Hearty Scotch Broth with Lamb and Vegetables is a traditional Scottish soup that warms the soul. Crafted from lamb neck bones, pearl barley, and an assortment of vibrant vegetables, this dish is the epitome of comfort food. It’s rich in flavors and nutrients, making it perfect for chilly days or any time you crave a hearty meal. You can also easily adapt it to suit vegetarian or vegan diets by using vegetable stock instead of meat. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of this classic Scottish dish!
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Scotch Broth with
This Hearty Scotch Broth with is not just a meal, it’s an experience! Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore it:
- Rich in flavor, thanks to the slow-simmered lamb and fresh vegetables.
- High in protein and fiber, offering a nutritious boost.
- Perfect comfort food for cold weather.
- Easy to make, even for beginners looking to learn how to make Scotch broth.
- Can be customized with various vegetables for a personal touch.
- A great way to use leftover lamb or vegetables.
This soup is a traditional Scotch broth recipe that fits the Scottish cuisine perfectly!
Ingredients for Hearty Scotch Broth with
Gather these items:
- 3 oz lamb neck bones (one or two; beef can be used as a substitute)
- 8 ½ cups water
- 2 tsp sea salt (or Diamond Crystal Kosher salt, to taste)
- ½ cup pearl barley (omit for gluten-free diets)
- ½ cup dried split peas (soaked overnight, or boiled for 5 minutes and soaked for 1 hour)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 small rutabaga, diced (turnip if in the UK)
- 1 small leek, cleaned and sliced
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (about half a small head; Savoy preferred, kale as substitute)
- ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper (to taste, optional)
- 3 Tbsp chopped parsley (preferably fresh or frozen)
How to Make Hearty Scotch Broth with Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Place the lamb neck bones into a Dutch oven or large soup pot, add the water, pearl barley, soaked split peas, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer. Skim off any scum that rises to the surface during simmering. Let it simmer for one hour to develop a rich broth.
- Step 2: While the broth simmers, prepare your vegetables by dicing the onion, slicing the carrots, cleaning and slicing the leek, and dicing the rutabaga.
- Step 3: After one hour, add the prepared carrots, onion, leek, and rutabaga to the pot. Stir in an additional teaspoon of salt. Bring the soup back to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cook for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Step 4: While the soup simmers, shred the cabbage finely to allow for even cooking later.
- Step 5: Remove the lamb bones from the pot. Add the shredded cabbage to the broth and continue to simmer for 15 more minutes until the cabbage is tender.
- Step 6: If using lamb, remove the meat from the bones, shred it into small pieces, and return it to the soup. Add the chopped parsley and fresh ground black pepper according to your taste. Stir well to combine all flavors.
- Step 7: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle hot soup into bowls and serve immediately for a comforting and nourishing meal.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Hearty Scotch Broth with
Keep these in mind:
- This soup can be adapted to vegetarian and vegan diets by omitting the meat and using vegetable stock.
- Feel free to add other vegetables based on your preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- For a thicker broth, mash some of the split peas against the side of the pot as they cook.
Best Ways to Serve Hearty Scotch Broth with
This soup pairs wonderfully with:
- Crusty bread for dipping, enhancing the hearty meal experience.
- Simple green salad to add freshness.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream for a creamy texture.
How to Store and Reheat Hearty Scotch Broth with
To store your Hearty Scotch Broth with, simply let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through. This is perfect for meal prep and makes a great lunch option!
Frequently Asked Questions About Hearty Scotch Broth with
What’s the secret to perfect Hearty Scotch Broth with?
The secret lies in the slow simmering of the broth, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying soup.
Can I make Hearty Scotch Broth with ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making it a day ahead enhances the flavor even more as the ingredients infuse overnight.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Hearty Scotch Broth with?
Ensure the broth simmers gently; boiling too vigorously can make the meat tough and the vegetables mushy.
Variations of Hearty Scotch Broth with You Can Try
Here are some variations to consider:
- For a vegetarian Scotch broth, replace the lamb with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
- Add lentils for a twist, making it a Scottish lentil soup.
- Incorporate various root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes for added sweetness.
With these options, you can explore the best Scotch broth variations to match your taste preferences!

For more tips on making traditional soups, check out this guide. If you’re interested in exploring more about Scottish cuisine, visit this article. You can also learn about the health benefits of lamb in this resource.
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Hearty Scotch Broth with Lamb and Vegetables Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Hearty Scotch Broth with Lamb and Vegetables Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 oz lamb neck bones (one or two; beef can be used as a substitute)
- 8 ½ cups water
- 2 tsp sea salt (or Diamond Crystal Kosher salt, to taste)
- ½ cup pearl barley (omit for gluten free diets)
- ½ cup dried split peas (soaked overnight, or boiled for 5 minutes and soaked for 1 hour)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 small rutabaga, diced (turnip if in the UK)
- 1 small leek, cleaned and sliced
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (about half a small head; Savoy preferred, kale as substitute)
- ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper (to taste, optional)
- 3 Tbsp chopped parsley (preferably fresh or frozen)
Instructions
- Place the lamb neck bones into a Dutch oven or large soup pot, add the water, pearl barley, soaked split peas, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer. Skim off any scum that rises to the surface during simmering. Let it simmer for one hour to develop a rich broth.
- While the broth simmers, prepare your vegetables by dicing the onion, slicing the carrots, cleaning and slicing the leek, and dicing the rutabaga.
- After one hour, add the prepared carrots, onion, leek, and rutabaga to the pot. Stir in an additional teaspoon of salt. Bring the soup back to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cook for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- While the soup simmers, shred the cabbage finely to allow for even cooking later.
- Remove the lamb bones from the pot. Add the shredded cabbage to the broth and continue to simmer for 15 more minutes until the cabbage is tender.
- If using lamb, remove the meat from the bones, shred it into small pieces, and return it to the soup. Add the chopped parsley and fresh ground black pepper according to your taste. Stir well to combine all flavors.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle hot soup into bowls and serve immediately for a comforting and nourishing meal.
Notes
- This soup can be adapted to vegetarian and vegan diets by omitting the meat and using vegetable stock.
- Feel free to add other vegetables based on your preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Scottish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Scotch Broth, Lamb Soup, Hearty Soup, Scottish Recipe