SCOTCH BROTH WITH NORTHERN ISLES LAMB SAUSAGE, PEARL BARLEY, AND TURNIPS
I adore pearl barley, yet seldom remember to cook it. But at least once a year, in late spring leaning toward summer, when the weather is still chilly, I suddenly have a notion to make Scotch broth. It is essentially a homespun celebration of root vegetables bolstered by and enriched with lamb. The usual vegetable selection includes leeks, carrots, turnips, rutabagas, kohlrabies, and parsnips. Hamburg parsley, which is grown for its root rather than its leaves and is popular in northern European cooking, is also a good addition, adding herbal appeal. Unfortunately, it is so far not widely available in U.S. markets, but a garnish of fresh parsley nicely fills the herbal niche. Lamb neck and bone-in shoulder chops, the customary cuts for Scotch broth, create a meat broth as the soup cooks. Here, I turn the lamb into sausage and use a quick and convenient-to-make vegetable broth. That way the meat is thriftily stretched while still providing its depth of flavor to the soup. I add a tablespoon of tomato paste for color and a hint of acid: perhaps a shocking sidestep to staunch traditionalists, but I think the soup appreciates it.
Yield serves 4
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a large pot, combine the leek, carrot, turnip, barley, tomato paste, and broth and bring to a boil over high heat. Decrease the heat to maintain a simmer, cover partially, and cook until the barley is tender, about 45 minutes.
- Add the sausage balls and salt and continue cooking until they are firm and rise to the top, about 20 minutes.
- Ladle the soup into individual bowls, garnish with the parsley and black pepper, and serve piping hot.
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