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40 Cloves of Garlic and 2 Cornish Hens Recipe 40 Cloves of Garlic and 2 Cornish Hens Recipe

Recipe

40 Cloves of Garlic and 2 Cornish Hens Recipe

Written by: Lucas Johnson

Roasting two Cornish hens with a heap of garlic cloves, I'm hit with a mouthwatering aroma. The golden brown skin, the juicy meat - it's a simple, yet incredibly satisfying meal.

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Prepare yourselves for Cornish hens bursting with flavor! I stumbled upon this gem while experimenting in my kitchen. Forty garlic cloves might sound excessive, but trust me, they melt into a heavenly, mellow essence that'll make your taste buds dance. My secret? Roasting transforms garlic's pungency into sweet, nutty goodness. Plus, fresh herbs and lemon add bright notes that perfectly complement tender, juicy hens. This dish never fails to impress guests, yet it's surprisingly simple. Ready to elevate your dinner game?

Ingredients for Cornish Hens with Garlic

  • Cornish hens: Tender and flavorful poultry choice, perfect for roasting whole and serving individually for an elegant presentation.
  • Garlic: Infuses rich, aromatic flavor into the hens as they roast, creating a deliciously savory and fragrant dish.
  • Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps crisp up the hens' skin during roasting, enhancing the overall texture and flavor profile.
  • Lemon: Provides a bright, citrusy contrast to the rich flavors of the hens and garlic, adding a refreshing zing to each bite.
  • Fresh herbs: Elevate the dish with earthy and aromatic notes, complementing the garlic and enhancing the overall herbaceous flavor profile.

Essential Tools for Making This Garlic Hen Recipe

  • Roasting pan: Essential for roasting the Cornish hens in the oven, ensuring even cooking and capturing flavorful drippings.
  • Kitchen twine: Used to tie the hens' legs together, helping them cook evenly and retain their shape during roasting.
40-cloves-of-garlic-and-2-cornish-hens-recipe

40 Cloves of Garlic and 2 Cornish Hens Recipe

This recipe features tender and flavorful Cornish hens roasted with 40 cloves of garlic, fresh herbs, and lemon slices. Perfect for a special dinner or holiday meal.
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Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 1 hr
Total Time 1 hr 15 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Roasting Pan
  • Kitchen Twine

Ingredients:  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 Cornish hens
  • 40 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • Fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme)

Instructions: 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Season the Cornish hens with salt and pepper, inside and out.
  • Place half of the garlic cloves inside each hen.
  • Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body.
  • Rub the hens with olive oil and place them in a roasting pan.
  • Scatter the remaining garlic cloves around the hens.
  • Place lemon slices and fresh herbs on top of the hens.
  • Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until the hens are cooked through and golden brown.
  • Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes:

For a more intense garlic flavor, you can crush some of the garlic cloves before placing them inside the hens.

Nutrition value:

Calories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 45gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 200mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 4mg

Keywords:

Keyword Cornish Hens, Garlic, Roast
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Can You Make Cornish Hens Ahead of Time or Freeze Them?

Make Ahead Instructions

  • Prepare the cornish hens up to the step of rubbing with olive oil and refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours before roasting.
  • Alternatively, you can roast the hens ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Freezing Instructions

  • After roasting, let the hens cool completely.
  • Place the hens in an airtight container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven until heated through.

Did you know that roasting garlic whole with the cornish hens not only infuses the meat with a subtle garlic flavor but also creates a deliciously creamy texture that can be squeezed out and spread on crusty bread for a tasty treat? Enjoy the hidden gem of roasted garlic in this flavorful dish!

Common Questions About Cooking Cornish Hens with Garlic

FAQ:
How long does it take to roast the Cornish hens with forty cloves of garlic?
It takes about 1 hour in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven.
Can I use other herbs besides rosemary or thyme for this recipe?
Yes, feel free to use any fresh herbs you prefer to season the hens.
Should I cover the hens with foil while roasting?
No, it's best to roast the hens uncovered to allow them to brown and develop a crispy skin.
Do I need to baste the hens while they are roasting?
Basting is not necessary for this recipe as the hens will cook beautifully without it.
How do I know when the Cornish hens are cooked through?
The hens are cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.

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