Fridge Friend Recipes
Cullen Skink recipe
A classic Scottish smoked haddock, potato and leek soup, rich and warming for a Burns Night dinner.
40 min · Easy · Scottish Jump to method
Ingredients
- 400 g smoked haddock
- 500 g potatoes
- 2 leeks
- 600 ml milk
- 25 g butter
- 1 bay leaf
- to taste black pepper
- 1 small onion
- 50 ml double cream
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
| Nutrition | Per servingEstimated |
|---|---|
| Calories | 444 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 37 g |
| Fat | 21 g |
| Saturated fat | 12.5 g |
| Fibre | 4.5 g |
| Sugar | 11 g |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
Why this works
A hearty, protein-rich soup with moderate carbohydrates and fairly high saturated fat, best enjoyed as a filling main meal rather than a light dish.
High-quality protein. Smoked haddock provides a substantial amount of protein, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety.
B vitamins and iodine. Fish and milk contribute vitamin B12, riboflavin and iodine, which support energy metabolism and thyroid function.
Sodium and saturated fat to note. Smoked haddock and added cream/butter increase sodium and saturated fat, so portion size matters if watching cardiovascular health.
Method
- Peel and dice the potatoes, then trim and slice the leeks.
Cut the potato pieces to a similar size so they soften at the same rate, and keep them no larger than a large hazelnut to avoid a mealy exterior with a hard centre.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan and soften the leeks for 5 minutes without browning.
Keep the heat at medium-low and watch for the leeks to turn glossy and translucent rather than take on colour; any browning will give the soup a sweet, caramelised note that is not wanted here.
- Add the potatoes, bay leaf and milk, then bring gently to the boil and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
As soon as the milk edges start to tremble, lower the heat so it only barely bubbles around the sides, otherwise the milk may catch on the base or form a skin.
- Add the smoked haddock and cook for 5 to 8 minutes until it flakes easily.
Slip the haddock into the hot liquid in generous flakes rather than one solid piece if it is thick, and avoid a rolling boil so the fish stays succulent instead of stringy.
- Remove the bay leaf, season with black pepper, then stir in a little double cream if using.
Taste before adding much salt, since the haddock usually carries plenty of salinity, and swirl in the cream off the heat so the soup stays smooth and does not split.
- Serve hot with crusty bread and a sprinkle of parsley if liked.
Warm the bowls first if you can, because Cullen skink is at its best piping hot and the soup will lose its comforting, smoky richness quickly once ladled out.
More recipes using the same ingredients
Curried Smoked Haddock Kedgeree
35 min · A comforting dinner of flaky smoked haddock, fragrant curried rice and soft-boiled eggs. This classic British-Indian dish is gently spiced and satisfying without being heavy.
Smoked Haddock Curry Rice Bake with Egg
45 min · This hearty baked dinner layers curried rice with smoky haddock and slices of egg for a simple, homely supper. It has the cosy flavour of a mild fish curry in an easy oven-finished dish.
Other Haddock Recipes
Bread Sauce
25 min · A classic Christmas bread sauce simmered on the hob, served warm with a festive meal.
Sweetcorn and Green Pepper Chowder with Brown Butter Crumbs
35 min · A creamy, warming chowder with sweetcorn sweetness and soft green pepper in every spoonful. The optional brown butter crumbs add a lovely toasty finish.
Vegetarian Haggis
60 min · A hearty vegetarian haggis supper with neeps and tatties, ideal for Burns Night.
Bacon & Sweet Potato Hash with Fried Eggs
35 min · A hearty, savoury hash with crisp bacon, caramelised sweet potato and peppers, finished with rich fried eggs and a sprinkle of parsley. It’s a satisfying all-in-one plate for a quick brunch or relaxed supper.
Cheesy Potato Gratin with Mustard Heat
80 min · Thinly sliced potatoes are baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce with gentle mustard warmth, then finished until deeply golden. It is comforting, savoury and ideal as a hearty side or a simple vegetarian main.
Chorizo Breakfast Hash with Fried Eggs and Melted Cheese
35 min · A hearty breakfast hash with crisp chorizo sausages, golden potatoes and onions, finished with melted cheese and runny fried eggs. Rich, smoky and satisfying, it’s an ideal brunch or weekend breakfast.
View category
Discover recipes from your fridge contents
Use the FridgeFriend app to recognise the ingredients already in your fridge and help you discover recipes.
