Are you looking for a flavorful and impressive yet surprisingly easy dinner recipe? Look no further! These Cornish hens with wild rice stuffing are perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. This recipe balances healthy ingredients with incredible taste, making it a winner for both everyday cooks and those aiming for more nutritious homemade cooking. It's a delicious dish that's surprisingly quick to prepare, making it an ideal quick dinner idea.
Ingredients:
For the Cornish Hens:
- 2 Cornish hens (about 1 pound each), cleaned and patted dry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
For the Wild Rice Stuffing:
- 1 cup wild rice blend
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your Cornish hens cook evenly and reach the perfect temperature.
Prepare the Stuffing:
- Rinse the wild rice blend under cold water.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed wild rice, chicken broth, celery, onion, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once cooked, stir in the parsley and cranberries. Set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare and Stuff the Hens:
- Gently loosen the skin from the breast of each Cornish hen, being careful not to tear it.
- Season the inside and outside of each hen with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
- Stuff each hen with the wild rice mixture, dividing it evenly. Tuck the skin back over the stuffing.
- Place the stuffed hens in a roasting pan and drizzle with olive oil.
Roast to Perfection:
- Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C). Basting the hens halfway through cooking will help keep them moist.
- Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Tips for Best Results:
- Brining: For extra juicy Cornish hens, consider brining them for a few hours before cooking.
- Stuffing Consistency: Don't overstuff the hens; leave some room for expansion during cooking.
- Temperature Check: Using a meat thermometer is crucial to ensure the hens are cooked through and safe to eat.
Delicious Variations:
- Add Sausage: Incorporate cooked Italian sausage or andouille sausage into the stuffing for a richer flavor.
- Nutty Twist: Add toasted pecans or walnuts to the stuffing for added texture and flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Enhance the flavor profile with lemon or orange zest added to both the hens and the stuffing.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 Protein: 30-35g Fat: 20-25g Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This easy recipe delivers a healthy and delicious meal. The combination of lean protein from the Cornish hens and the wholesome wild rice stuffing makes it a satisfying and nutritious choice. Enjoy this impressive yet straightforward dish – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's a testament to how easy it is to create healthy and delicious meals with simple ingredients and a little bit of care. Enjoy!