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Cullen Skink

Cullen Skink in an earthenware tureen with silver ladle. Small earthenware dish with Cullen skink in it and a silver spoon. Two slices of bannock. Tartan background.

Cullen skink is a Scottish version of a chowder and originated in the town of Cullen in Morayshire. There are several variations of the dish. Some blend the ingredients to make a smooth soup, some omit the milk or cream, and some are served as a chunky soup with the haddock and potatoes kept in flakes and cubes. This recipe adopts the latter version.

Equipment

  • Weighing scales
  • Measuring jug
  • Large saucepan
  • Colander
  • Large bowl
  • Cast iron casserole

Preparation method

  • To make the stock, heat the butter and oil in the saucepan and gently fry the leeks, onions and fennel for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and the fennel is tender.
  • Add the white wine and water and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for half an hour.
  • Drain into the large bowl through the colander and set aside.
  • For the soup, heat the butter and oil in the casserole and sauté the leeks, fennel, shallots and garlic for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
  • Add the potatoes, cover with the stock and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are almost tender.
  • Stir in the cream and raise the heat a little to bring back to simmering.  
  • Add the haddock and simmer for a few minutes or until the fish is cooked.
  • Stir in the parsley and transfer to a soup tureen and sprinkle with a little more chopped parsley.

Tip: After you have peeled onions, shallots or garlic cloves, cut them in half and remove the inner shoot as it can cause indigestion.
For tips on making soups see my guide for making soups and stews.

Georgian

Serves:
6
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the stock

  • 75 g butter
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 2 leeks, trimmed and sliced
  • 2 onions, peeled and chopped
  • 2 fennel bulbs, central core removed and chopped
  • 250 ml white wine
  • 750 ml water

For the soup

  • 75 g butter
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 2 leeks, trimmed and finely sliced
  • 1 large fennel bulb, central core removed and chopped
  • 2 shallots, peeled and finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 300 g potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1.5cm chunks
  • 500 ml double cream
  • 500 g smoked haddock
  • 3 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Cullen Skink
Serving Size
 
469 g
Amount per Serving
Calories
743
Percent of Daily Value*
Fat
 
56
g
86
%
Saturated Fat
 
33
g
206
%
Cholesterol
 
212
mg
71
%
Sodium
 
724
mg
31
%
Potassium
 
1177
mg
34
%
Carbohydrates
 
28
g
9
%
Fiber
 
5.6
g
23
%
Sugar
 
10
g
11
%
Protein
 
27
g
54
%
Calcium
 
208
mg
21
%
Iron
 
5.1
mg
28
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Keywords

Smoked haddock

Burns Night