GAME HENS WITH SUMAC, POMEGRANATE AND CARDAMOM RICE
There's very little difference these days between the small chickens marketed as game hens and the ones called poussins. Both names are used, and they refer to a bird that weighs about 1 pound. And both birds work here in this recipe. The hens are beautifully burnished and seasoned with sumac and pomegranate molasses, which adds a tart sweet and sour flavor. (You can find the molasses at Middle Eastern groceries.) Figure one whole bird per person, or half a bird for smaller appetites. Fragrant cardamom-spiced basmati rice makes a perfect accompaniment.
Provided by David Tanis
Categories dinner, main course
Time 1h15m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Heat oven to 400 degrees. Season birds inside and out with salt, then tie legs together with butcher twine. In a small bowl, mix together the sumac, cinnamon and black pepper. Sprinkle spice mix evenly over exterior of birds and put a pinch in the cavities, too.
- Place seasoned birds in a roasting pan just big enough to fit and drizzle all over with pomegranate molasses. Turn birds breast-side down and add water to pan to a depth of ½ inch. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 375 and turn birds breast-side up. Continue cooking for another 20 to 25 minutes, using a brush to baste birds with pan juices frequently, until well browned. Juices in thigh should run clear when pierced with a paring knife.
- Meanwhile, make the rice: Put rinsed basmati rice in a saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Add cardamom, cloves, butter, currants, raisins, 2 1/2 cups water (or broth) and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then put on lid and turn heat to very low. Cook rice for 15 minutes, then turn off heat. Leave covered for 10 minutes.
- To serve, fluff rice and mound on a large warmed platter. Surround rice with finished birds and give birds a last dab of the pan juices. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds and pine nuts over everything and garnish with mint. Serve the pleasantly tart pan juices separately.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 976, UnsaturatedFat 31 grams, Carbohydrate 71 grams, Fat 50 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 58 grams, SaturatedFat 15 grams, Sodium 946 milligrams, Sugar 17 grams, TransFat 0 grams
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Boss Jihan
[email protected]This was one of the best dishes I've ever made. The game hens were so moist and flavorful, and the rice was cooked to perfection. I will definitely be making this again for special occasions.
Md Iljhshhd
[email protected]I made this dish last night and it was a huge hit with my family. The sumac and pomegranate added a really unique and flavorful touch. I highly recommend this recipe!
Mathu Mathu
[email protected]This dish was easy to make and the flavors were delicious. I would definitely recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make dish.
Allistair Wilson
[email protected]I've made this dish several times now and it's always a hit. The flavors are amazing and the rice is always cooked perfectly. I highly recommend this recipe!
Anime is The best
[email protected]This was a great recipe! The game hens were cooked perfectly and the rice was flavorful and moist. I would definitely recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish.
Victoria Bah
[email protected]I made this dish for a dinner party and it was a huge success. The guests raved about the flavors and the presentation. I will definitely be making this again.
Haroun Ali
[email protected]This dish was a bit time-consuming to make, but it was well worth it. The flavors were incredible and the presentation was beautiful. I would definitely recommend this recipe for a special occasion.
Santu Rana
[email protected]I was a bit hesitant to try this recipe because I'm not a huge fan of game hens. However, I'm so glad I did because it was amazing! The sumac and pomegranate really elevated the flavor of the hens, and the rice was cooked perfectly. I will definitely
Curtis Sellers
[email protected]This was one of the best dishes I've ever made. The game hens were so moist and flavorful, and the rice was cooked to perfection. I will definitely be making this again for special occasions.
Faith Chika
[email protected]I made this dish last night and it was a huge hit with my family. The sumac and pomegranate added a really unique and flavorful touch. I highly recommend this recipe!
Katlego Monnathebe
[email protected]This dish was absolutely delicious! The flavors were amazing and the rice was cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making this again.