Hairy Bikers Scotch Broth Recipe

This Hairy Bikers Scotch Broth Recipe is a hearty and warming recipe, which uses lamb shoulder and pearl barley. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 2 hours and 35 minutes.

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Hairy Bikers Scotch Broth Ingredients

• 75g pearl barley
• 1.15kg lamb shoulder
• 2 litres cold water or lamb stock
• 2 onions, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 bunch fresh thyme
• 2 carrots, cut into 2.5cm pieces
• 2 turnips, cut into 2.5cm pieces (optional)
• 2 celery stalks, trimmed, cut into 2.5cm pieces
• 1 heaped tsp sea salt flakes, plus extra to taste
• 2 potatoes, cut into 2.5cm pieces
• 1/2 savoy cabbage, trimmed, cored, and finely shredded
• 1 handful fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• Freshly ground black pepper

How To Make Hairy Bikers Scotch Broth

1. Soak the barley: Place pearl barley in a bowl and cover with cold water while preparing other ingredients.
2. Start the broth: Place lamb shoulder in a large saucepan or casserole. Add water or stock and bring to a simmer, skimming any scum.
3. Add herbs and vegetables: Add onions, bay leaf, and thyme. Simmer gently for 1 hour, skimming occasionally.
4. Add more vegetables: After 1 hour, add carrots, turnips, and celery. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook 30 minutes.
5. Finish the soup: Rinse soaked barley under cold water. Turn lamb over, add barley and potatoes, and cook uncovered 30 minutes until lamb is tender and barley soft.
6. Add the cabbage and serve: Stir in shredded cabbage and simmer 15 minutes. Remove lamb, shred the meat, return to pot, and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Recipe Tips

• How to avoid mushy vegetables: Add potatoes and cabbage towards the end of cooking.
• Can I use beef instead of lamb?: Yes, use beef shoulder or shin for a different flavour.
• How to thicken the broth: The pearl barley naturally thickens the soup as it cooks.
• Can I make this ahead?: The flavours improve if made a day ahead and reheated.
• How to adjust seasoning: Always taste near the end and add more salt or pepper as needed.

What To Serve With Scotch Broth

Serve with simple sides to complement the hearty soup:

• Crusty bread or rolls
• Buttered soda bread
• Pickled vegetables or chutney

How To Store Scotch Broth

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Freeze: Can be frozen for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Scotch Broth Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 22g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 18g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked lamb?:
Yes, but add it later in the cooking process to prevent overcooking.

Do I have to soak the barley?:
Soaking helps it cook evenly but is optional.

Can I make this vegetarian?:
Yes, replace lamb with vegetable stock and add mushrooms or beans for protein.

How long will leftovers keep?:
Store in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze for 1 month.

Try More Recipes:

• Hairy Bikers Chocolate Brownies Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Beef Brisket Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Stuffed Pork Tenderloin Recipe