Delicious and Hearty Cornish Hen Soup

This Cornish Hen Soup recipe is the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening. Made with tender cornish hens, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this soup is both flavorful and nourishing. It's a great option if you're looking for a twist on traditional chicken soup. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. The rich flavors of the broth, combined with the tender meat of the cornish hens, make this soup a true delight for the taste buds.

Ingredients

• Cornish hens (2, about 2 pounds each)
• Carrots (3, peeled and diced)
• Celery (3 stalks, diced)
• Onion (1 large, diced)
• Garlic cloves (3, minced)
• Fresh thyme (1 sprig)
• Bay leaves (2)
• Chicken broth (8 cups)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Season the cornish hens with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Sear the hens on all sides until golden brown, about 8 minutes.
4. Pour the chicken broth into the pot and add the bay leaves and thyme sprig. Bring the soup to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the cornish hens are cooked through and tender.
6. Remove the cornish hens from the pot and let them cool slightly. Once cooled, shred the meat from the bones and discard the bones and skin.
7. Return the shredded meat to the pot and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprig from the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
9. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread.

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