Sure! π Here’s a scrumptious recipe for “Brined Stuffed Game Hens” that’ll have your taste buds dancing with joy! These game hens are lower in fat, yet packed with juicy flavor, thanks to a delightful brining process and a delicious stuffing. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal or any time you’re craving something special from the poultry category. Let’s dive into the details!
Brined Stuffed Game Hens
Overview
- Preparation Time: 12 hours
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 13 hours 30 minutes
- Recipe Category: Poultry π¦
- Keywords: Meat, Weeknight π½οΈ
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this delightful dish:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Allspice berry |
| 6 | Ground ginger |
| 1/2 | Kosher salt |
| 1 | Stick of butter |
| 1/4 – 1/2 | Onion, finely chopped |
| 2 | Fresh sage leaves, minced |
| 1 | Celery seed |
| 1 | Garlic clove, minced |
| 1/2 | Salt |
| 1/4 | Cup breadcrumbs |
| 1 | Game Hen, cleaned |
Instructions
- Prepare the Brine:
- In a saucepan, combine the allspice berry, ground ginger, kosher salt, and water.
- Heat the mixture until it starts to simmer, then remove it from the heat.
- Brine the Game Hens:
- Once the brine has cooled, place the cleaned game hens into the brine mixture.
- Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 12 hours. This step allows the flavors to infuse into the meat, ensuring a juicy and flavorful outcome.
- Prepare the Stuffing:
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion, celery seed, minced sage leaves, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt.
- SautΓ© the mixture until the onions are nearly translucent and the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Stir in the breadcrumbs, allowing them to soak up the savory flavors. Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Stuff the Game Hens:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Remove the game hens from the brine and rinse them well under cold water.
- Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Carefully stuff each game hen with the prepared stuffing mixture, ensuring to pack it gently.
- Roast the Game Hens:
- Place the stuffed game hens on their backs in a roasting pan.
- Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until the juices run clear when the hen is pricked with a fork.
- For those who love a crispier skin, crank up the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius) for the final 10 minutes of cooking.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the game hens are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven.
- Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- For serving, most people find that a half of a game bird is just right, so consider cutting each hen in half before presenting them on the plate.
- Pro Tips:
- Brining Perfection: Remember, the longer you brine, the more flavorful and juicy your game hens will be. Patience is key!
- Salt Sensitivity: If using table salt instead of kosher salt, remember that table salt is saltier, so reduce the amount by half to avoid an overly salty dish.
- Bread Choice: Any hearty bread will work for the stuffing, but we love using Ezekiel bread for its nutty flavor and wholesome texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 852.3
- Total Fat: 59.3g
- Saturated Fat: 20.5g
- Cholesterol: 367.2mg
- Sodium: 14519.6mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 16.7g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.8g
- Sugars: 3.3g
- Protein: 60.1g
There you have it, a tantalizing recipe for Brined Stuffed Game Hens that’s sure to impress your family and guests! π The combination of savory brine, flavorful stuffing, and tender game hen meat creates a dish that’s both elegant and comforting. So, gather your ingredients, set aside some time for brining, and get ready to savor every delicious bite. Enjoy! π΄
