
Creamy smoked haddock and potato soup
A luxurious Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and cream. Cullen Skink is a elegant yet comforting dish that highlights Scotland's fishing heritage.
Serves 4
Place smoked haddock in a pan with stock and bring to simmer. Poach for 5 minutes, then remove fish.
Reserve the stock with all its flavor
In the same stock, add sliced onion and cubed potatoes. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until soft.
The potatoes will help thicken the soup
Flake cooled haddock, removing any bones. Add to soup with cream and butter.
Remove all small bones carefully for safety
Heat through gently without boiling. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Don't boil or the cream may separate
Use good quality smoked haddock for the best flavor
Don't skip the nutmeg — it complements the smoke perfectly
Serve with crusty bread for mopping up the creamy broth
Use smoked cod instead of haddock
Add leeks along with the onions
Top with crispy bacon bits and fresh parsley
Store in fridge for up to 2 days. Do not freeze as cream-based.
Cullen Skink originates from the fishing town of Cullen in Moray, Scotland. 'Skink' is a Scottish term for a type of broth or stew.
Yes, but the distinctive smoked flavor that defines this dish will be missing. It becomes a different soup.
Yes, cream is traditional, though some use milk for a lighter version.
Per serving (350g) · 4 servings total
Ask our AI cooking assistant anything about this recipe — substitutions, techniques, scaling.
Chat with AI Chef →Join the conversation
Sign in to leave a comment and save your favourite recipes