Baked Cornish game hens are a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special dinner or a festive occasion. Each individual-sized hen is stuffed with a flavorful mixture of onions, celery, green pepper, mushrooms, garlic, and herbs, creating a delicious and aromatic filling. The hens are then baked to perfection, resulting in tender and juicy meat with a golden, crispy skin.
This recipe yields six servings, making it ideal for a small gathering or a family meal. Serve the baked Cornish game hens with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad, for a complete and satisfying meal.
INGREDIENTS:
- 150g/5oz butter, melted
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 celery stick, chopped
- 1/2 green pepper, seeded and chopped
- 225g/8oz mushrooms, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 6 Cornish game hens
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
PREPARATION:
- Preheat the oven to 170°C/325°F/Gas mark 3.
- In a large saucepan, melt 100g/4oz of butter. Add the chopped onion, celery, green pepper, mushrooms, garlic, basil, and parsley. Gently sweat the vegetables over medium heat until they become tender but not browned.
- Rinse the Cornish game hens well and pat them dry with kitchen paper. Season the hens inside and out with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Stuff each hen with equal amounts of the vegetable mixture, distributing the filling evenly among them. Place the stuffed hens in a baking dish, breast side up.
- Drizzle the remaining melted butter over the hens, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the baking dish with a lid or foil.
- Roast the hens in the preheated oven for approximately 1 1/2 hours, or until they are fully cooked and the juices run clear. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the hens, so it’s best to use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 74°C/165°F.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the hens rest, covered with foil, for a few minutes before serving.
YIELD: Serves 6
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Ensure that the Cornish game hens are fully thawed if using frozen ones.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the hens for doneness.
TIPS:
- Serve the baked Cornish game hens with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
- For added flavor, you can baste the hens with their own juices or with additional melted butter during the cooking process.
- Garnish the hens with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, before serving to enhance their presentation.
Baked Cornish game hens are a delightful and impressive dish that will elevate any special occasion or family gathering. The tender and succulent hens are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of onions, celery, green pepper, mushrooms, garlic, and herbs, creating a mouthwatering combination of flavors.
The hens are baked to perfection, resulting in juicy meat with a crispy golden skin. Serve them with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad, for a complete and satisfying meal.
With their individual portions, these hens are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Your guests will be impressed by the elegant presentation and the delightful flavors of this classic dish.
