Slow Cooker Scotch Broth
This Slow Cooker Scotch Broth is a centuries-old Scottish dish that's simple and affordable to make, and it's packed with vitamins and nutrients. Perfect for chilly days!
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NutritionPer Serving
- Calories457
- Fat15g
- Saturates6.3g
- Carbs47g
- Sugars12g
- Protein29g
For the full list of ingredients and comprehensive instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post. Before you scroll, there’s important stuff to know in the blurb!
A traditional Scottish soup that feels more like a stew, Scotch Broth was designed to combat cold, dreary weather. Packed with wholesome ingredients and essential vitamins, it does exactly that, warming you from the inside out!
This Slow Cooker Scotch Broth’s rich, cosy flavour comes from the slow simmering process, which draws out deep flavour from the meat, bones, and various root vegetables. Typically, it’s a low-cost, thrifty meal you can make with staple cupboard ingredients. It’s perfect if you’re out all day and want something filling and warming ready for when you come in after work, especially because this version comes together all on its own in your Slow Cooker.
If you prefer, you can try our oven method instead.
What diets is this Slow Cooker Scotch Broth suitable for?
This Slow Cooker Scotch Broth recipe is suitable for dairy-free diets.
Remember to take extra care when you’re cooking for people with allergies. Use separate utensils, cookware, and preparation surfaces.
Do you need any special ingredients to make Slow Cooker Scotch Broth?
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No, this recipe doesn’t call for any special ingredients. You’ll find everything on your local supermarket shelves (or in your cupboards!).
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‘A bowl full of goodness and under 500 kcal per portion. Win win.’
How many calories are in this Slow Cooker Scotch Broth recipe?
There are 457 calories in this Slow Cooker Scotch Broth recipe, which means it falls into our Weekly Indulgence category. These are all recipes that come in at under 500 calories or more, great for when you’re hosting or simply fancy something a little more indulgent to tuck into.
All of the recipes in our Weekly Indulgence category slot perfectly into calorie-controlled diets or any one of the major diet plans like Weight Watchers.
As a guide, an average man needs around 2,500kcal (10,500kJ) a day to maintain a healthy body weight. For an average woman, that figure is around 2,000kcal (8,400kJ) a day. Obviously, if your goal is to lose weight, then you might want to adjust these slightly. You can read more about these recommendations on the NHS website.
Step 1
Dissolve the stock cubes in the boiling water.
Step 2
Add all the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker (apart from the parsley, salt, and pepper). Pour over the stock.
Step 3
Mix well, then cook on high for 4-5 hours.
Step 4
When all the veg is cooked and the pearl barley is tender, remove a couple of ladles of veg and stock, then blitz it in a food processor (or use a stick blender) until it’s smooth.
Step 5
Add this back into the soup and stir. This will thicken it slightly.
Step 6
Season to taste with salt and pepper, then sprinkle over the parsley, and serve!
What could I serve with Slow Cooker Scotch Broth?
We think this Slow Cooker Scotch Broth works really well on its own. Alternatively, you can serve it with a slice of crusty bread, or a vegetable dish. Any one of the following would work really well:
How do you know when Slow Cooker Scotch Broth is cooked?
You’ll know this Slow Cooker Scotch Broth is cooked when the veg is cooked and the pearl barley is tender. This will take between 4-5 hours in your slow cooker. At this point, you’ll need to take a couple of ladles of veg and stock and blitz until smooth. Then add this back into the soup, and cook for another 10-15 minutes — until thick (see the steps for this).
Or if slow cooking isn’t your style, here’s our oven method.
As per UK food safety guidelines, always cook meat until it reaches 75ºC and stays at that temperature for at least two minutes. This is to keep you and whoever it is you’re cooking for safe.
How long can you keep Slow Cooker Scotch Broth in the fridge?
Once you’ve served up your Slow Cooker Scotch Broth, ideally you should eat it within 4 hours.
If you do allow any leftovers to cool, be sure to refrigerate in a container with a lid. You can keep leftovers of Scotch Broth in the fridge for approximately 3 days or so.
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Scotch Broth?
Yes you can! This recipe can be frozen, but please remember to do the following;
- Freeze it as soon as it’s cold enough.
- Use a container or bag that’s suitable for freezing.
- Don’t forget to add a label with what it is, and on what date you put it in the freezer!
How do I reheat Slow Cooker Scotch Broth?
From chilled: Place in a microwave-proof container with loosely fitting lid, and heat for 4-7 minutes — until piping hot.
From frozen: Allow to defrost fully, then heat covered in the microwave for 3-5 minutes. Give it a good stir. Then cook for a further 5-7 minutes — until piping hot.
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Slow Cooker Scotch Broth
This Slow Cooker Scotch Broth is a centuries-old Scottish dish that's simple and affordable to make, and it's packed with vitamins and nutrients. Perfect for chilly days!
-
Prep Time
15 MINS
-
Cook Time
5 HR
- KCals 457
- Carbs 47G
Instructions
- Dissolve the stock cubes in the boiling water.
- Add all the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker (apart from the parsley, salt, and pepper). Pour over the stock.
- Mix well, then cook on high for 4-5 hours.
- When all the veg is cooked and the pearl barley is tender, remove a couple of ladles of veg and stock, then blitz it in a food processor (or use a stick blender) until it's smooth.
- Add this back into the soup, and stir. This will thicken it slightly.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper, then sprinkle over the parsley and serve!
Looking for Slimming World Syns or Weight Watchers (WW) Points?
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2 comments
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MelThursday 5th February 2026
Hi there. Should I brown the lamb first?
HollyThursday 12th February 2026
Hi Melissa, theres no need to brown the lamb it can be added as is, hope that helps!
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