Cornish Hen Soup

Cornish Hen Soup Recipe from Cornwall and Moldova | Ingredients: Carrots, Rice, Lemon Juice, and More

Region / culture: Cornwall, Moldova | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cornish Hen Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This soup is made with tender cornish hens, vegetables, and flavorful herbs, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Cornish Hen Soup has been a traditional dish in many cultures for centuries. It is often made as a way to use up leftover cornish hens and vegetables, creating a flavorful and nourishing soup that warms the soul.

Ingredients

2 cornish hens
3 qt/3 liter water
2 carrots
1 parsley root
1 chopped onion
3 handfuls of homemade noodles or 3 tbsp rice
1 cup borsh or 3 tbsp lemon juice
1 bay leaf
chopped lovage (levisticum bot.)
chopped parsley
salt

How to prepare

Bring the hens to a boil in a pot of cold water. Leave the pot uncovered until the liquid starts foaming. Periodically remove the foam using a slotted spoon until foaming stops.
Add the bay leaf, onion, and a pinch of salt.
Cover the pot, leaving a small opening, and let it simmer on low heat.
Once the hen is cooked, remove it from the pot and place it on a plate.
Add the vegetables to the soup. When they are almost cooked, add homemade noodles or rice. After 5 minutes, add borsh (the cleared liquid of fermented grain bran) or lemon juice to taste.
Simmer for another 5 minutes and then add chopped parsley and lovage.
Turn off the heat and cover the pot for a few minutes to let it rest.
Serve in a bowl with pieces of hen.

Variations

Add different vegetables such as celery, potatoes, or peas for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or dill to change up the flavor profile of the soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to skim off any foam that rises to the top of the soup while it is cooking to ensure a clear and flavorful broth.

- Adding a splash of lemon juice at the end of cooking adds a bright and refreshing flavor to the soup.

- For a richer broth, you can roast the cornish hens before adding them to the soup.

Serving Suggestions

Cornish Hen Soup is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the soup on low heat allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and flavorful broth.

- Letting the soup rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the flavors to develop even further.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken or turkey in place of cornish hens if desired.

- You can use store-bought noodles or rice in place of homemade if you are short on time.

Make Ahead Tips

Cornish Hen Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or lovage for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Cornish Hen Soup pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or crackers.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Cornish Hen Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cornish Hen Soup contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cornish Hen Soup contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cornish Hen Soup contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cornish Hen Soup contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cornish Hen Soup is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Cornish Hen Soup contains gluten from the homemade noodles or rice. It may also contain allergens from the vegetables used in the soup.

Summary

Cornish Hen Soup is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in.

Summary

Cornish Hen Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With tender cornish hens, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this soup is sure to warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy a bowl of Cornish Hen Soup for a nourishing and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy little cottage in the countryside. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the most delicious aroma wafting from her kitchen.

"What are you cooking, Margaret?" I asked, my mouth already watering.

"Oh, just a little something I picked up from an old family friend," she replied with a twinkle in her eye. "It's a recipe for Cornish Hen Soup. Would you like to help me make it?"

I eagerly agreed, and soon we were busy chopping vegetables, simmering broth, and roasting the hens to perfection. As we worked, Margaret regaled me with stories of how she had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had learned it from a traveling chef she had met in Cornwall many years ago.

"It's a bit of a labor of love, but I promise you, the end result is worth it," Margaret assured me as we poured the steaming soup into bowls and garnished it with fresh herbs.

I took my first spoonful and was immediately transported to a cozy cottage in the English countryside. The flavors were rich and comforting, with a hint of sweetness from the roasted hens. I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make this soup for myself.

Over the years, I sought out every opportunity to watch Margaret make her Cornish Hen Soup. I took notes, asked questions, and eventually, I was able to recreate the recipe on my own. I made it for my family, for friends, for special occasions and quiet nights at home. And each time, it brought me back to that first chilly autumn day in Margaret's kitchen.

As I grew older, I passed the recipe on to my own grandchildren, along with the stories of how I had learned it. I taught them the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients, of taking the time to let the flavors develop, of sharing a meal with loved ones and creating memories around the table.

And now, as I sit here in my own cozy kitchen, stirring a pot of Cornish Hen Soup on the stove, I can't help but smile at the thought of all the lives this recipe has touched. It's more than just a soup – it's a connection to the past, a way to honor tradition, a reminder of the simple joys of good food and good company.

So next time you find yourself in need of comfort and warmth, why not try making a pot of Cornish Hen Soup? Who knows, maybe it will become a beloved recipe in your own family, passed down through the generations, just like it has in mine. And as you savor each spoonful, think of me and Margaret, two friends in a cozy cottage, sharing a love of cooking and a love of life.