BARBECUED CORNISH HENS

Barbecued Cornish Hens image

Provided by Pierre Franey

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

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Ingredients

4 Cornish hens, about 3/4 pound each, split in half
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary leaves, chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried
2 teaspoons garlic, chopped fine
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 tablespoons melted butter, if desired
2 tablespoons chopped parsley or chervil

Steps:

With a meat pounder or mallet, pound the hens halves to flatten.
Combine the spices and the herbs, except the parsley. Blend well.
Rub the hens on both sides with the mixture and place them, skin sides down, on a large baking dish. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes.
Preheat charcoal grill or oven broiler.
If charcoal broiling, place the hens, skin sides down, on the grill. When the skins are nicely browned, turn the hens and cook for about 15 minutes, brushing with the oil every 5 minutes. Then turn over onto the skin sides for about 5 minutes, or until done.
If using the oven broiler, lay the hens in a shallow baking dish. Place the dish about 5 inches from the source of heat. Cook for 10 minutes, brushing the hens with the oil. Turn the pieces and continue broiling for about 10 minutes more. Baste often until cooked through and browned.
Pour on melted butter if desired. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 495, UnsaturatedFat 22 grams, Carbohydrate 2 grams, Fat 37 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 36 grams, SaturatedFat 12 grams, Sodium 827 milligrams, Sugar 0 grams, TransFat 0 grams