Roasted Game Hen Stuffed with Wild Rice and Mushrooms: A Gourmet Delight
Game hens, also known as Cornish hens, are small, flavorful birds perfect for individual servings or a romantic dinner for two. They offer a delightful alternative to chicken, boasting a richer, slightly gamey flavor that pairs beautifully with earthy ingredients like wild rice and mushrooms. This recipe elevates the humble game hen into a sophisticated dish, perfect for special occasions or simply when you crave something a little more elegant. Stuffed with a savory wild rice and mushroom mixture, then roasted to golden perfection, these game hens are sure to impress.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is a winner for several reasons:
* **Flavor Combination:** The earthiness of wild rice and mushrooms complements the delicate flavor of the game hen perfectly. Herbs like thyme and sage add aromatic depth, while a touch of garlic and onion provides a savory backbone.
* **Moisture Retention:** Stuffing the hens helps to keep them moist and succulent during roasting. The wild rice mixture absorbs the flavorful juices released by the bird, resulting in a deliciously infused stuffing.
* **Presentation:** Game hens are naturally elegant. When roasted to a beautiful golden brown and served whole, they make a stunning presentation for any occasion.
* **Relatively Easy:** While the recipe may seem intimidating at first glance, it’s surprisingly straightforward. With a little preparation and attention to detail, anyone can create this impressive dish.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:
**For the Game Hens:**
* 2 Cornish game hens (about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds each)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 tablespoon butter, melted (optional, for basting)
* Fresh thyme sprigs and rosemary sprigs (for garnish, optional)
**For the Wild Rice and Mushroom Stuffing:**
* 1 cup wild rice
* 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
* 1/2 cup chopped celery
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
## Equipment
* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Large skillet
* Mixing bowl
* Roasting pan
* Meat thermometer
* Basting brush (optional)
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create your own roasted game hens stuffed with wild rice and mushrooms:
### Part 1: Prepare the Wild Rice
The first step is to cook the wild rice. Wild rice takes longer to cook than other types of rice, so it’s essential to start with this step.
1. **Rinse the Wild Rice:** Place the wild rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water for a minute or two. This helps remove any debris and excess starch.
2. **Cook the Wild Rice:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the rinsed wild rice and chicken broth (or vegetable broth). Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. **Simmer:** Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender and the kernels have split open. Check the rice periodically and add more broth if needed to prevent it from drying out.
4. **Drain Excess Liquid:** Once the wild rice is cooked, drain any excess liquid through a fine-mesh sieve. Set aside to cool slightly.
### Part 2: Prepare the Mushroom Filling
While the wild rice is cooking, prepare the mushroom filling. This adds another layer of flavor and texture to the stuffing.
1. **Sauté the Onion and Garlic:** In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
2. **Cook the Mushrooms:** Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and become tender, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
3. **Add Celery and Herbs:** Add the chopped celery, parsley, thyme, and sage to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the celery is slightly softened.
4. **Combine with Wild Rice:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, sautéed mushroom mixture, salt, pepper, and optional chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans). Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
### Part 3: Prepare the Game Hens
Now it’s time to prepare the game hens for stuffing. This involves cleaning, seasoning, and getting them ready to receive the delicious filling.
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Prepare the Game Hens:** Remove the game hens from their packaging. Remove any giblets or neck pieces from the cavity of the hens. Pat the hens dry inside and out with paper towels.
3. **Season the Game Hens:** In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, dried thyme, dried sage, and garlic powder. Mix well.
4. **Rub the Hens with Seasoning:** Rub the seasoning mixture all over the outside of the game hens, ensuring they are evenly coated. Also, rub some of the seasoning inside the cavity of each hen.
### Part 4: Stuff the Game Hens
This is where the magic happens! Stuffing the hens not only adds flavor but also helps to keep them moist during roasting.
1. **Stuff the Hens:** Spoon the wild rice and mushroom stuffing into the cavity of each game hen, packing it lightly. Do not overstuff, as this can prevent the hens from cooking evenly. Leave a little room for the stuffing to expand during cooking.
2. **Secure the Cavity (Optional):** If desired, you can secure the cavity opening with kitchen twine or toothpicks to prevent the stuffing from spilling out during roasting. This is not strictly necessary, but it can help maintain a neat presentation.
### Part 5: Roast the Game Hens
Now it’s time to roast the stuffed game hens to golden perfection.
1. **Place Hens in Roasting Pan:** Place the stuffed game hens in a roasting pan, breast side up. If you have a roasting rack, you can use it to elevate the hens slightly, allowing for better air circulation.
2. **Add Liquid to the Pan (Optional):** For extra moisture, you can add about 1/2 cup of chicken broth or water to the bottom of the roasting pan. This will create steam and help keep the hens from drying out. Be sure the liquid doesn’t submerge the hens; it should just be a small amount in the bottom of the pan.
3. **Roast the Hens:** Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and roast for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
4. **Baste (Optional):** If desired, baste the hens with melted butter every 20-30 minutes during the roasting process. This will help them develop a beautiful golden-brown color and add extra flavor. You can also use pan juices for basting.
5. **Check for Doneness:** The game hens are done when the juices run clear when you pierce the thigh with a fork. If the hens are browning too quickly, you can tent them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
### Part 6: Rest and Serve
Allowing the game hens to rest before carving is crucial for retaining their juices and ensuring a tender, flavorful result.
1. **Rest the Hens:** Remove the roasting pan from the oven and let the game hens rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more moist and flavorful bird.
2. **Garnish (Optional):** Before serving, garnish the game hens with fresh thyme sprigs and rosemary sprigs for an elegant presentation.
3. **Serve:** Serve the roasted game hens whole, with the stuffing alongside. You can also carve them and serve the meat with the stuffing as a side dish. Serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
## Tips for Success
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked game hens can be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach the correct internal temperature.
* **Don’t Overstuff:** Overstuffing the hens can prevent them from cooking evenly and may cause the stuffing to be soggy.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the dish. Use fresh herbs, good-quality mushrooms, and flavorful chicken broth.
* **Adjust Seasonings to Taste:** Taste the stuffing mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices.
* **Let the Hens Rest:** Resting the hens before carving is essential for retaining their juices and ensuring a tender, flavorful result.
* **Make Ahead:** The wild rice and mushroom stuffing can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day you plan to roast the game hens.
* **Variations:** Feel free to customize the stuffing with your favorite ingredients. Some popular additions include cranberries, apples, sausage, or different types of nuts.
## Serving Suggestions
Roasted game hens stuffed with wild rice and mushrooms are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes make a delicious and colorful side dish.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to roasted poultry.
* **Green Beans:** Sautéed or steamed green beans with a sprinkle of almonds or parmesan cheese make a simple and elegant side dish.
* **Cranberry Sauce:** Cranberry sauce provides a sweet and tart contrast to the savory game hens.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the dish.
* **Wine Pairing:** A dry white wine such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs well with roasted game hens.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 600-800 per serving (depending on stuffing and sides)
* Protein: 40-50 grams
* Fat: 30-40 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
## Conclusion
Roasted game hens stuffed with wild rice and mushrooms are a truly special dish that is perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying a gourmet meal at home. The combination of earthy flavors, moist and tender meat, and elegant presentation makes this recipe a winner. With a little preparation and attention to detail, you can easily create this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the delightful flavors of roasted game hens stuffed with wild rice and mushrooms!