Scotch Broth

Name: Scotch Broth
Prep time: 55 min
Total time: 190 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 pounds boneless lamb shoulder in one piece, plus its bones; 2 large yellow onions, peeled and quartered; 3 celery stalks, coarsely chopped; 3 medium carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped; 2 medium leeks, washed and trimmed, white and light-green parts cut on the bias into 2-inch pieces, trimmings reserved; 0.5 teaspoon whole black peppercorns; Coarse salt; 12 parsley stems, plus ½ cup leaves, finely chopped; 2 medium turnips, peeled and halved (about 1 pound); 0.5 cup pearl barley; 1.5 pounds English peas, shelled, or 1 ½ cups frozen peas

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By

Martha Stewart Test Kitchen

Updated on June 8, 2017

Prep Time:

55 mins

Total Time:

3 hrs 10 mins

Yield:

6 to 8 Serves

The ultimate antidote for cool spring nights, this old-fashioned farmhouse soup with shredded lamb offers sustenance without the heft. Garden-fresh peas lend a lightness, while turnips (which contain good-for-you fiber) add a mildly sweet bite to the meaty broth.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 pounds boneless lamb shoulder in one piece, plus its bones
2 large yellow onions, peeled and quartered
3 celery stalks, coarsely chopped
3 medium carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
2 medium leeks, washed and trimmed, white and light-green parts cut on the bias into 2-inch pieces, trimmings reserved
½ teaspoon whole black peppercorns
Coarse salt
12 parsley stems, plus ½ cup leaves, finely chopped
2 medium turnips, peeled and halved (about 1 pound)
½ cup pearl barley
1 ½ pounds English peas, shelled, or 1 ½ cups frozen peas

Directions

Swirl oil into a large, heavy pot over medium-high. Add lamb, bones, and onions; cook until bottom sides of bones turn dark brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Flip, reduce heat to medium, and add celery and carrots. Continue cooking, turning occasionally, until lamb and vegetables are deep brown on all sides, 20 to 25 minutes. Add 12 cups water, leek trimmings, peppercorns, and parsley stems; season with salt. Bring to a boil; skim foam. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, until meat is fork-tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Remove from heat and let stand, uncovered, until fat begins to rise to surface, about 2 hours. Skim fat; strain stock through a fine-mesh sieve, reserving lamb. When lamb is cool enough to handle, trim excess fat, then cut into bite-size pieces and reserve, discarding bones.
Place stock in a clean pot; add turnips and barley. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, until barley is just tender and turnips are easily pierced with the tip of a sharp knife, about 20 minutes; transfer turnips to a cutting board. Add leeks to pot and simmer until tender, 5 minutes. Meanwhile, slice turnips lengthwise into 1/2-inch moons and return to pot, along with lamb and peas. Simmer until heated through. Serve, with chopped parsley alongside.