Best 2 Barefoot Contessa Cornish Hens Recipes
## Cornish Hens: A Culinary Delight You Won't Forget
Cornish hens, known for their succulent meat and crispy skin, have captivated food enthusiasts for centuries. These delightful birds, smaller than their chicken counterparts, offer a unique culinary experience that blends flavors and textures in perfect harmony. This article presents a collection of Cornish hen recipes that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Our culinary journey begins with the Barefoot Contessa's Cornish Hens recipe, a creation of the renowned chef Ina Garten. This recipe takes you on a savory adventure with a blend of aromatic herbs, juicy lemons, and a hint of garlic. Roasted to perfection, these Cornish hens emerge from the oven with a golden-brown skin that crackles with every bite.
Next, we venture into a world of bold flavors with the Moroccan Spiced Cornish Hens. Inspired by the vibrant cuisine of Morocco, this recipe infuses the hens with a symphony of spices, including cumin, coriander, and paprika. The result is a tantalizing dish where every bite transports you to the bustling souks of Marrakech.
For those who prefer a classic and elegant presentation, the Cornish Hens with Wild Rice and Apples recipe is a must-try. This dish combines the delicate flavor of Cornish hens with the nutty goodness of wild rice and the sweet crunch of apples. Wrapped in a flaky puff pastry, this dish is a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
If you're seeking a healthier alternative, the Roasted Cornish Hens with Vegetables recipe is a perfect choice. This dish showcases the natural flavors of the hens, complemented by a colorful array of roasted vegetables. With its vibrant colors and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious.
Finally, for a taste of Italian flair, the Cornish Hens with Prosciutto and Sage recipe is a delightful option. The hens are wrapped in prosciutto and seasoned with sage, creating a savory and aromatic dish that is sure to impress your dinner guests.
Each recipe in this article offers a unique take on this versatile bird, ensuring that you'll find one that suits your taste and occasion. Whether you're hosting a special dinner party or seeking a comforting meal for a weeknight, these Cornish hen recipes will leave you and your loved ones satisfied and craving for more.
TUSCAN GRILLED CORNISH HENS
Steps:
- Sprinkle the Cornish hens with 1 teaspoon salt on each side.
- Combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, and 1 teaspoon pepper in a ceramic or glass dish just large enough to hold the flattened hens. Add the hens, and turn to coat. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, turning once or twice.
- When ready to grill, prepare a hot charcoal fire on one side of a grill (or turn a gas grill on low heat). Spread 1/4 of the coals across the other side of the grill. Place the hens on the cooler side skin-side up and weigh them down with a gratin dish with a foil-wrapped brick inside.
- Cook for 12 minutes, until the underside is golden brown. Turn the hens skin-side down, weigh them down again, and cook for another 12 minutes until the skin is golden brown and the hens are cooked through.
- Place the lemon halves on the cool side of the grill, cut-side down, for the last 10 minutes of cooking. Remove the Cornish hens and lemons to a plate or cutting board, cover with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Cut the hens in half, sprinkle with fleur de sel, and serve with the grilled lemon halves.
MOROCCAN-STYLE CORNISH HENS WITH COUSCOUS
Couscous with onions and raisins and seasoned with cumin delivers many levels of flavor with rich little Cornish hens, massaged with spices. How many birds you need for four guests will be determined by their size (the birds' and perhaps the guests', too). Whether you grill or roast them depends on your mood, your kitchen and the weather. The couscous could even be stuffing for smaller hens, one per person, roasted at 375 degrees for about 50 minutes.
Provided by Florence Fabricant
Categories dinner, main course
Time 1h30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Mix 3 tablespoons of the oil with the paprika, 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Rub inside surfaces of hens with 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice, then smear them, inside and out, with the spice paste. Set aside 1 hour.
- Sauté onions in remaining oil in a skillet over medium heat until golden. Stir in raisins and remaining cumin and cook until onions are lightly browned. Fold in cooked couscous and season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat grill or heat oven to 375 degrees. If grilling, sear hens on the skin side over medium heat, then turn them over, basting a couple of times with remaining lemon juice, until cooked through, about 35 minutes. If using oven, roast hen halves skin side up in a roasting pan until cooked through, 35 to 40 minutes, basting a couple of times with remaining lemon juice.
- Reheat couscous, fold in cilantro, and mound on a platter. Arrange hen halves around couscous and serve hot or warm.
Tips:
- Select tender and plump Cornish hens for the best results. - Make sure to thoroughly rinse and pat dry the Cornish hens before cooking. - Generously season the hens with salt, pepper, and herbs. For extra flavor, you can also add a mixture of melted butter and olive oil. - Stuff the hens with aromatic ingredients like lemon, thyme, and rosemary sprigs for a flavorful dish. - Roast the hens at a high temperature initially to ensure crispy skin, then reduce the heat to allow the hens to cook evenly. - Baste the hens frequently with the pan juices to keep them moist and prevent them from drying out. - Cook the hens until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. - Allow the hens to rest for a few minutes before carving to ensure the juices redistribute throughout the meat. - Garnish the hens with fresh herbs and lemon slices for a visually appealing presentation.Conclusion:
Barefoot Contessa's Cornish hens are a delightful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for various occasions. With their crispy skin, succulent meat, and flavorful stuffing, these hens are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you're hosting a special dinner or simply looking for an easy and delicious weeknight meal, these hens are a perfect choice. Experiment with different herbs, spices, and stuffing ingredients to create your own unique variations. Enjoy the culinary journey and savor the deliciousness of these roasted Cornish hens. Happy cooking!
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love
