This recipe brings together the rich flavors of grilled Cornish hens and a delightful sun-dried tomato pesto. The pesto, robust with the flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan, is spread both under and over the skin of the hens, infusing them with a tangy and savory taste that's simply irresistible. It's a perfect weekend treat for those who love grilling and enjoy the intricate flavors of poultry and sun-dried tomatoes.
Photos of Grilled Cornish Hens with Sun-Dried-Tomato Pesto Recipe
Sun-dried tomatoes are a key ingredient in this recipe. They have a unique, concentrated flavor that's more intense than fresh tomatoes. These can be found in most supermarkets, usually in the canned foods or produce section. They are often packed in olive oil or dried and pre-packaged. For this recipe, we need dried sun-dried tomatoes which will be reconstituted. Cornish hens, smaller than regular chickens, can be found in the poultry section. They are perfect for grilling due to their size.
Ingredients for Grilled Cornish Hens with Sun-dried Tomato Pesto
Sun tomatoes: These dried tomatoes offer a concentrated tomato flavor, bringing a robust tanginess to the pesto.
Garlic: Adds a punch of flavor to the pesto, complementing the taste of the sun-dried tomatoes.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, savory note to the pesto, enhancing its overall flavor.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the dish.
Lemon juice: Its acidity balances the richness of the other pesto ingredients, adding a bright note.
Olive oil: The liquid base for the pesto, helps in blending the ingredients smoothly and adds a slight fruity note.
Cornish hens: Small enough to grill whole, these birds have a mild flavor that serves as the perfect base for the intense pesto.
One reader, Glenda Brannan says:
The grilled Cornish hens with sun-dried tomato pesto recipe is a game-changer! The pesto adds a burst of flavor, and grilling the hens makes them tender and juicy. It's a delightful dish that's perfect for a special dinner. I highly recommend trying this recipe - it's a winner!
Techniques Required for Grilled Cornish Hens with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
How to reconstitute sun-dried tomatoes: In a small pan, bring enough water to a boil to cover the dried tomatoes. Add the tomatoes, then remove from the heat and let them steep in the hot water for about 5 minutes. Drain.
How to make sun-dried tomato pesto: In a food processor or blender, mince the reconstituted sun-dried tomatoes and garlic with the parmesan, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. With the machine running, add the oil in a thin stream and continue whirring until the ingredients are well mixed.
How to loosen the skin from the breast meat of the hens: With your fingers, gently loosen the skin from the breast meat of each hen, leaving the skin around the edge attached.
How to spread pesto under the skin of the hens: For each half hen, spread 1 tablespoon of pesto under the skin and 1 tablespoon over it.
How to grill the hens: Cook the hens over moderate heat, skin-side down, for 12 minutes. Turn the hens and cook until just done, about 12 minutes longer.
How to serve with creamy polenta: Serve the grilled hens with creamy polenta topped with a dollop of the extra pesto for a perfect pairing.
How to grill vegetables: Since the grill is already hot, you might throw on some vegetables such as peppers, zucchini, and asparagus. Simply brush them with a little olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill until tender and slightly charred.
How to pair with wine: For this grilled dish, with its smoky, salty, and acidic flavors, choose a wine that's simple and refreshing. Italian red wines with good acidity, such as Chianti Classico or Dolcetto, are excellent choices.
How To Make Grilled Cornish Hens with Sun-Dried-Tomato Pesto
These grilled Cornish hens makes for an appetizing dinner meal! It’s coated with a rich sun-dried tomato pesto, then grilled to tender and juicy perfection.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupsun-dried tomatoes,reconstituted* (see Recipes Notes below)
- 2garlic cloves
- 3tbspparmesan cheese,grated
- ¾tspsalt
- ¼tspfresh ground black pepper
- 1tbsplemon juice
- ½cupolive oil
- 2cornish hens,(about 1¼ lbs each)
Instructions
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Light the grill.
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In a food processor or blender, mince the tomatoes and garlic with the Parmesan, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. With the machine running, add the oil in a thin stream and continue whirring until the ingredients are well mixed.
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With fingers, loosen the skin from the breast meat of each hen, leaving the skin around the edge attached. For each half hen, spread 1 tablespoon of pesto under the skin and 1 tablespoon over it.
