GRILLED CORNISH HENS WITH COCONUT CURRY SAUCE

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Grilled Cornish Hens with Coconut Curry Sauce image

Categories     Poultry     Backyard BBQ     Dinner     Coconut     Curry     Summer     Gourmet     Sugar Conscious     Dairy Free     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 cup finely chopped shallots (2 large)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons minced peeled fresh ginger
2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
2 (14-oz) cans unsweetened coconut milk
1 1/2 teaspoons packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons Asian fish sauce
4 (1 1/4- to 1 1/2-lb) Cornish hens, halved lengthwise
Garnish: fresh cilantro sprigs

Steps:

  • Cook shallots in oil in a wide 4- to 5-quart heavy pot over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger and cook, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes. Add curry paste and cook, mashing paste to combine with oil and stirring constantly, 3 minutes (paste will begin sticking to bottom of pot). Add coconut milk, brown sugar, and salt and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until reduced to about 3 cups, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from heat, then stir in fish sauce and cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes. Reserve 1 1/2 cups curry sauce (for serving) in a bowl and chill, covered.
  • Trim and discard any excess fat from hens (to prevent flare-ups on grill), then rinse and pat dry. Coat hens well with remaining curry sauce in a large bowl, then divide hens between 2 large sealable plastic bags and seal bags, pressing out excess air. Marinate hens, chilled, at least 12 and up to 24 hours.
  • Let hens stand at room temperature 30 minutes before grilling.
  • Prepare grill for cooking over medium-hot charcoal (moderate heat for gas). (If using a charcoal grill, open vents on bottom of grill, then light charcoal. When Charcoal turns grayish white (about 15 minutes from lighting), hold your hand 5 inches above grill rack to determine heat for charcoal as follows: Hot: When you can hold your hand there for 1 to 2 seconds; Medium-hot: 3 to 4 seconds; Low: 5 to 6 seconds. If using a gas grill, preheat burners on high, covered, 10 minutes, then, if necessary, reduce to heat specified in recipe.)
  • Remove hens from marinade, shaking off excess, and transfer to a large platter. Discard marinade. Season hens with salt, then grill, starting with skin sides down, covered only if using a gas grill, on lightly oiled grill rack, turning occasionally to prevent overbrowning, until cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes total.
  • Heat reserved curry sauce in a small saucepan over moderate heat, stirring, until hot. Serve hens with curry sauce.

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