Spit-Roasted Cornish Hens With Raisin Pecan Stuffing

Dairy Free
Health score
41%
Spit-Roasted Cornish Hens With Raisin Pecan Stuffing
45 min.
4
1391kcal

Suggestions

Imagine the irresistible aroma of caramelized butter, sweet raisins, and earthy rosemary filling your kitchen as golden-brown Cornish hens rotate slowly on a spit-roaster. This Spit-Roasted Cornish Hens with Raisin Pecan Stuffing is not just a meal; it is a culinary experience that brings the comfort of a classic Sunday roast to your dinner table with a modern, flavorful twist. The secret lies in the unique stuffing, where plump raisins meet crunchy pecans and tender celery, creating a sweet and savory balance that infuses every bite of the tender meat with deep, complex flavors. Perfect for a special lunch or an elegant main course, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping centerpiece that feels both rustic and refined.

What makes this recipe truly special is the spit-roasting technique, which ensures the hens cook evenly while developing a beautifully crisp, golden exterior. As the meat turns slowly under the intense heat, the natural juices baste the birds continuously, resulting in incredibly moist and succulent flesh that falls off the bone. Whether you are hosting a family gathering or simply want to impress with a gourmet dinner, the rich, buttery finish paired with the nutty, fruity stuffing creates a harmony of tastes that is hard to resist. Plus, with a ready time of just 45 minutes, you can spend more time preparing your table and less time standing over the stove. This dairy-free friendly option, packed with protein and healthy fats, proves that you don't need complicated techniques to achieve restaurant-quality results. Grab your apron and get ready to serve a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

  • 2.5 tablespoons butter melted
  • tablespoons butter melted
  • 0.3 cup celery finely chopped
  • pound cornish game hens 
  • 0.3 cup pecans chopped
  • 0.5 cup raisins chopped
  • 0.3 teaspoon rosemary dried whole
  • cup herb-seasoned stuffing mix 
  • 0.3 cup water 

Equipment

  • sauce pan
  • oven
  • broiler

Directions

  1. Saut raisins, pecans, and celery in 2 1/2 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan until celery is tender. Stir in rosemary, stuffing mix, and water; remove raisin mixture from heat.
  2. Remove giblets from hens; reserve for other uses. Rinse hens with cold water, and pat dry. Stuff hens lightly with raisin mixture (about 2/3 cup per hen). Close cavities, and secure with wooden picks; truss.
  3. Heat broiler-rotisserie until the heating element is red. Thread 2 hens on the spit; secure tightly with prongs at each end of the spit. Make sure hens are properly balanced to avoid strain on the motor when spit is turning.
  4. Brush hens with half of remaining melted butter;
  5. Place spit on rtisserie about 3 inches from source of heat. Turn on rtisserie motor.
  6. Bake at 400 for 1 hour or until drumsticks move easily. Repeat procedure with remaining hens and butter.
  7. Transfer hens to a serving platter, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Calories1391kcal
Protein24.93%
Fat57.37%
Carbs17.7%

Properties

Glycemic Index
42.7
Glycemic Load
7.71
Inflammation Score
-8
Nutrition Score
37.242173671722%

Flavonoids

Cyanidin
0.98mg
Delphinidin
0.66mg
Catechin
0.66mg
Epigallocatechin
0.51mg
Epicatechin
0.07mg
Epigallocatechin 3-gallate
0.21mg
Apigenin
0.18mg
Luteolin
0.07mg
Kaempferol
0.01mg
Quercetin
0.02mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:1391.22kcal
69.56%
Fat:87.75g
135%
Saturated Fat:21.96g
137.23%
Carbohydrates:60.92g
20.31%
Net Carbohydrates:56.82g
20.66%
Sugar:5.34g
5.93%
Cholesterol:458.72mg
152.91%
Sodium:1300.35mg
56.54%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:85.8g
171.61%
Vitamin B3:29.48mg
147.42%
Selenium:82.39µg
117.71%
Phosphorus:763.13mg
76.31%
Vitamin B6:1.49mg
74.38%
Vitamin B2:1.07mg
62.68%
Vitamin B1:0.77mg
51.14%
Manganese:0.89mg
44.38%
Zinc:6.22mg
41.47%
Potassium:1427.31mg
40.78%
Iron:6.51mg
36.14%
Vitamin B5:3.12mg
31.16%
Magnesium:123.22mg
30.8%
Folate:118µg
29.5%
Copper:0.53mg
26.61%
Vitamin B12:1.53µg
25.47%
Vitamin A:1213.26IU
24.27%
Fiber:4.1g
16.4%
Vitamin E:2.24mg
14.91%
Vitamin K:13.7µg
13.05%
Calcium:127.67mg
12.77%
Vitamin C:3.58mg
4.35%
Source:My Recipes