These Cornish Game Hens are roasted to perfection with a blend of garlic, rosemary, and lemon, resulting in tender and flavorful meat with a crispy, golden skin. This dish makes for an elegant yet simple dinner that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
📋 Ingredients:
- 2 Cornish game hens (about 1 to 1.5 lbs each) 🕊️
- 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped 🌿
- 1 lemon, quartered 🍋
- 4 tablespoons olive oil 🛢️
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 🧂
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish) 🌿
- 4 cloves garlic (optional, whole, for roasting) 🧄
📝 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Hens:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking dish or roasting pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Season the hens:
- Rinse the Cornish hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the cavities of each hen with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the hens:
- Place a lemon quarter and a sprig of rosemary inside the cavity of each hen. If you like, add a whole garlic clove to each cavity for extra flavor.
2. Make the Garlic-Rosemary Mixture:
- Combine ingredients:
- In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, olive oil, salt, and pepper to form a paste.
- Rub the hens:
- Gently loosen the skin of each hen with your fingers and rub the garlic-rosemary paste under the skin and all over the surface of the hens.
3. Roast the Hens:
- Arrange in pan:
- Place the hens breast-side up in the prepared baking dish or roasting pan. If desired, scatter extra whole garlic cloves around the hens for roasting.
- Roast:
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the hens reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown.
4. Rest and Serve:
- Rest the hens:
- Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve:
- Carve each hen in half, or serve whole if preferred. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and roasted garlic cloves for an elegant presentation.
🍽️ Tips:
- Side dishes: Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
- Flavor variations: Add other herbs like thyme or sage, or use a mix of herbs for a more complex flavor.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the skin crispy.
⏱️ Preparation Time: 10 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 2-4
🔥 Calories: Approximately 550 kcal per serving
This Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary recipe delivers a deliciously tender and fragrant main dish that’s sure to impress with its simple yet elegant flavors. 🌿🧄🍋