• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Explore Cook Eat

  • Recipes Home
  • 1,000 Foods to Eat Project
  • MUST Try Korean Dishes!
  • About Me
  • Recipes
    • USA
    • Asia
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Europe
  • Travel
    • USA
      • New Mexico
      • Texas
      • Utah
      • North Carolina
    • Japan
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

Home » Recipes

Leek Stew Recipe For Welsh Cawl Cennin (Leek Broth)

Dec 15, 2020Last Modified: September 25, 2022

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This page may contain affiliate links. So, I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about a leek stew recipe for the Welsh classic stew called Cawl Cennin!

A terracotta soup bowl full of soup consisting of chicken broth, bacon, leeks, carrots, cabbage and potatoes garnished with Italian parsley with a spoon resting in the soup.
Jump to:
  • 1,000 Foods To Eat Project
  • The Leek and St. David's Day
  • My Delicious Version of Cawl Cennin!
  • A Few Notes On Some Of The Ingredients
  • A Quick Summary of the Method To Make This Leek Stew Recipe
  • Enjoy A Delicious Bowl Of Cawl Cennin!
  • FAQ
  • Some Other Recipes You May Enjoy!
  • Welsh Cawl Cennin

1,000 Foods To Eat Project

I am working my way through the foods that are listed in the book 1,000 Foods to Eat Before You Die by Mimi Sheraton. This is called my 1,000 Foods to Eat Project.

1,000 Foods to Eat Before You Die Front Jacket

In this book, the author Mimi Sheraton lists her choices for the 1,000 Foods of the World that you MUST try.

Welsh Cawl Cennin is #40 (along with Scottish Cock-a-Leekie soup) in my project! This delicious stew originated from Wales, and is also called "Leek Broth". In addition to leeks, this dish also includes carrots, potatoes, cabbage, chicken broth, oats, and bacon.

"Cawl" refers to Welsh stews, and many claim that Cawl is Wales' National Dish!

The Leek and St. David's Day

The leek is Wales' national vegetable and symbol, and St. David is the patron saint of Wales. St. David's Day falls on March 1, and on this day the Welsh typically serve dishes made with leeks.

sliced leeks and knife on a cutting board
Photo by Izabela Rutkowski on Unsplash

So, Cawl Cennin is the PERFECT DISH to enjoy on St. David's Day!

A terracotta soup bowl full of soup consisting of chicken broth, bacon, leeks, carrots, cabbage and potatoes garnished with Italian parsley with a spoon resting in the soup.

I will go one step further though...I also think this cawl is perfect for any time of the year! This leek stew recipe is easy to make, delicious, and warms the body and soul.

My Delicious Version of Cawl Cennin!

I have read that there are many versions and variations of this stew. After my research I came up with a version for Welsh Cawl using only a handful of ingredients that is absolutely delicious!

This easy leek stew recipe will give you a delicious stew which your whole family will love!

The ingredients you will need for this cawl are:

  • Bacon
  • Potato (I used russet potatoes, but you could sub gold potatoes)
  • Cabbage
  • Carrot
  • Leek
  • Chicken Broth or chicken stock (can sub vegetable broth or vegetable stock)
  • Oatmeal (to thicken the soup)
  • Bay leaves (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper as seasoning
  • Italian parsley as garnish (fresh herbs are wonderful to elevate a dish!); can also consider adding sliced green onions or fresh chives as well
Leek, red bowl with diced bacon, red bowl with oats, 2 carrots, Italian parsley, cut up cabbage, box of chicken broth, and 3 potatoes.

A Few Notes On Some Of The Ingredients

Here are a few notes on some of the ingredients:

Leeks one of which has been opened to show dirt with a hand holding the leek and a knife next to it.

Leeks typically have a lot of dirt in them! You'll need to be sure to clean leeks well before use. In this recipe we are only using the bottom white parts and light green parts (on the stalk) of the leek, which are more tender than the top dark green parts.  

The best way to clean them is to slice the leek lengthwise but keep the layers together (don't slice all the way through). Once it's open like this, it makes it easier to rinse the leek clean of all dirt. After cleaning the leek cut across widthwise or chop them for use in the stew.

Try to select leeks that are younger (smaller and slimmer) than large leeks for your stew. The younger leeks generally are more tender than the larger and tougher older leeks.

White bowl filled with cut up pieces of cabbage and another white bowl filled with cut up carrots, cut up leek, and cut up potatoes.

Oatmeal is used as a thickener in this stew. At first I thought it was strange, as I had never used oatmeal for anything other than breakfast or cookies! However, the oatmeal worked really well! You will add this for the last 5 minutes or so (or for however long your package directions tell you).

