Imagine a dish that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience - our Rice and Barley Stuffed Cornish Hens are about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen! This recipe combines the hearty richness of grains, the sweetness of dried cranberries, and the crunch of walnuts, all nestled inside perfectly roasted Cornish hens that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Whether you're planning a special family dinner or looking to impress guests with a restaurant-quality meal, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and create memories around the dinner table.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup cooked barley
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add the cooked rice and barley to the skillet, stirring to combine with the sautéed vegetables. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to blend flavors.
- Remove the skillet from heat and fold in dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Allow the stuffing mixture to cool slightly for 5-10 minutes, which will help it hold together better when stuffing the Cornish hens.
- Carefully stuff the prepared rice and barley mixture into the cavity of each Cornish hen, ensuring not to overfill. Secure the opening with kitchen twine or toothpicks if needed.
- Place the stuffed Cornish hens in the prepared baking dish, and if desired, brush the skin with melted butter or olive oil for extra moisture and golden color.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the hen reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your Cornish hens reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prep Like a Pro: Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and balanced flavor distribution in your stuffing.
- Don't Overstuff: When filling the hens, leave a little room for the stuffing to expand during cooking to prevent bursting.
- Moisture Matters: Brushing the hens with melted butter or olive oil helps create a beautiful golden-brown skin and keeps the meat juicy.
- Resting is Crucial: Allow the hens to rest for 10 minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent and flavorful.
- Make Ahead Tip: You can prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator to save time on cooking day.
- Garnish for Glamour: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme not only add a pop of color but also enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 210kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
