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December 10, 2024
When it comes to cooking poultry, cornish hens are a popular choice due to their small size and tender, flavorful meat. These miniature chickens are perfect for serving individual portions and can be prepared in a variety of delicious ways. If you’re looking for inspiration on what to pair with your cornish hens, look no further. We’ve got some great ideas to help you create a memorable and satisfying meal.
1. Roasted Root Vegetables: The earthy flavors of roasted root vegetables make a perfect complement to the rich and succulent cornish hens. You can toss a mix of carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and turnips with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, and roast them alongside the hens. The result is a hearty and flavorful side dish that adds a burst of color and texture to your plate.
2. Wild Rice Pilaf: For a more elegant option, serve your cornish hens with a side of wild rice pilaf. The nutty flavors of the wild rice, combined with sautéed onions, mushrooms, and herbs, create a complex and satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with the delicate taste of the hens. Sprinkle some toasted almonds on top for an extra crunch.
3. Citrus Salad: If you want to add a fresh and vibrant touch to your meal, a citrus salad is the way to go. Toss together a mix of orange segments, grapefruit sections, and pomegranate arils with some baby spinach or arugula. Drizzle with a citrus vinaigrette dressing made with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and a touch of honey. The light and tangy flavors of the salad provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cornish hens.
4. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with almost any type of meat, including cornish hens. For an extra kick of flavor, make garlic mashed potatoes by adding roasted garlic cloves to the potatoes while mashing. The creamy texture and savory taste of the garlic mashed potatoes make them a perfect accompaniment to the tender and juicy cornish hens.
5. Grilled Asparagus: If you’re in the mood for something light and healthy, grilled asparagus is an excellent choice. Simply toss the asparagus spears in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill until tender and slightly charred. The smoky and slightly sweet flavors of the grilled asparagus complement the taste of the cornish hens beautifully.
Whether you’re planning a fancy dinner party or a simple family meal, these side dishes will elevate your cornish hens to a whole new level. Don’t be afraid to mix and match or get creative with your own side dish ideas – the possibilities are endless!
Delicious recipes using Cornish hens
Cornish hens, also known as game hens, are a tasty and versatile meat option that can be used in a variety of delicious recipes. These small birds have a tender and flavorful meat that pairs well with a wide range of ingredients and flavors. Here are a few mouthwatering recipes that you can try using Cornish hens:
1. Herb-roasted Cornish hens: For a classic and flavorful dish, rub the hens with a mixture of fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and sage, along with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast the hens in the oven until they are golden brown and the meat is fully cooked. Serve with roasted vegetables for a hearty and satisfying meal.
2. Stuffed Cornish hens: Create a delicious stuffing mixture using ingredients like breadcrumbs, diced vegetables, herbs, and spices. Stuff the hens with the mixture and roast them in the oven until the meat is cooked through and the stuffing is crispy on top. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
3. Grilled Cornish hens: Marinate the hens in a flavorful marinade made with ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and honey. Grill the hens over medium-high heat until they are cooked through and have a nice charred exterior. Serve with grilled vegetables or a refreshing coleslaw for a summery and delicious meal.
4. Cornish hens with citrus glaze: Make a tangy and sweet glaze using fresh citrus juice (such as orange or lemon), honey, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Coat the hens with the glaze and roast them in the oven until they are fully cooked and the glaze has caramelized. Serve with a side of rice or quinoa for a burst of flavor.
5. Curried Cornish hens: Create a spicy and aromatic curry paste using ingredients like turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, garlic, and chili powder. Rub the hens with the paste and roast them in the oven until they are cooked through and the meat is tender. Serve with naan bread or basmati rice for a flavorful and exotic meal.
These are just a few examples of the many delicious recipes that you can try using Cornish hens. Get creative with your ingredients and flavors to make a memorable and mouthwatering meal with these versatile birds.
Savory Cornish Hen with Herbs
If you’re looking for a delicious and elegant meal, try making a savory Cornish hen with herbs. These small game birds are perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner at home. With the right combination of herbs and seasonings, you can create a dish that is bursting with flavor and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- 2 Cornish hens
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Clean the Cornish hens thoroughly and trim any excess fat. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried sage, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the herb mixture all over the Cornish hens, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Place the hens on a roasting rack in a baking dish, breast-side up.
- Roast the hens in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
- Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish the hens with freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve the savory Cornish hen with herbs alongside your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. The tender meat and aromatic herbs will make this dish a standout on your dinner table. Enjoy!
Spicy Grilled Cornish Hen
If you’re looking for a delicious and flavorful way to prepare cornish hens, look no further than this spicy grilled recipe. The combination of spices and grilling creates a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress your taste buds.
To start, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cornish hens
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
First, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
Next, pat the cornish hens dry with paper towels. Brush each hen with olive oil, making sure to coat all sides.
Sprinkle the spice mixture over both sides of the cornish hens, pressing gently to adhere the spices to the meat.
Place the cornish hens on the preheated grill, skin-side down. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Once cooked, remove the cornish hens from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender and juicy final result.
Serve the spicy grilled cornish hens with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad. Enjoy!
Note: For an extra kick of heat, you can add additional cayenne pepper or even some hot sauce to the spice mixture.
Roasted Cornish Hen with Garlic and Lemon
Cornish hens are a flavorful and tender poultry option that can be cooked in various ways. One delicious and simple way to prepare them is by roasting them with garlic and lemon. This recipe combines the tanginess of lemon and the aromatic flavors of garlic to create a mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 Cornish hens
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme), optional
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Wash and pat dry the Cornish hens.
- In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the garlic mixture all over the Cornish hens, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Place a few slices of lemon and some fresh herbs (optional) inside the cavity of each hen.
- Arrange the hens on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan, breast side up.
- Roast the hens in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
- Halfway through the cooking time, baste the hens with the juices from the bottom of the pan.
- Once cooked, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with additional lemon slices and herbs if desired.
- Serve the roasted Cornish hens with garlic and lemon alongside your favorite side dishes.
This roasted Cornish hen recipe with garlic and lemon is perfect for a special dinner or a family meal. The combination of flavors creates a delicious and aromatic dish that is sure to impress.
Q&A
What are some popular recipes for cooking Cornish hens?
There are many popular recipes for cooking Cornish hens. Some of the most popular ones include roasted Cornish hens with lemon and herbs, glazed Cornish hens with honey and balsamic vinegar, and Cornish hens stuffed with wild rice and mushrooms.
Can Cornish hens be cooked on the grill?
Yes, Cornish hens can be cooked on the grill. Grilling Cornish hens can give them a delicious smoky flavor. Just make sure to cook them on medium heat and turn them frequently to ensure even cooking.
What side dishes pair well with Cornish hens?
There are many side dishes that pair well with Cornish hens. Some popular options include roasted vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts, wild rice pilaf, creamy mashed potatoes, and a fresh salad.
What is the best way to marinate Cornish hens?
The best way to marinate Cornish hens is to combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and your choice of herbs and spices. Place the hens and the marinade in a zip-top bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
Can Cornish hens be cooked in a slow cooker?
Yes, Cornish hens can be cooked in a slow cooker. This method can result in tender and juicy hens. Simply place the hens in the slow cooker, season with your choice of herbs and spices, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
What are some easy recipes for cooking cornish hens?
There are several easy recipes you can try for cooking cornish hens. One simple option is to roast them in the oven with some herbs and spices. Another easy recipe is to marinate the hens in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and garlic, then grill or bake them. You can also stuff the hens with a flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and vegetables before cooking them.