Cornish Hen Halves & Wild Rice
Submitted by mrvein
Roasted Cornish hen halves perched on sage-scented wild rice mounds, glazed with apple juice concentrate and served with roasted apple slices. An elegant dinner for four.
YIELD
4 servingsPREP
20 minCOOK
2 hrsREADY
2 hrsThis is the kind of dish that looks like it belongs on a white tablecloth but comes together with straightforward technique and honest ingredients.
Sage-scented wild rice and long grain rice cook together with green onions and shredded carrot, then get shaped into neat mounds in a baking dish. Cornish hen halves roast right on top, soaking the rice with their juices as they cook. In the final stretch, sliced apples join the pan and everything gets brushed with an apple juice and lemon glaze that turns golden and slightly sticky.
It’s a complete meal in one dish. No sides needed.
Chef Tips
- Start the wild rice first. It takes longer to cook than long grain, and this recipe accounts for that with the staggered timing.
- Halve the hens with sharp kitchen shears along both sides of the backbone, then through the breastbone. Much easier than a knife.
- Brush the glaze on during the last 15 minutes only. Too early and the sugars will burn before the hens finish cooking.
- Use tart apples (like Granny Smith) for the best contrast against the sweet glaze.
Ingredients
Directions
In a medium saucepan, combine green onion, margarine, bouillon granules, sage, and 1⅓ cups water.
Bring to boiling. Stir in wild rice, reduce heat.
Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in long grain rice, carrot, and parsley.
Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes more or until rice is done and liquid is absorbed.
In a shallow baking dish , spoon rice mixture into four mounds.
Place hens on rice mounds; cover loosely with foil.
Roast in a 375℉ (190℃) F oven for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine the apple juice concentrate and lemon juice.
Uncover hens, roast for about 35 minutes more or until drumsticks can be twisted easily in sockets.
During the last 15 minutes, add apple slices; brush hens and apples with apple juice mixture.
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