Cornish Hen Pot Pie Recipe

Name: Cornish Hen Pot Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 Cornish hens; Flour for dredging; 6 tablespoons safflower oil; 4 stalks celery, chopped; 1 medium onion, quartered; 4 carrots, chopped; Cornish hen backs, wing tips and necks; Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper; Bouquet garni (parsley, thyme and bay leaf tied in cheesecloth); 25 pearl onions, peeled; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 10 strips bacon, chopped; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 head savoy cabbage (about 1 1/2 pounds), sliced thinly; 4 tablespoons sherry vinegar; 4 tablespoons creme fraiche; 4 shallots, minced; 1/2 pound medium white mushrooms, sliced; 8 shiitake mushrooms, sliced; 1/2 pound cooked tongue, sliced in strips; 3 cups fresh peas; 10 baby carrots, parboiled; 1 egg yolk; 1 1/2 to 2 pounds puff pastry

Servings: persons

4 Cornish hens
Flour for dredging
6 tablespoons safflower oil
4 stalks celery, chopped
1 medium onion, quartered
4 carrots, chopped
Cornish hen backs, wing tips and necks
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
Bouquet garni (parsley, thyme and bay leaf tied in cheesecloth)
25 pearl onions, peeled
2 tablespoons olive oil
10 strips bacon, chopped
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 head savoy cabbage (about 1 1/2 pounds), sliced thinly
4 tablespoons sherry vinegar
4 tablespoons creme fraiche
4 shallots, minced
1/2 pound medium white mushrooms, sliced
8 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
1/2 pound cooked tongue, sliced in strips
3 cups fresh peas
10 baby carrots, parboiled
1 egg yolk
1 1/2 to 2 pounds puff pastry

1
Cut the Cornish hens into eight pieces, reserving the wing tips, necks and backs for stock.
2
Pat pieces dry with paper towels and dredge them lightly with flour.
3
Fry them until golden in the oil and set aside.
4
To prepare the stock, combine the celery, onion, carrots, hen backs, wing tips and necks in a stockpot.
5
Add eight cups cold water, salt, pepper and bouquet garni.
6
Bring to a boil, turn down and let simmer while you prepare the remaining ingredients for the pies.
7
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
8
Roast the pearl onions in a pan with the olive oil until tender (about 20 minutes).
9
Meanwhile, in a large, heavy frying pan, brown the bacon, remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
10
Pour the fat from the pan.
11
Add two tablespoons of the butter and when it is melted saute the cabbage for a minute or two.
12
Remove from the pan and set aside.
13
Stir in the sherry vinegar and the creme fraiche.
14
Melt the remaining butter in the saucepan and gently saute the shallots and the mushrooms.
15
Line two eight-cup pie dishes or eight two-cup pie dishes with the cabbage.
16
Add hen pieces, tongue, mushrooms, onions, peas and carrots.
17
Season with salt and pepper.
18
Add a quarter-inch of stock.
19
Brush the rims of the pie dishes with the egg yolk.
20
Roll out pastry one-eighth inch thick and place on top, brushing egg yolk.
21
Bake 35 to 40 minutes.

1516

kcal

Calories

Fat

149

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 24 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 4 Cornish hens, Flour for dredging, 6 tablespoons safflower oil, 4 stalks celery, chopped, and more.

Yes, Cornish Hen Pot Pie falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Cornish Hen Pot Pie

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions