Cornish Game Hen Soup Recipe

Cornish Game Hen Soup is a rich and comforting dish that combines the tender, succulent meat of Cornish game hens with a medley of fresh vegetables and hearty seasonings. This soup is the perfect way to turn a humble poultry into a flavorful and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner to warm up a chilly evening or you simply want to impress your guests with a unique twist on classic chicken soup, Cornish Game Hen Soup offers the best of both worlds: the deliciousness of chicken and the refined, delicate taste of Cornish game hens.

Cornish game hens are small, tender birds with a naturally lean, moist, and flavorful meat. They are an excellent choice for soups and stews, as they add a depth of flavor that’s both rich and subtle. Their small size also means that the meat-to-bone ratio is perfect for a soup that’s satisfying without being overwhelming.

If you’re tired of the same-old chicken soup or looking to elevate your comfort food game, this recipe is for you. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for a weekend dinner with friends and family. So, let’s dive into how you can make this delicious Cornish Game Hen Soup from scratch!

Cornish Game Hen Soup Recipe

This recipe is designed to make a hearty and flavorful Cornish Game Hen Soup with a balance of savory broth, tender meat, and vegetables. It takes minimal effort for maximum flavor. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients Needed

• Cornish game hens (2, about 1 to 1.5 pounds each)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Yellow onion (1 medium, chopped)
• Carrots (2 large, peeled and diced)
• Celery stalks (2, diced)
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
• Potatoes (2 medium, peeled and cubed)
• Fresh thyme (2 teaspoons, or 1 teaspoon dried)
• Bay leaves (2)
• Parsley (1/4 cup, chopped)
• Chicken broth (6 cups)
• Water (3 cups)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Lemon juice (1 tablespoon, optional)
• Heavy cream (1/2 cup, optional for added richness)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare The Cornish Game Hens

   • Start by rinsing the Cornish game hens and patting them dry with paper towels. Remove any giblets or excess fat, and set the birds aside.

2. Sear The Hens

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, place the hens in the pot, breast side down, and sear for about 4-5 minutes until the skin turns golden brown. Flip them over and sear for another 4-5 minutes on the other side.

3. Add Vegetables

   • Once the hens are browned, remove them from the pot and set them aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
   • Add the garlic and cook for another minute, allowing it to release its aroma.

4. Simmer The Soup

   • Return the Cornish game hens to the pot, along with the bay leaves, fresh thyme, and potatoes. Pour in the chicken broth and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the hens are fully cooked and tender. The meat should be falling off the bone, and the flavors will have melded together beautifully.

5. Shred The Meat

   • Once the hens are cooked, remove them from the soup. Let them cool slightly before shredding the meat off the bones and discarding the skin and bones. Return the shredded meat to the soup.

6. Finish The Soup

   • Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If desired, add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice for a little brightness or stir in heavy cream for a richer texture.
   • Let the soup simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

7. Garnish And Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot, ideally with crusty bread or crackers on the side.

Ingredient Insights

• Cornish Game Hens: These are smaller than regular chickens and are often prized for their tender, lean meat. They cook quickly and infuse the soup with a delicate, yet robust flavor. Their size makes them perfect for soups, as they offer a good ratio of meat to bone, which helps create a flavorful broth.
• Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth as a base is essential in achieving a deep, savory flavor in the soup. If you want to enhance the taste even further, consider using homemade broth, but store-bought works just as well for convenience.
• Vegetables: The combination of carrots, celery, and onions-otherwise known as the ’mirepoix’-is the foundation of many soups and stews. They add sweetness, earthiness, and an aromatic depth to the broth.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme is a great herb for soups because it’s aromatic but not overpowering. Bay leaves add a subtle, herbal flavor that enhances the richness of the chicken broth. These herbs complement the Cornish game hens beautifully.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Rush the Searing: The searing step is essential. It helps develop a deep, caramelized flavor in the soup, giving it a rich and hearty profile. Don’t skip it-even though it adds extra time, the results are worth it.
• Adjust the Broth: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes once cooked. They will naturally thicken the broth. If you like a lighter, clearer soup, avoid mashing the potatoes.
• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables based on your preferences. Leeks, parsnips, or turnips would make great additions to this soup.
• Use the Leftover Bones: If you’re feeling resourceful, you can use the leftover bones from the Cornish game hens to make your own homemade broth! Just simmer the bones with water, vegetables, and herbs for a few hours, then strain.
• Flavor Depth: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a few drops of soy sauce to the soup after the vegetables have softened but before you add the broth. This can help create a more complex flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Cornish Game Hen Soup: For those who enjoy a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or chili flakes during the sautéing process. A touch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder would also bring a smoky depth to the soup.
• Creamy Cornish Game Hen Soup: Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of the cooking process for a rich, creamy texture. You can also swirl in a dollop of sour cream when serving.
• Vegetarian Cornish Game Hen Soup: Replace the game hens with a plant-based protein such as tempeh or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and load the soup up with more hearty vegetables like squash or mushrooms.
• Cornish Game Hen and Dumpling Soup: Add dumplings to the soup for a more filling meal. Just prepare your favorite dumpling dough and drop spoonfuls into the soup during the last 15 minutes of simmering.

Final Words

Cornish Game Hen Soup is a meal that balances comfort with sophistication. The small size of the hens means they cook quickly but still provide an abundance of flavor. It’s a great option for anyone looking to elevate their typical soup routine. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, this soup is sure to impress with its depth of flavor, tender meat, and delicious broth.