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Cook the hens over moderate heat, skin-side down, for 12 minutes. Turn the hens and cook for about 12 minutes longer until just done.
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Serve warm with creamy polenta, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
*Reconstituting Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In a small pan, bring enough water to a boil to cover the dried tomatoes. Add the tomatoes, then remove from the heat and let them steep in the hot water for about 5 minutes. Drain.
Nutrition
- Calories: 640.36kcal
- Fat: 52.78g
- Saturated Fat: 11.47g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 30.64g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.69g
- Carbohydrates: 8.63g
- Fiber: 1.75g
- Sugar: 5.24g
- Protein: 33.34g
- Cholesterol: 174.42mg
- Sodium: 513.85mg
- Calcium: 120.05mg
- Potassium: 878.22mg
- Iron: 2.79mg
- Vitamin A: 74.18µg
- Vitamin C: 8.08mg
Helpful Technique for Grilling Cornish Hens Perfectly
When preparing the Cornish hens, it's crucial to ensure that the skin is loosened carefully to avoid tearing. This allows the sun-dried tomato pesto to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Additionally, when grilling, monitor the heat closely. Too high heat can cause the skin to burn before the inside is fully cooked. Moderate heat ensures the hens are cooked evenly, preserving the juiciness of the meat.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Cornish Hen Recipe
Prep ahead: Marinate the Cornish hens with the sun-dried tomato pesto the night before to allow the flavors to fully infuse into the meat, saving you time on the day of cooking.
Multi-task: While the grill is preheating, reconstitute the sun-dried tomatoes and prepare the pesto in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Grill in batches: If you're cooking for a large group, consider grilling the Cornish hens in batches to ensure even cooking and to prevent overcrowding on the grill.
Invest in a food processor: Using a food processor to make the sun-dried tomato pesto will significantly reduce the time and effort required for preparation.
Use kitchen shears: Utilize kitchen shears to spatchcock the Cornish hens, which speeds up the grilling process and ensures more even cooking.
Prep your sides: While the hens are grilling, take advantage of the grill's heat to cook vegetables as a side dish, saving time and effort on additional cooking methods.
Substitute Ingredients For Grilled Cornish Hens with Sun-Dried-Tomato Pesto Recipe
reconstituted sun tomatoes - Substitute with sun-dried tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes have a similar intense flavor and concentrated sweetness that can be used as a substitute for reconstituted sun tomatoes in the pesto recipe.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino Romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and tangy flavor to parmesan and can be used as a substitute in the pesto recipe.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in the recipe for grilling the cornish hens.
How to Beautifully Present Grilled Cornish Hens
Elevate the Cornish hens: Carefully arrange the grilled Cornish hens on a large platter, ensuring they are positioned elegantly and with precision.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the plated hens with a delicate assortment of freshly picked herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley, to add a pop of color and a burst of flavor.
Drizzle with sun-dried tomato pesto: Artfully drizzle a small amount of the sun-dried tomato pesto around the hens, creating a visually appealing and appetizing presentation.
Accompany with grilled vegetables: Place a selection of beautifully grilled vegetables, such as vibrant bell peppers, tender zucchini, and crisp asparagus, alongside the hens to add a touch of freshness and balance to the dish.
Sprinkle with parmesan shavings: Add a touch of sophistication by delicately scattering shavings of aged parmesan cheese over the hens, enhancing the overall visual appeal and providing a hint of savory richness.
Serve on a bed of creamy polenta: Present the grilled Cornish hens on a luxurious bed of creamy polenta, creating a stunning contrast in textures and flavors that will captivate the senses of the esteemed diners.
Essential Tools for Making This Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Recipe
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to mince, chop, puree, and blend ingredients. It's perfect for making the sun-dried tomato pesto in this recipe.
Grill: A grill is essential for cooking the Cornish hens to perfection, imparting a delicious smoky flavor and creating beautiful grill marks.
Blender: A blender can also be used to make the sun-dried tomato pesto if a food processor is not available. It effectively purees and emulsifies the ingredients to create a smooth pesto.
Storing and Freezing Grilled Cornish Hens with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
- Let the grilled cornish hens cool to room temperature before storing or freezing.
- Wrap each hen tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent air from entering and drying out the meat.
- Place the wrapped hens in an airtight container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference.
