Pheasant and Apple Soup

This spicy Pheasant and Apple Soup is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of game with the sweetness of apples. While pheasant is the star of this recipe, you can also make it with other game birds like pigeon or partridge, using the whole bird, including the breasts. The result is a warming and aromatic soup that’s perfect for a special meal.

SERVES 4–6
PREP 20 MIN
COOK 1 HR 15 MIN
PLUS REHEATING
FREEZE UP TO 3 MONTHS
WITHOUT THE CREAM

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 small pheasant
• 1 tbsp (15g) butter
• 1 onion, coarsely chopped
• 1 small sweet potato, coarsely chopped
• 1 small cooking apple, peeled and diced
• 2 cups (500ml) medium-sweet cider or apple juice
• 2 cups (450ml) chicken stock
• 2-inch (5cm) cinnamon stick
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2/3 cup (150ml) light cream
• 4 small fresh parsley sprigs, to garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Pheasant: Start by removing the breast meat from the pheasant and set it aside for another dish. Cut the remaining parts of the bird into pieces using a large sharp knife or poultry shears.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a saucepan, melt the butter. Add the coarsely chopped onion and cook gently, stirring, for about 2 minutes until it’s softened but not browned.
3. Simmer the Soup: Add all the remaining ingredients to the saucepan except for the cream and parsley. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 1 hour.
4. Remove and Shred the Pheasant: Take the pheasant out of the soup and allow it to cool slightly. Discard the bay leaf and cinnamon stick. Puree the remaining soup using a blender or stick blender. Return the pureed soup to the rinsed-out pan and stir in the cream. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.
5. Add Pheasant Meat: Remove the meat from the pheasant, discarding the skin, and shred it. Add half of the shredded pheasant meat to the soup.
6. Reheat and Serve: Reheat the soup gently, but do not bring it to a boil. Ladle the soup into shallow soup plates, placing a small pile of the remaining diced pheasant in the center of each plate. Garnish each serving with a small sprig of fresh parsley.

Enjoy the unique and delightful flavors of this Pheasant and Apple Soup, perfect for special occasions or when you want to savor the essence of game birds paired with the sweetness of apples.

Warm up your taste buds with the enticing blend of gamey pheasant, sweet apple, and aromatic spices in this Pheasant and Apple Soup. It’s a delightful and flavorful dish that’s perfect for those who appreciate the rich flavors of game meat. Whether served as a special appetizer or a comforting main course, this soup is sure to impress your guests with its unique combination of ingredients. Enjoy the cozy warmth and exquisite taste of this delicious soup!