Cock-a-Leekie Soup

Ingredients

2-3Lb Boiling Fowl(1 to 1-1/2 kg) 3 qt Water (3 Litres) 2 Medium Onions, finely chopped Bay Leaf, Sprig of Thyme and some Parsley Stalks Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper 1-1/4 lbs Leeks, finely chopped (625 g) 2 oz Long Grain Rice (50g)

Garnish:

Chopped Parsley 2 ozs Prunes cut into strips

Put the fowl into the water, bring to the boil and skim. Add the herbs, tied together, salt, pepper, onions and only the white part of the leeks. Simmer for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until the meat is tender. Add the rice half an hour before the end of the cooking time. Remove the bird and leave to cool slightly. Add the green of the leek and cook for another few minutes. When the bird is cool, remove some of the flesh and chop up roughly. Return to the soup and heat through. Check seasoning, remove herbs and serve.