- Refrigerator storage: Store the wrapped hens in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer storage: Store the wrapped hens in the freezer for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
- To reheat, thaw the hens in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the hens in a baking dish.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the hens are heated through.
- For the sun-dried tomato pesto, transfer it to an airtight container and cover the surface with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent oxidation.
- Store the pesto in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To use frozen pesto, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and stir well before using.
How To Reheat Leftover Grilled Cornish Hens
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover cornish hens on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method helps to retain moisture and prevent the hens from drying out.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the cornish hens on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the meat to become tough and rubbery.
If you want to reheat the hens while maintaining their crispy skin, use the broiler. Preheat your broiler to high and place the hens on a baking sheet, skin-side up. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the meat is heated through. Keep a close eye on the hens to prevent burning.
For a stovetop method, place the cornish hens in a skillet with a small amount of chicken broth or water. Cover the skillet and heat over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the hens are heated through. This method helps to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
To reheat the sun-dried tomato pesto, place it in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until the pesto is warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave the pesto in a microwave-safe bowl for 30-60 seconds, stirring halfway through.
When reheating the cornish hens and pesto, be sure to check the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Avoid reheating the hens multiple times, as this can lead to a loss of quality and potential bacterial growth.
Interesting Fact About Grilled Cornish Hens with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
Grilled Cornish hens with sun-dried tomato pesto is a delicious and elegant dish that can be served for a special occasion or a family dinner. The sun-dried tomato pesto adds a rich and savory flavor to the hens, making them a standout dish. This recipe is also versatile and can be paired with a variety of side dishes, such as creamy polenta or grilled vegetables. Additionally, the reconstituted sun-dried tomatoes used in the pesto provide a unique texture and depth of flavor to the dish. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful and satisfying dining experience for any occasion.
Is Making Cornish Hens at Home Cost-Effective?
This grilled Cornish hens with sun-dried tomato pesto recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of Cornish hens and sun-dried tomatoes may slightly elevate the cost, but the dish offers a unique and flavorful dining experience. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30. The rich flavors and elegant presentation make it a delightful choice for a special occasion or a weekend treat. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Is This Cornish Hen Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The grilled Cornish hens with sun-dried tomato pesto recipe is a relatively healthy dish with some room for improvement. The recipe incorporates lean protein from the Cornish hens, which are lower in fat compared to other poultry options. Sun-dried tomatoes provide a concentrated source of vitamins and antioxidants, while garlic and lemon juice offer additional health benefits. However, the dish also contains a significant amount of olive oil and Parmesan cheese, which can contribute to higher levels of fat and calories.
- To make the recipe even healthier, consider reducing the amount of olive oil used in the pesto. You can replace some of the oil with water or additional lemon juice to maintain the desired consistency.
- Opt for a low-fat or reduced-fat Parmesan cheese to decrease the overall fat content without compromising on flavor.
- Serve the Cornish hens with a variety of grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus, to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the meal.
- Instead of creamy polenta, consider serving the hens with a whole grain alternative like quinoa or brown rice to provide additional fiber and complex carbohydrates.
- To further enhance the flavor and nutritional value, incorporate fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or rosemary into the pesto or as a garnish.
Editor's Opinion on This Grilled Cornish Hen Dish
The grilled Cornish hens with sun-dried tomato pesto recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The sun-dried tomato pesto adds a rich and tangy dimension to the succulent hens, creating a dish that is both elegant and comforting. The grilling process enhances the natural flavors of the hens while infusing a subtle smokiness. The suggested pairing with creamy polenta and grilled vegetables complements the dish perfectly, offering a well-rounded and satisfying meal. This recipe is a wonderful choice for a special occasion or a memorable family dinner.
Enhance Your Grilled Cornish Hens with Sun-Dried-Tomato Pesto Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Grilled Cornish Hens with Sun-Dried-Tomato Pesto Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional grilled hens, featuring a flavorful sun-dried tomato pesto that adds a burst of rich, tangy taste. The use of reconstituted sun tomatoes infuses the dish with a unique depth of flavor, while the addition of parmesan cheese and garlic creates a harmonious blend of savory notes. The method of spreading the pesto under and over the hen's skin ensures a succulent and aromatic result. With its clear instructions and thoughtful menu suggestions, this recipe inspires confidence and promises a memorable dining experience.
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