Autumn Fruit Game Hens are a delightful and flavorful dish that combines tender Cornish game hens with a medley of autumnal fruits and savory ingredients. The hens are marinated overnight in a mixture of garlic, oregano, vinegar, oil, prunes, apricots, olives, capers, and bay leaves, infusing them with rich flavors. Roasted to perfection and basted with a sweet and tangy marinade, the hens are accompanied by the luscious fruits, olives, and capers.
This recipe serves 8 and is perfect for a special autumn gathering or holiday celebration. Serve these autumn fruit game hens with roasted vegetables or a side of fluffy couscous for a memorable and delicious meal.
INGREDIENTS:
- 8 Cornish game hens
- 12 garlic cloves, crushed
- 4 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
- 200ml/7fl oz red wine vinegar
- 150ml/1/4pt olive oil
- 200g/7oz prunes, pitted
- 175g/6oz dried apricots
- 150g/5oz pitted green olives
- 50g/2oz capers, rinsed and drained
- 8 bay leaves
- 175g/6oz soft brown sugar
- 225ml/8fl oz dry white wine
- 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
PREPARATION:
- Clean the Cornish game hens under cold running water and pat them dry with kitchen paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the hens, crushed garlic cloves, chopped fresh oregano, red wine vinegar, olive oil, pitted prunes, dried apricots, pitted green olives, capers, bay leaves, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to ensure the hens are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight to marinate.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4.
- Arrange the marinated hens in shallow roasting tins, and spoon the marinade over the top. Sprinkle the hens evenly with soft brown sugar and pour the dry white wine around them.
- Roast the hens in the preheated oven for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, basting frequently with the pan juices, until they are golden and cooked through.
- Transfer the roasted hens, along with the fruits, olives, and capers, to a serving platter. Moisten them with the pan juices and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve the autumn fruit game hens hot, and pass around the remaining pan juices in a sauceboat.
YIELD: Serves 8
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Marinate the hens overnight for the best flavor.
- Baste the hens frequently during cooking to keep them moist and flavorful.
TIPS:
- Serve the autumn fruit game hens with roasted vegetables, such as root vegetables or Brussels sprouts, for a complete and hearty autumn meal.
- Accompany the dish with a side of fluffy couscous or wild rice to soak up the delicious pan juices.
- Garnish the serving platter with additional fresh herbs, such as oregano or parsley, for an added touch of freshness and presentation.
Autumn Fruit Game Hens are a delicious and festive dish that brings together tender Cornish game hens with a medley of autumnal fruits, olives, and capers. Marinated overnight in a flavorful blend of garlic, oregano, vinegar, and oil, these hens are roasted to perfection, resulting in tender and juicy meat with a golden, caramelized exterior.
The sweet and tangy combination of prunes, apricots, olives, and capers adds depth and complexity to the dish. Serve these autumn fruit game hens with your favorite roasted vegetables or a side of fluffy couscous for a memorable and delightful autumn feast.
Impress your guests with this elegant and flavorful dish that celebrates the rich flavors of the season.
