Grilled Game Hens With Raspberry Marinade

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Servings: 6 Difficulty: Advanced
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Juicy roasted game hens glazed with a tart and sweet raspberry vinaigrette
Grilled Game Hens With Raspberry Marinade recipe image
Grilled Game Hens With Raspberry Marinade recipe image
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Grilled Game Hens With Raspberry Marinade

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: , Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 6 Calories: 129.0

Description

This elegant dish features tender Cornish game hens marinated in a vibrant mixture of fresh raspberries, sharp raspberry vinegar, and fragrant olive oil. The acidity of the vinegar cuts through the richness of the poultry, while the berries provide a subtle sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Bay leaves and dried thyme add an aromatic earthiness that complements the fruit notes. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a special weekend brunch, these hens are split in half for even cooking and a crispy finish. The marinade not only flavors the meat deeply but also acts as a delicious basting sauce during grilling. Serve with simple roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to let the complex flavors of the chicken shine. It is a sophisticated yet approachable recipe that impresses guests without requiring complex techniques.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Rinse the Cornish hens thoroughly and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
  2. Split each hen in half along the breastbone so they lie flat.
  3. Place the split hens in a shallow baking dish large enough to hold them in a single layer.
  4. In a medium saucepan, combine the raspberries and raspberry vinegar.
  5. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil.
  6. Boil gently for 1 minute, then remove the pan from the heat.
  7. Stir in the olive oil, bay leaves, and dried thyme.
  8. Allow the marinade to cool to room temperature before using.
  9. Pour the cooled marinade evenly over the hens in the baking dish.
  10. Sprinkle the hens generously with salt and pepper to taste.
  11. Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight, turning the hens occasionally to ensure even marination.
  12. Prepare a charcoal grill for indirect medium-high heat, ensuring the coals are hot and ash-covered.
  13. Remove the hens from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and reserve the marinade for basting.
  14. Grill the hens skin-side up, a few inches above the hot coals, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade.
  15. Cook until the juices run clear when the thickest part of the thigh is pierced and the skin is golden brown.
  16. Transfer the grilled hens to a serving platter and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 129.0kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 2.1g4%
Saturated Fat 0.3g2%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 22.5mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 28.5g10%
Dietary Fiber 3.6g15%
Sugars 4.8g
Protein 5.1g11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

This recipe is adapted from "The Silver Palate Good Times Cookbook" by Julee Rosso and Sheila Lukins.

For food safety, do not reuse the marinade that touched raw chicken for basting unless you boil it separately for at least 2 minutes. Alternatively, set aside a portion of the marinade before adding it to the raw hens for basting.

If using frozen raspberries, there is no need to thaw them before adding to the vinegar; they will break down nicely during the boiling step.

To prevent flare-ups on the grill, pat the hens very dry before placing them on the grate and monitor the flame closely when basting.

Keywords: grilled, game hens, raspberry, marinade, cornish hens, bbq, summer, dinner, fruit sauce, thyme, vinegar, olive oil, bay leaves, roasted, poultry, entertaining, glazed, herbs, barbecue, special occasion
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