Grilled Cornish Hens with Rice and Sicilian Butter

Gluten Free
Health score
14%
Grilled Cornish Hens with Rice and Sicilian Butter
45 min.
4
961kcal

Suggestions


Are you looking to elevate your dining experience with a delightful and sophisticated dish? Look no further than these Grilled Cornish Hens with Rice and Sicilian Butter, a perfect choice for a special lunch or dinner that is sure to impress your family and friends. With their tender meat and rich flavors, Cornish hens bring a touch of elegance to the table.

This gluten-free recipe features a savory Sicilian butter that combines the briny goodness of Kalamata olives and anchovy paste with the fresh brightness of orange zest and juice. As the hens grill, their smoky aroma fills the air, creating an irresistible ambiance that will have everyone eagerly awaiting the meal. The buttery olive mixture not only enhances the hens but also beautifully complements the boiled or steamed rice served alongside, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

In just 45 minutes, you can prepare this mouthwatering dish that serves four. The grilled Cornish hens are juicy and perfectly cooked, while the Sicilian butter melts into each serving, infusing it with delightful richness. Pair this dish with some grilled vegetables or sautéed broccoli rabe for an exquisite Italian-inspired meal. Don’t forget to complement your culinary masterpiece with a refreshing rosé, which beautifully balances the robust flavors of the dish.

Indulge yourself and your guests with this culinary delight that is as visually appealing as it is delicious—your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients

  • teaspoons anchovy paste 
  • 0.3 cup olives black such as kalamata, halved and pitted
  • tablespoons butter at room temperature
  • servings rice boiled steamed for serving
  • tablespoons cooking oil 
  • 2.5 pounds cornish game hens halved
  • cloves garlic minced
  • 0.3 teaspoon fresh-ground pepper black
  • teaspoons orange juice 
  • tablespoon orange zest grated (from 1 navel orange)

Equipment

  • food processor
  • bowl
  • grill
  • spatula

Directions

  1. Light the grill. In a food processor, puree the butter and olives with the anchovy paste, orange zest, orange juice, garlic, and pepper. With a rubber spatula, scrape the butter into a small bowl and refrigerate.
  2. Rub the hens with oil and cook over moderate heat for 12 minutes. Turn and cook until just done, about 12 minutes longer.
  3. Remove the hens from the grill and serve with the rice. Top each serving with 2 tablespoons of the flavored butter, letting the butter melt over both the hen and the rice.
  4. Menu Suggestions: You might grill some eggplant slices and drizzle them with balsamic vinegar to go with these hens.
  5. Sauted broccoli rabe with garlic and a sprinkling of Parmesan would also match the Italian mood.
  6. Wine Recommendation: The saltiness of olives and anchovies can make the wrong wine appear coarse and too alcoholic. A ros is the perfect choice. If you can find one from Sicily, buy it. If not, pick a bottle from Navarre in Spain or from the south of France.

Nutrition Facts

Calories961kcal
Protein21.94%
Fat67.91%
Carbs10.15%

Properties

Glycemic Index
68.25
Glycemic Load
24.26
Inflammation Score
-6
Nutrition Score
22.238261019406%

Flavonoids

Eriodictyol
0.01mg
Hesperetin
1.23mg
Naringenin
0.34mg
Luteolin
0.09mg
Myricetin
0.03mg
Quercetin
0.04mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:960.88kcal
48.04%
Fat:71.71g
110.33%
Saturated Fat:26.29g
164.34%
Carbohydrates:24.11g
8.04%
Net Carbohydrates:23.27g
8.46%
Sugar:0.74g
0.82%
Cholesterol:349.08mg
116.36%
Sodium:639.71mg
27.81%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:52.13g
104.26%
Vitamin B3:17.08mg
85.41%
Selenium:42.02µg
60.03%
Vitamin B6:0.94mg
47.17%
Phosphorus:449.53mg
44.95%
Vitamin B2:0.52mg
30.48%
Zinc:3.77mg
25.16%
Manganese:0.46mg
23.19%
Vitamin E:3.24mg
21.59%
Vitamin A:1068.26IU
21.37%
Potassium:745.28mg
21.29%
Vitamin B5:2.12mg
21.22%
Vitamin B12:1.01µg
16.83%
Magnesium:65.76mg
16.44%
Vitamin B1:0.24mg
15.84%
Iron:2.62mg
14.55%
Vitamin K:14.51µg
13.82%
Copper:0.23mg
11.31%
Vitamin C:5.82mg
7.05%
Calcium:63.86mg
6.39%
Folate:14.82µg
3.7%
Fiber:0.84g
3.35%
Source:My Recipes