Are you craving a comforting, flavorful soup that's also surprisingly quick to make? Look no further! This Cornish hen soup recipe is your answer. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, it's the perfect healthy meal for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend lunch. Forget complicated recipes; this one is incredibly easy, even for beginner cooks. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 Cornish hen (about 1 pound), cut into 8 pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sear the Hen: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the Cornish hen pieces on all sides. This step adds incredible depth of flavor to your soup. Remove the hen pieces and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
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Combine and Simmer: Return the browned Cornish hen pieces to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add thyme and rosemary. Season generously with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
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Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the Cornish hen pieces from the pot. Let them cool slightly, then shred the meat from the bones, discarding the bones and skin.
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Return Chicken and Serve: Add the shredded chicken back to the soup. Heat through gently. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips for the Best Cornish Hen Soup:
- Bone-in vs. Boneless: Using a bone-in Cornish hen provides richer flavor to the broth. If you prefer boneless, adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or green beans.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary will elevate the flavor profile even further if you have them on hand.
Delicious Variations:
- Lemon Herb Cornish Hen Soup: Add the zest and juice of one lemon during the simmering process for a brighter, citrusy flavor.
- Creamy Cornish Hen Soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a richer, creamier texture.
- Cornish Hen and Wild Rice Soup: Add 1 cup of wild rice along with the vegetables for a heartier soup.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 25-30 grams
- Fat: 10-15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
This easy Cornish hen soup recipe is a perfect example of delicious, healthy homemade cooking. It's a quick dinner idea that's sure to become a family favorite. The best recipes are often the simplest, and this one proves it. Enjoy!