"Delicious Cornish Hen Stuffed with Wild Rice Recipe: A Gourmet Delight for Your Next Dinner Party"
#### DescriptionIf you're looking to impress your guests with a gourmet dish that combines elegance and comfort, look no further than the Cornish Hen Stuffe……
#### Description
If you're looking to impress your guests with a gourmet dish that combines elegance and comfort, look no further than the Cornish Hen Stuffed with Wild Rice Recipe. This delightful dish is perfect for any special occasion, whether it's a holiday gathering, a birthday celebration, or simply a cozy dinner at home. The tender, flavorful Cornish hen pairs beautifully with the nutty, earthy flavors of wild rice, creating a satisfying and visually appealing meal.
#### Ingredients
To prepare the Cornish Hen Stuffed with Wild Rice Recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 Cornish hens (about 1 to 1.5 pounds each)
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
#### Instructions
1. **Prepare the Wild Rice:** In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the wild rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
2. **Make the Stuffing:** In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the onion, celery, carrot, and garlic until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Stir in the cranberries, nuts (if using), cooked wild rice, parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well and remove from heat.
3. **Prepare the Cornish Hens:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse the Cornish hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the inside and outside of the hens with salt and pepper. Stuff each hen with the wild rice mixture, packing it in gently.
4. **Roast the Hens:** Place the stuffed Cornish hens breast-side up in a roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil and cover the pan with aluminum foil. Roast in the oven for 1 hour. Remove the foil and continue roasting for an additional 30 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. **Serve:** Once cooked, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for about 10 minutes before carving. Serve the Cornish Hen Stuffed with Wild Rice Recipe with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
#### Conclusion
This Cornish Hen Stuffed with Wild Rice Recipe is not only a feast for the eyes but also a deliciously satisfying meal that will leave your guests raving. The combination of tender meat and flavorful stuffing makes it a standout dish that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the process of creating this culinary masterpiece and the joy it brings to your dining experience!