Skip to main content
Epicurious

Moroccan-Style Cornish Game Hens

4.4

(6)

The hens should marinate at least 12 hours, so begin preparing a day before serving.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Serves 2

Ingredients

1 large orange, thinly sliced
2 Cornish game hens, cut lengthwise in half
6 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
8 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 cup tawny Port
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
20 whole pitted dates
10 large pitted green olives

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Arrange orange slices in bottom of 9x13-inch glass baking dish. Top with game hens. Mix 4 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped garlic and 1 1/4 teaspoons cumin in bowl. Rub mixture all over hens. Whisk tawny Port, oil, vinegar and honey in small bowl. Pour over hens. Tuck dates and olives between hens. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate at least 12 hours or overnight, turning hens once.

    Step 2

    Preheat oven to 375°F. Turn hens skin side up. Bake hens with marinade, dates and olives until hens are cooked through, basting occasionally, about 40 minutes. Transfer hens, dates and olives to platter; discard orange slices. Pour pan juices into heavy small saucepan. Add remaining 1/4 teaspoon cumin and boil until reduced to 1/2 cup, whisking frequently, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon some sauce over hens. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro. Serve, passing remaining sauce separately.

TagsPortAlcoholBeveragesMoroccanNorth AfricanAfricanCornish HenChickenPoultryDateDried FruitFruitOliveCilantroHerbs & SpicesGarlicRoot VegetableVegetableOrangeCitrusMainDinnerDairy FreeGluten FreeNut FreeEasyOven BakeRamadanBon Appétit
Read More
Mango Sticky Rice
Khao niaow ma muang, or steamed coconut sticky rice with ripe mango, is a classic in Thai cuisine—and you can make it at home.
Easy Egg Custard
With just a handful of ingredients, this old-fashioned egg custard is the little black dress of dinner party desserts—simple and effortlessly chic.
Simple Hot Cocoa for One
With rich chocolate flavor and easy customization, this hot cocoa recipe is just the one you want to get you through winter.
Béchamel Sauce
This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.
Oxtail Guisado
A slow-simmering, comforting braise delivering healing to both body and soul.
Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad
Crunchy and crowd-pleasing, this salad can be prepared in advance and customized to your heart’s content.
Dulce de Leche
Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.
Gourmet’s Classic Ratatouille
Summer’s best produce cooked into one vibrant, silky, flavor-packed dish.