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Perfect Oven Roasted Baked Cornish Hens Recipe

Cornish hens, with their tender meat and rich flavour, make for a delightful addition to any dining table, whether it’s a special occasion or simply a weekend dinner. This recipe for perfect oven-roasted Cornish hens guarantees a deliciously crispy skin, succulent meat, and a series of aromatic flavours that will impress your family and guests alike. Let’s dive into the details of preparing this exquisite dish.

Ingredients

• 2 Cornish hens (about 1.2 kg or 2.5 lbs each)
• 4 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, halved
• Fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and sage)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Vegetables for roasting (such as carrots, potatoes, and onions)

Equipment Needed

• A roasting tin or baking tray
• A meat thermometer
• A large bowl
• Kitchen twine (optional, for trussing the hens)

Instructions

Prepping the Cornish Hens

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 220°C (428°F). This high temperature is crucial for achieving that crispy skin that we all love.

2. Clean the Hens: Rinse the Cornish hens under cold water and pat them dry with kitchen paper. Removing excess moisture is vital for crispy skin.

3. Season the Hens: In a large bowl, mix the olive oil (or melted butter), minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the hens, ensuring to get under the skin as well, for maximum flavour. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the hens, distributing it evenly.

4. Stuff the Hens: Place the halved lemon and a handful of fresh herbs inside the cavity of each hen. This not only adds flavour but also moisture during the cooking process.

Roasting

1. Arrange for Roasting: If you’re using vegetables, chop them into uniform pieces and scatter them at the bottom of your roasting tin. Place the seasoned hens on top of the vegetables, breast side up. This allows the hens to baste in the juices of the roasting veggies.

2. Truss the Hens (Optional): If you prefer, use kitchen twine to tie the legs together. This helps the hens cook evenly and maintain their shape.

3. Bake in the Oven: Place the roasting tin in the preheated oven and roast for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reads 75°C (165°F). Baste the hens once or twice during cooking to enhance the flavour and moisture.

4. Crisp the Skin: If the skin has not developed a golden colour by the end of the cooking time, you can turn on the grill (broiler) for a few minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Serving

1. Rest Before Carving: Once cooked, remove the Cornish hens from the oven and allow them to rest for about 10-15 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring moist meat.

2. Carve and Serve: Carve the hens and serve them alongside the roasted vegetables, drizzling any remaining pan juices over the meat for added flavour.

Conclusion

This perfect oven roasted baked Cornish hens recipe is not only easy to prepare but also delivers a spectacular dish that can be enjoyed any night of the week. With its succulent meat, crispy skin, and aromatic flavours, it is bound to become a family favourite. Serve with your choice of sides, be it a light salad, fluffy rice, or roasted potatoes, and relish the joy of a beautifully cooked meal. Enjoy!

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