Lemon Thyme Roasted Cornish Hens with Caramelized Fennel
20min
45min
2
485
Chef's Note
For extra juicy hens, you can brine them for 2-4 hours before cooking. Simply dissolve 1/4 cup of salt in 4 cups of water, submerge the hens, and refrigerate. Just be sure to rinse and pat them completely dry before roasting.
Tags
Ingredients
2 whole (about 1.5 lbs each) Cornish game hens
2 medium fennel bulbs
2 whole lemons
8 sprigs fresh thyme
4 whole garlic cloves
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups baby spinach
1 cup cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- 2
Rinse the Cornish hens under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
- 3
Slice 1 lemon into thin rounds. Cut the other lemon in half, then cut one half into quarters.
- 4
Trim the fennel bulbs, removing the stalks and fronds (reserve some fronds for garnish). Slice each bulb into 1/2-inch wedges.
- 5
In a large roasting pan, toss the fennel wedges with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
- 6
Rub each Cornish hen with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then season inside and out with the remaining salt and pepper.
- 7
Stuff each hen's cavity with 2 sprigs of thyme, 2 garlic cloves, and 2 lemon quarters.
- 8
Place the hens breast-side up on top of the fennel in the roasting pan. Arrange lemon slices and remaining thyme sprigs around and on top of the hens.
- 9
Roast for 35-40 minutes, or until the juices run clear and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C).
- 10
While the hens are roasting, in the last 10 minutes, place the cherry tomatoes around the hens in the roasting pan.
- 11
Remove from oven and let the hens rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- 12
In a separate bowl, toss the baby spinach with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt.
- 13
Serve each hen with caramelized fennel, roasted tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Garnish with reserved fennel fronds.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
485
42g
15g
28g
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