Roast Baby Chickens

Roast baby chickens, also known as poussins, make for an elegant and delicious main course that is perfect for special occasions or a memorable family dinner. This recipe serves 4 and features tender poussins marinated in a flavorful mixture of garlic, coriander, and soy sauce. The chickens are then stuffed with fragrant lemon grass, kaffir lime leaves, and fresh ginger, adding aromatic flavors to every bite. Roasted to golden perfection, the poussins are served on a bed of cooked wild rice, with the pan juices poured over for added richness. This dish is visually appealing, with the vibrant colors of the roasted chickens contrasting beautifully with the bed of rice. With its combination of bold flavors and tender meat, roast baby chickens are sure to impress your guests and create a memorable dining experience.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 small poussins, weighing about 350–500g/12oz–1lb 2oz each
• 175g/6oz wild rice, cooked

FOR THE MARINADE:

• 4 garlic cloves, peeled
• 2 fresh coriander roots
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

FOR THE STUFFING:

• 4 lemon grass stalks, tough outer layer removed
• 4 kaffir lime leaves
• 4 slices of fresh root ginger
• 75ml/3fl oz coconut milk, for brushing

PREPARATION:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/355°F/Gas mark 4. Wash the poussins and pat them dry with kitchen paper.
2. To make the marinade, put the peeled garlic cloves, fresh coriander roots, and light soy sauce in a blender or food processor. Purée until smooth. Season the marinade mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Rub the marinade mixture evenly into the skin of the poussins, ensuring they are well coated.
4. Place a stalk of lemon grass, a kaffir lime leaf, and a slice of fresh root ginger in the cavity of each poussin.
5. Put the poussins in a roasting tin and lightly brush them with coconut milk.
6. Roast the poussins in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes.
7. Remove the poussins from the oven, brush them again with coconut milk, and return them to the oven.
8. Continue cooking for a further 15-25 minutes until the poussins are golden and cooked through. The juices should run clear when the thickest part of the thigh is pierced with a skewer.
9. Serve the roast poussins on a bed of cooked wild rice, and pour the pan juices over the top.

YIELD: This recipe serves 4.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Take care when handling the poussins, ensuring they are properly cooked to prevent any foodborne illnesses.
• Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the size of the poussins.

TIPS:

• Serve the roast poussins with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
• Drizzle some extra coconut milk over the poussins before serving for added richness and flavor.
• Garnish the dish with fresh coriander leaves or a wedge of lime for a vibrant presentation.

Roast baby chickens, or poussins, are a delightful main course that offers a succulent and flavorful dining experience. This recipe serves 4 and features tender poussins marinated in a delicious blend of garlic, coriander, and soy sauce. Stuffed with fragrant lemon grass, kaffir lime leaves, and ginger, the poussins are roasted to golden perfection and served on a bed of cooked wild rice.

To prepare this dish, start by washing and drying the poussins. Then, make the marinade by blending garlic cloves, coriander roots, soy sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth. Rub the marinade onto the poussins, ensuring they are well coated. Stuff each poussin with a stalk of lemon grass, a kaffir lime leaf, and a slice of ginger. Roast the poussins in the oven until they are cooked through and golden.

Serve the roast poussins on a bed of cooked wild rice, allowing the pan juices to enrich the dish. The combination of tender poussin meat, aromatic flavors, and the nuttiness of wild rice creates a harmonious and satisfying meal. The dish can be further enhanced with a drizzle of coconut milk and garnished with fresh coriander leaves or a wedge of lime for an extra touch of freshness.

Roast baby chickens are perfect for special occasions or when you want to create an impressive meal for your loved ones. With their tender meat and bold flavors, they are sure to delight your guests and leave a lasting impression.