Skip to main content

Scotch Broth

4.4

(18)

This speedy version of the long-cooked classic is light and brothy, but it's still substantial and flavorful enough — thanks to lamb, kale, and barley — to be a great winter meal.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    45 min

  • Yield

    Makes 6 (main course) servings

Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 lb ground lamb
2 medium onions, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
2 carrots, sliced 3/4 inch thick
1 lb kale, stems and center ribs cut off and discarded and leaves finely chopped (4 cups)
1 Turkish or 1/2 California bay leaf
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups reduced-sodium beef broth (24 fl oz)
2 cups water
1/2 cup quick-cooking barley
1 tablespoon malt vinegar or cider vinegar

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a 3- to 4-quart heavy saucepan over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then cook lamb, breaking up clumps with a fork, just until no longer pink, about 4 minutes. Transfer lamb to a bowl with a slotted spoon and pour off all but 1 tablespoon fat from pan.

    Step 2

    Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to pan and cook onions, carrots, kale, bay leaf, salt, and pepper over moderate heat, covered, stirring occasionally, until onions are softened, 5 to 8 minutes. Add broth, water, and barley and simmer, covered, until vegetables and barley are tender, about 10 minutes. Add lamb and vinegar and gently simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes (for flavors to blend). Discard bay leaf.

Read More
Grab your Easter basket and hop in—you’ll want to collect each and every one of these fun and easy Easter recipes.
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.