A pot full of soup consisting of chicken broth, bacon, leeks, carrots, cabbage, potatoes, and oats with a blue spoon containing some of the soup.

A Quick Summary of the Method To Make This Leek Stew Recipe

This delicious Cawl Cennin really couldn't be easier to make! There is a bit of prep involved slicing and dicing the vegetables, but that truly is the hardest part. I would say cooking time for everything is around 45 minutes or so and prep let's say 15 minutes. So let's give it 1 hr until you have a most delicious stew ready to serve your family!

Here is a quick summary of the method to make this cawl:

  • Fry bacon on a medium-high heat in a large pot or Dutch oven until it is browned but NOT super crispy! Drain most of the bacon fat but leave some of it as the fat helps to give this dish INCREDIBLE flavor!
Diced cooked crispy bacon with bacon fat and a blue spatula holding some of the cooked bacon in the foreground.
  • Add diced potatoes, carrot, and cabbage to the bacon and stir. If using a bay leaf or leaves, then add this ingredient at this time.
Pieces of diced bacon, cut up cabbage, potatoes and carrots in a pot.
  • Add chicken stock or broth and after bringing to the boil allow to simmer on a medium heat for 15 minutes. Then add sliced or chopped leeks and simmer for an additional 15 minutes, adding oatmeal the last 5 minutes of cooking time (or whatever time your package directions tell you). Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with fresh parsley!
  • Transfer soup into your favorite stew or soup bowls and prepare for this hearty stew to warm your body and soul!

Please note that this recipe calls for 6 cups of broth which will result in a thick leek stew. If you prefer a thinner stew, increase the amount of broth to your liking.

A pot full of soup consisting of chicken broth, bacon, leeks, carrots, cabbage and potatoes with a blue spoon containing some of the soup in the foreground..

The full recipe for this easy stew can be found in the recipe card below.

Enjoy A Delicious Bowl Of Cawl Cennin!

A terracotta soup bowl full of soup consisting of chicken broth, bacon, leeks, carrots, cabbage and potatoes.

The end result of your efforts will be this SUPREMELY HEARTY AND DELICIOUS CAWL! This is SUPERB served with some crusty bread!

Honestly, I think this is one of the best stews I've ever made. I'm really in love with it, and can't wait to make it again soon!

I truly hope you will try this dish! If so, please comment below and let me know your thoughts on it!

Enjoy this delicious taste of Wales!!

FAQ

How can I make this a vegetarian stew?

You can make this vegetarian by leaving out the bacon and substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth. Use a couple of tablespoon of olive oil instead of bacon fat to saute the diced potato, carrot, and cabbage in Step 2 of the Instructions in the recipe card.

How can I make this cawl more creamy?

You can make this cawl more creamy by adding a touch of heavy cream at the end of cooking (after adding the oatmeal). Feel free to also use an immersion blender or transfer some of the stew to an upright blender when the stew is finished to obtain a smoother texture and get your desired consistency.

How can I store this stew?

Store Cawl Cennin in an airtight container and place it in your refrigerator. This is best consumed within 3-4 days.

How can I make a spicy version of this stew?

I recommend adding a small amount (or large!) of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to up the heat level on this stew!

Some Other Recipes You May Enjoy!

Scottish Cock-a-Leekie Soup

Cock-a-leekie soup with prunes

Simple and Delicious Cacio e Pepe

Cacio e pepe

If you'd like to come along on this food journey with me, please sign up to get the latest recipes and inspiration for you to expand your food comfort zone! It's an incredible journey, please join me by signing up here. 🙂

Cheers!

Grace

A terracotta soup bowl full of soup consisting of chicken broth, bacon, leeks, carrots, cabbage and potatoes.

Welsh Cawl Cennin

Grace
This delicious stew (or "cawl") originated from Wales, and is also called "Leek Broth". It is supremely hearty and warms the body and soul!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 45 mins
Total Time 1 hr
Course Main Course
Cuisine british, welsh
Servings 4 people
Calories 771 kcal

Equipment

  • Large stock pot Dutch oven would also work well

Ingredients
  

  • ½ lb bacon diced
  • 1 large potato peeled and diced; (I used russet potatoes, but you could sub gold potatoes)
  • 2-3 cups cabbage chopped into small pieces
  • 2 med sized carrots peeled, and cut into bite sized pieces
  • 3 small leeks or 1-2 large leeks; you will use the white part and tender light green parts on the stalk only; clean and slice into small circular pieces (cut across the width) or chop
  • 6 cups chicken broth can sub vegetable broth or vegetable stock
  • ¾ cup oats
  • salt season to taste
  • pepper season to taste
  • Italian or curly parsley as garnish; can also consider adding sliced green onions or fresh chives as well
  • 1-2 bay leaves optional

