Have you ever tried the Cullen skink recipe? It’s a classic Scottish soup that’s packed with flavor. It’s made of smoked haddock and potatoes. It is delicious and has a smoky flavor. Let’s quickly look at the recipe.
To make Cullen Skink, fry onions in a pan with butter. Now add the potatoes and water, and let it simmer. Put haddock and milk in a pan and cook. After some time, combine the haddock mixture with the potato mixture and serve.
When making Cullen Skink, there are a few different ways to add that creamy texture we all love. Some add mashed potatoes to thicken the soup and give it that rich, velvety consistency. You can try that.
This smoky soup is excellent comfort food. But to make this Scottish skink soup, you must follow the detailed procedure I’ve mentioned below. Also, there are other recipes that you can have as starters. Let’s check them out.
Table of Contents
ToggleExpert Tips That I Recommend
- To enjoy authentic flavor, add naturally smoked haddock.
- You can mash a few potatoes to naturally thicken the chowder without adding any slurry.
- Add fish at the end of cooking so it remains flaky and moist.
- Avoid boiling chowder, as milk can separate and haddock becomes dry. It is preferred to heat the milk gently to prevent it from spoiling.
- Make sure potatoes are evenly cut so that cooking is not affected.
Recipe Variation for Different Diets
- Keto Version: Swap potatoes for cauliflower, and add heavy cream instead of milk for richer flavor.

Nutritional Information
| Calories | 207 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 21 g |
| Protein | 17 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
Storing And Reheating This Recipe
Storing
- First, let the chowder cool down completely, then transfer to the airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- If you plan to freeze it, keep the potatoes slightly undercooked. Keep it in a freezer-safe container and leave some space on top for expansion
Reheating
- Microwave: Place it in a microwave bowl and then heat for 30 to 60 seconds at regular intervals until evenly heated.
- Stovetop: Transfer the soup to a saucepan, then add a splash of milk to fix the consistency. Now heat over low to medium heat for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Avoid boiling it, as it may affect the milk.
What To Serve With This Recipe
The tempting and delicious Traditional Cullen Skink Recipe can be enjoyed with ample options. The crispy garlic bread or Irish soda bread is a perfect side option to try. Tomato and cucumber salad is also a light addition to the chowder while keeping you full. You can simply serve it with some deviled eggs or stuffed mushrooms for a perfect flavor.
Printable Version
Traditional Cullen Skink Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, and fry for eight minutes until the onions turn brown.
- Add the peeled and cubed potatoes and two cups of water to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for ten to fifteen minutes. Place the smoked haddock in a separate pan, and add enough milk to cover it fully. Cook over medium heat for six minutes.
- Remove the haddock from the milk and let it rest for a few minutes. Flake the haddock into large pieces and remove any bones.
- Add the flaked haddock to the milk pan and the potato mixture. Cook over medium heat for six minutes. Season with salt to taste. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for garnish and serve hot.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kind of haddock should I use for Cullen skink?
You should use smoked haddock for Cullen skink. You can use either dyed or undyed haddock.
Can I make Cullen skink without cream?
Yes, you can make Cullen skink without cream. Instead, you can use milk or a combination of milk and stock to achieve the desired consistency.
Why is my soup watery?
The soup usually turns out watery when it hasn’t been simmered long enough. You can let the potatoes cook down properly so that they can be mashed, which will add some thickness to the soup.
Why is the soup grainy?
The grainy texture is the result of milk being overheated or curdled. Gently heat the soup and stir it smoothly.
More Recipes That You Can Try
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Conclusion
Cullen skink has a rich history and a unique taste. People in Scotland adore this soup. It is a delicious and hearty soup that’s perfect for a cold winter day. You should definitely give it a try if you haven’t already!




