback.

    Why is Campbell's soup closing? ›

    Campbell said the “aging facility and inefficient nature of the site's configuration can no longer support the increased consumer demand and continued growth of the business.” It plans to move the plant's soup and broth production to other thermal and aseptic plants and shift plant-based beverage production to leading ...

    What country is Scotch Broth from? ›

    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).

    Can dogs eat Scotch broth soup? ›

    You should never give your dog premade soups or canned soups as these contain large amounts of sodium and fats that are dangerous for all dog breeds. While homemade soup can be an occasional treat in a balanced diet, your pet should get most of its nutrients from dog food or kibble.

    What does Mayo Clinic say about bone broth? ›

    Bone broth is a good choice to include in your diet along with all the other foods that fight inflammation. Organic chicken or beef bone broths (or make your own) have many beneficial nutrients that will help improve bones and joints, along with all the other benefits.

    What meat is in Heinz Scotch broth? ›

    Nothing says home like a deliciously warming bowlful of Heinz soup. Just good and proper Heinz Scotch Broth, prepared with mutton, moreish pearl barley and a generous garnish of veggies. Our mouth-wateringly rich and hearty broth tastes perfect as it is or with a fresh, crusty brown roll.

    How many calories are in scotch broth soup? ›

    Table of Nutritional Information
    Per 100gPer 1/2 can
    Energy39kcal79kcal
    Fat0.6g1.3g
    - of which saturates0.3g0.5g
    Carbohydrate6.7g13.3g
    6 more rows

    Can you use water instead of stock in soup? ›

    The simple answer is yes, it's usually okay to substitute vegetable stock with water. In most recipes that call for vegetable stock, its main advantage over water is that it provides flavor, which is especially important if you're making vegetarian or vegan food that's missing the richness from meat.

    What happens if I use broth instead of stock? ›

    In most cases, stock and broth are interchangeable. If you're in the soup aisle and can't remember whether the recipe called for stock or broth, either will do for making soup, gravy, or a flavorful pot of rice or grains. Keep in mind that stock is unseasoned, and broth is seasoned.

    What is in Heinz Scotch broth soup? ›

    Heinz Classic Scotch Broth is a rich soup created with a special selection of tender mutton, vegetables and pearl barley. It is a delicious hearty soup best enjoyed with a crusty brown roll.

    What country is Scotch broth from? ›

    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).

    What is broth soup made of? ›

    Broth, also known as bouillon (French pronunciation: [bu. jɔ̃]), is a savory liquid made of water in which meat, fish, or vegetables have been simmered for a short period of time. It can be eaten alone, but it is most commonly used to prepare other dishes, such as soups, gravies, and sauces.

    Is Scotch broth whiskey bourbon? ›

    Put at its most simple Whisky is the overall category and both bourbon and Scotch are distinct types of whisky. All whiskies are a distilled and barrel-aged spirit made from fermented grain. The most commonly used grains are corn, barley, rye, and wheat, which each have their own unique flavour profiles.

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Delena Feil

    Last Updated:

    Views: 5765

    Rating: 4.4 / 5 (45 voted)

    Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Delena Feil

    Birthday: 1998-08-29

    Address: 747 Lubowitz Run, Sidmouth, HI 90646-5543

    Phone: +99513241752844

    Job: Design Supervisor

    Hobby: Digital arts, Lacemaking, Air sports, Running, Scouting, Shooting, Puzzles

    Introduction: My name is Delena Feil, I am a clean, splendid, calm, fancy, jolly, bright, faithful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.