Holiday Stuffed Game Hen Recipe
Category: Main Course
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Game hen | 500g |
| Whole milk | 250g |
| Ground pork | 150g |
| Parmigiano Reggiano (DOP) | 50g |
| Bread (stale or crusty) | 50g |
| Pre-cooked chestnuts | 30g |
| Raisins | 20g |
| Egg | 1 |
| Fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary) | to taste |
| Ground nutmeg | to taste |
| Fine sea salt | to taste |
| Freshly ground black pepper | to taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 20g |
| Butter | 20g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the stuffing:
- Begin by soaking the bread in a bowl with whole milk. Let it absorb the liquid as you move to the next step.
-
Debone the game hen:
- Take your game hen and carefully cut along the back to debone it, leaving the thighs and wings intact. This process will allow you to stuff it easily later.
-
Prepare the stuffing mixture:
- Once the bread is fully soaked, squeeze out the excess milk using your hands and transfer it into a mixing bowl.
- Add the ground pork to the bread, followed by the egg, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and fresh herbs.
- Season the mixture with nutmeg, sea salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure everything is combined evenly.
-
Stuff the game hen:
- Stuff the prepared filling into the game hen, ensuring it’s packed tightly.
- Close up the hen by carefully folding the edges and using kitchen twine to sew up the open seams. Also, tie the legs together securely to hold the shape.
-
Prepare for roasting:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) with a static setting.
- Place the stuffed hen into a roasting pan. Add extra fresh herbs around the hen to infuse more flavor as it roasts.
- Brush the entire surface of the hen with a mixture of melted butter and olive oil, ensuring the bird is well-coated for a golden, crispy skin.
-
Roast the game hen:
- Roast in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the hen is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach around 75°C (165°F).
-
Serve:
- Once roasted, remove the game hen from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Carve and serve the stuffed game hen hot for a festive and hearty meal.
Tips for Success:
- If you don’t have pre-cooked chestnuts, you can substitute with fresh chestnuts that have been roasted and peeled. This adds a delightful nutty flavor to the stuffing.
- Feel free to experiment with different fresh herbs depending on your taste. Thyme, rosemary, and sage all work wonderfully with poultry.
- For an extra rich and crispy finish, you can baste the hen with its own juices during the roasting process.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~650 kcal |
| Protein | ~45g |
| Fat | ~40g |
| Carbohydrates | ~30g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sugars | ~10g |
| Sodium | ~500mg |
| Cholesterol | ~150mg |
This Holiday Stuffed Game Hen is the perfect dish for festive gatherings, offering a combination of savory, aromatic stuffing and tender, juicy poultry. The hearty stuffing, made with a blend of bread, pork, chestnuts, and raisins, is a delightful contrast to the perfectly roasted hen. A sprinkle of fresh herbs and a touch of olive oil and butter ensures the bird remains moist and flavorful, making it a centerpiece that’s sure to impress at any holiday table.
