Herb-Stuffed Cornish Game Hens with Almond Rice
This recipe for Herb-Stuffed Cornish Game Hens with Almond Rice elevates your dining experience with succulent, flavorful hens that are beautifully roasted and stuffed with a delicious wild rice mixture. The combination of toasted almonds, savory bacon, and aromatic herbs infuses every bite with rich flavors. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner, these stuffed game hens are sure to impress your guests and create lasting memories around the dinner table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cornish hens
8 (cleaned and pat dried)
wild rice
1 cup (cooked and drained)
butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
toasted almonds
1/2 cup (chopped)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
thyme
1 teaspoon (dried)
marjoram
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
bacon
8 (slices)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2
Rinse the wild rice under cold water, then cook it according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and fragrant.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed onions, toasted almonds, salt, thyme, and marjoram. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5
Season the Cornish hens inside and out with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
6
Stuff each hen generously with the wild rice mixture, ensuring a full and even filling.
7
Place a slice of bacon over the top of each stuffed hen to enhance flavor and moisture during roasting.
8
Arrange the stuffed hens in a roasting pan, making sure they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.
9
Roast the hens uncovered in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the drippings every 30 minutes for extra richness and color.
10
The hens are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
11
Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy your delicious Herb-Stuffed Cornish Game Hens!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary dish in this recipe?
The dish is Herb-Stuffed Cornish Game Hens with Almond Rice, which features roasted hens filled with a wild rice and almond mixture.
How many Cornish hens do I need?
The recipe requires 8 Cornish hens that have been cleaned and patted dry.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (163°C).
How much wild rice is used in the stuffing?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of wild rice, which should be cooked and drained.
What type of nuts are included in the stuffing?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of toasted, chopped almonds.
How is the onion prepared for this recipe?
You should use 1/2 cup of chopped onion and sauté it in butter until translucent.
Which herbs are used to season the stuffing?
The stuffing is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon of dried marjoram.
Why is bacon used in this recipe?
A slice of bacon is placed over each hen to enhance flavor and maintain moisture during the roasting process.
How many slices of bacon are needed?
You will need 8 slices of bacon, one for each Cornish hen.
How long should the hens roast in the oven?
The hens should be roasted uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the hens?
The hens are considered done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Should the hens be covered while roasting?
No, the hens should be roasted uncovered to achieve the proper color and texture.
How often should I baste the hens?
It is recommended to baste the hens with their drippings every 30 minutes.
What should I do with the wild rice before cooking it?
You should rinse the wild rice under cold water before cooking it according to package instructions.
How should the hens be seasoned?
Season the Cornish hens inside and out with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
How do I arrange the hens in the roasting pan?
Arrange them so they are spaced apart to ensure even cooking throughout.
What is the first step in preparing the stuffing?
The first step is melting butter in a skillet to sauté the chopped onions.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
While the recipe calls for dried thyme and marjoram, you could use fresh, though quantities may need adjustment.
Is there a resting period after roasting?
Yes, you should allow the hens to rest for a few minutes before serving.
How much butter is required?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of melted butter for sautéing the onions.
What should the juices look like when the hens are done?
The juices should run clear when the hens are fully cooked.
How much salt is used in the rice mixture?
The mixture includes 1 teaspoon of salt, or you can adjust to taste.
What makes this recipe good for special occasions?
The elegant presentation of stuffed game hens and the rich combination of almonds and herbs make it perfect for entertaining.
How do I ensure the stuffing is evenly distributed?
Combine the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix well before stuffing each hen generously.
What is the purpose of the almonds in the rice?
The toasted almonds provide a delicious crunch and nutty flavor that complements the wild rice.
Can I prepare the rice in advance?
Yes, the rice should be cooked and drained before being mixed with the other stuffing ingredients.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include cornish hens, stuffed poultry, wild rice, herb seasoning, and special occasion.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients listed for this dish.
How is the onion cooked?
The chopped onion is sautéed in butter over medium heat until it is translucent and fragrant.
Does the recipe specify a serving size?
The recipe does not specify a serving size, but it prepares 8 individual stuffed hens.