Instructions
 

  • Heat up a large stockpot or Dutch oven on medium high, and add diced bacon. Fry until browned but just shy of crispy. This took me around 7-10 minutes. Drain all but about 2-3 tablespoon of the bacon fat off.
    Diced cooked crispy bacon with bacon fat and a blue spatula holding some of the cooked bacon in the foreground.
  • Add the diced potato, carrot, and cabbage. Stir for 2-3 minutes in the bacon fat. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. If using a bay leaf or leaves, then add this ingredient at this time.
    Pieces of diced bacon, cut up cabbage, potatoes and carrots in a pot.
  • Add the stock and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to a medium heat, and simmer with the lid on for around 15 minutes.
    A pot full of soup consisting of chicken broth, bacon, leeks, carrots, cabbage and potatoes.
  • Add the sliced or chopped leeks (white part and tender green parts from the stalk only), stir, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
    A pot full of soup consisting of cut up pieces of leek, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and broth with a blue spoon in the pot.
  • Stir in oatmeal for the last 5 minutes of cooking, or however long your package directions indicate cooking time for the oatmeal.
    A pot full of soup consisting of chicken broth, bacon, leeks, carrots, cabbage, potatoes, and oats with a blue spoon containing some of the soup.
  • Taste, and adjust for seasoning. Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley.
    A pot full of soup consisting of chicken broth, bacon, leeks, carrots, cabbage and potatoes with a blue spoon containing some of the soup in the foreground..

Notes

Adding 6 cups of chicken broth will give you quite a thick cawl.  If you prefer a thinner cawl (stew), feel free to add a bit more chicken broth.
You can also adjust the amount of oats to your liking, but ¾ cup seems to work well.
I served this with crusty bread, and a Welsh cheese!
Enjoy this taste of Wales!!  

Nutrition

Calories: 771kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 18gFat: 68gSaturated Fat: 29gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 28gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 365mgPotassium: 805mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 930IUVitamin C: 34mgCalcium: 112mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Soup, stew
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
« How To Make Scottish Cock-a-Leekie Soup
South African Curry Recipe For Bunny Chow! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Gaylechilled

    December 19, 2020 at 7:59 pm

    This looks wonderful! I love leeks.
    Is there a link I can click to print just the recipe?
    TIA!
    Gayle

    Reply
    • Grace

      December 19, 2020 at 11:16 pm

      Hi Gayle! I hope you are well and thank you so much! If you scroll down to the recipe card (toward bottom of the post) there should be an option to print. If you don't see it please let me know!
      https://explorecookeat.com/delicious-hearty-welsh-cawl-cennin-leek-broth/
      If you do end up trying it I would LOVE your feedback!Thank you so very much and Merry Christmas to you!!!
      Take good care!
      Grace

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Sign up so that you never miss the greatest recipes!

About Me

Hi I’m Grace! I'm married and a mom to my fur baby, Toby, and food and travel are two of my greatest passions! Since our bank account does not allow us to travel or eat out as much as we'd like, I decided I would cook delicious meals that could give us a taste of all the places we'd like to go. My goal is to get you in the kitchen, and inspire you to cook and taste delightful meals that will transport you too. Let’s throw some actual travel in from time to time, all with an emphasis on keeping your wallet full and happy as well. Let’s get cooking and let’s start exploring!! I'm excited to be on this journey with you!!

By the way most of these recipes are Toby taste tested and Toby approved!!

Chief Taste Tester Toby

Toby Chief Taste Tester

Recent Posts

  • 51 MUST Try Foods When In Japan!
  • Easy and Spicy Thai Chili Oil Recipe
  • Italian Peas and Ham Frozen Peas Recipe
  • Easy Middle Eastern Chicken With Lemon and Olives Recipe
  • Easy Cajun Crawfish Sauce Recipe

Recent Comments

  • Grace on The BEST and Easiest Korean Bok Choy Kimchi!
  • MsLinda on The BEST and Easiest Korean Bok Choy Kimchi!
  • Grace on Easy and Delicious Connecticut Steamed Cheeseburgers!
  • Shawn on Easy and Delicious Connecticut Steamed Cheeseburgers!
  • Grace on Incredibly Delicious Brussels Sprouts

Archives

Categories

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Footer

Amazon Associates Disclosure

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2023 Explore Cook Eat on the Foodie Pro Theme