Prepare to transform your dinner table with a show-stopping dish that will have your guests absolutely mesmerized! Our Fruit Stuffed Cornish Hens are not just a meal, but a culinary adventure that combines the delicate tenderness of perfectly roasted poultry with a burst of sweet and savory flavors. Imagine golden-brown hens with crispy skin, hiding a luscious stuffing of plump dried fruits that will make every bite an explosion of taste and texture. This recipe is your ticket to an elegant yet surprisingly simple gourmet experience that looks like it came straight from a five-star restaurant kitchen!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 Cornish hens
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for stuffing
Instructions
- Prepare the dried fruit mixture by chopping mixed dried fruits (such as apricots, cranberries, and raisins) into small, uniform pieces. Soak the fruits in warm water for 15 minutes to plump them up and enhance their flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels, ensuring the skin is completely dry for optimal browning.
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté the chopped onion until translucent and slightly golden. Drain the soaked dried fruits and mix them with the sautéed onions.
- Carefully loosen the skin of each Cornish hen without tearing it. Stuff the fruit and onion mixture under the skin, distributing evenly to create a flavorful layer between the skin and meat.
- Season the outside of the hens generously with salt, pepper, and finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
- Place the stuffed Cornish hens in a roasting pan, breast side up. Ensure they are not touching each other to allow even heat circulation.
- Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh.
- Baste the hens every 20 minutes with their own juices or melted butter to keep the meat moist and develop a golden, crispy skin.
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the hens rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs and serve with roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- Pat the hens completely dry before cooking to ensure the skin becomes beautifully crisp and golden.
- Soak dried fruits beforehand to plump them up and intensify their flavor profile.
- Don't overcrowd the roasting pan - give each hen enough space for even heat circulation.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the perfect internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the hens rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture.
- Experiment with different herb combinations like thyme, rosemary, or sage to personalize the flavor.
- For extra richness, occasionally baste the hens with their own juices or melted butter during roasting.
- Choose a variety of dried fruits for a more complex and interesting stuffing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
