Imagine a dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience – one that will make your guests think you've secretly trained in a Michelin-starred kitchen. These Cornish hens, lovingly stuffed with a rich porcini mushroom rice, are not just a meal, but a culinary journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning food critics. Prepare to unlock a recipe that combines rustic elegance with deep, earthy flavors that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish hens
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup porcini mushrooms, rehydrated and chopped
- 1/4 cup onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rehydrate the dried porcini mushrooms by soaking them in hot water for 20-30 minutes until soft and plump. Drain and finely chop the mushrooms.
- In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add chopped porcini mushrooms to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
- Mix the sautéed mushroom and onion mixture with cooked rice in a bowl. Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat Cornish hens dry with paper towels inside and out.
- Carefully loosen the skin of each Cornish hen and stuff the rice mixture underneath the skin and inside the cavity, ensuring even distribution.
- Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck wing tips under the body to prevent burning.
- Season the outside of the hens with additional salt and pepper. Place in a roasting pan breast-side up.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Carve and serve the Cornish hens, ensuring each portion has some of the flavorful porcini rice stuffing.
Tips
- Rehydrating Porcini Perfection: Take your time when soaking dried porcini mushrooms. The longer they soak, the more intense their flavor becomes.
- Skin Technique: When loosening the hen's skin, be gentle to avoid tearing. This creates a perfect pocket for your flavorful stuffing.
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your hens reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F. This guarantees juicy, perfectly cooked meat.
- Resting Matters: Never skip the 10-minute resting period after roasting. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
- Twine Trick: Tying the legs together and tucking wing tips helps the hen cook evenly and prevents burning of delicate parts.Pro tip: For an extra layer of flavor, consider brushing the hens with a light herb butter during the last 15 minutes of roasting for a golden, crispy skin.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 140mg
