Cawl is a traditional Welsh broth of lamb and seasonal vegetables, valued for its straightforward cooking and deep comfort.
A slow, skimmed lamb broth carries sturdy roots and plenty of leeks, with parsley added at the end for freshness.
Cut the vegetables generously and add the leeks last so they keep their character.
Serving Suggestions
Serve cawl with crusty bread and Caerphilly or mature cheddar cheese.
Recipe Notes
Cawl improves overnight; chill it promptly, remove any set fat, and reheat gently for up to three days.
Welsh Cawl
Traditional Welsh lamb broth with leeks, potatoes, carrots, parsnips, swede, thyme, and parsley.
Equipment
- Large stockpot
- Slotted spoon
- Chef’s knife
Ingredients
Lamb Broth
- 3 lb bone-in lamb shoulder cut into large pieces
- 12 cups cold water
- 2 tsp fine salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 4 whole thyme sprigs
- 2 whole bay leaves
Vegetables
- 3 large leeks washed and cut into thick rounds
- 2 lb yellow potatoes peeled and cut into large pieces
- 1 lb carrots cut into thick pieces
- 1 lb parsnips cut into thick pieces
- 1 1/2 lb swede peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley chopped
Instructions
Make the Broth:
- Put lamb and cold water in a stockpot and bring slowly to a simmer. Skim well, then add salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Simmer gently for 75 to 90 minutes until the lamb is tender. Remove the lamb, discard bones and excess fat, and tear the meat into irregular pieces. Strain the broth if desired.
Finish the Cawl:
- Return broth and lamb to the pot. Add swede, carrots, and parsnips and simmer 20 minutes. Add potatoes for 15 minutes, then leeks for the final 12 to 15 minutes.
- Discard thyme stems and bay leaves. Stir in parsley, adjust seasoning, and let the cawl rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Cawl is often even better after a night in the refrigerator; lift off any firm fat before reheating.
- Serve with crusty bread and a piece of Caerphilly or mature cheddar cheese.
Nutrition
Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 38gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 780mgFiber: 7gSugar: 9g