Cornish Game Hens Bourguignonne

Cornish Game Hens Bourguignonne Recipe from Cornwall | Ingredients: bird, bacon, onions, mushrooms, red wine and more

Region / culture: Cornwall | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Cornish Game Hens Bourguignonne is a classic French dish that features tender game hens cooked in a rich and flavorful red wine sauce. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home.

History

The recipe for Cornish Game Hens Bourguignonne originates from the Burgundy region of France, known for its rich and hearty cuisine. The dish is a variation of the traditional Coq au Vin, which is a popular French dish made with chicken cooked in red wine.

Ingredients

1 bird per person plus one extra for the plate
0.25 lb (113 g) lean bacon, diced
2 small pearl onions per person
0.5 lb (227 g) mushrooms, sliced
chicken stock
red wine
1 medium onion, sliced
1 medium carrot, sliced
1 large stalk celery, sliced
1 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, chopped
salt and pepper

Bouquet garni

1 sprig thyme
2 sprigs parsley (tied together)
1 bay leaf
0.33 cup cognac (optional)

How to prepare

Wash, dry, and season hens with salt and pepper. Truss the hens.
Heat a large heavy pan (e.g. Dutch oven bottom), add diced bacon, and cook until crisp.
Remove bacon, add garlic and hens, and brown them thoroughly.
Remove garlic and hens (keep hens warm).
Add sliced vegetables and garni bouquet.
Place hens on top of vegetables. Half cover with stock and then wine to almost cover.
Bring to a boil and place in the oven.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for an hour.
While the casserole is in the oven, peel white onions and blanch them in hot water (or use canned ones).
Sauté mushrooms.
When the birds are tender, remove them from the pan and, if desired, flame them with cognac.
Strain the juices into a saucepan.
Purée the vegetables and add them to the juices.
Over high heat, reduce the sauce to half of its original volume.
Thicken the sauce with a mixture of flour and butter if needed.
Check and correct the seasoning.
Add mushrooms and onions.
Pour the sauce over the birds, cover, and heat for at least 15 minutes or serve the birds and sauce separately. You can stop here and keep everything overnight in the refrigerator.
The next day, brush the inside and outside of the birds with the sauce.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 45 – 60 minutes.
There will be no need to thicken the sauce.
Add mushrooms and onions 15 minutes prior to the end of cooking.

Variations

Substitute the hens with chicken thighs for a more budget-friendly option.
Add pearl barley or wild rice to the dish for a heartier meal.
Use white wine instead of red wine for a lighter sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Trussing the hens before cooking helps them cook evenly and retain their shape.

- Browning the hens before braising them adds depth of flavor to the dish.

- Adding a bouquet garni of herbs enhances the aroma and taste of the sauce.

- Thicken the sauce with a mixture of flour and butter for a velvety texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cornish Game Hens Bourguignonne with crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Pair with a glass of red wine for a truly indulgent dining experience.

Cooking Techniques

Braising, roasting, sautéing

Ingredient Substitutions

Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a healthier option.

- Substitute shallots for pearl onions for a milder flavor.

- Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the dish up to the point of baking the hens, then refrigerate overnight. Finish cooking the next day for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the hens on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and accompanied by a side of roasted vegetables.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Cornish Game Hens Bourguignonne with a full-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon for a perfect match.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 18g per serving

Saturated Fat: 6g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 32g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 2mg per serving

Vitamin A: 1500 IU per serving

Alergens

Contains: Dairy

Summary

Cornish Game Hens Bourguignonne is a rich and flavorful dish that is high in protein and iron. It is a satisfying meal that is perfect for a special occasion.

Summary

Cornish Game Hens Bourguignonne is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special dinner. With its rich red wine sauce and tender hens, this recipe is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy this classic French dish with a glass of wine for a truly memorable dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Cornish Game Hens Bourguignonne. It was a chilly autumn evening, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the yellowed pages, my eyes fell upon the elegant dish that looked like it had been plucked straight out of a French bistro.

The recipe called for tender Cornish game hens, marinated in a rich red wine sauce with mushrooms, pearl onions, and bacon. The flavors sounded so decadent and mouth-watering that I knew I had to try it for myself. But I had never attempted such a complex dish before, and I was unsure if I could recreate the flavors that had captivated me on the page.

Determined to learn the art of making Cornish Game Hens Bourguignonne, I set off on a culinary adventure that would take me to unexpected places and introduce me to new techniques and ingredients. I began by seeking out the freshest and most flavorful game hens I could find, scouring local markets and butcher shops until I finally found the perfect specimens.

Next, I gathered the rest of the ingredients I would need for the dish: a robust red wine, earthy mushrooms, sweet pearl onions, and smoky bacon. As I chopped, sautéed, and simmered, I could feel the magic of the kitchen enveloping me, turning these simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary.

But the real challenge came when it was time to cook the game hens. I had never attempted to roast such delicate birds before, and I was afraid that I would overcook them and ruin the dish. With a mixture of trepidation and excitement, I slid the hens into the oven and watched as they transformed into golden, succulent perfection.

When it was finally time to sit down and taste my creation, I held my breath, hoping that I had done justice to the exquisite recipe that had inspired me. One bite was all it took to confirm that I had succeeded beyond my wildest dreams. The flavors were bold and harmonious, with the tender meat of the game hens perfectly complemented by the rich, savory sauce.

As I savored each bite, I thought back on the journey that had led me to this moment. I had learned so much about cooking and about myself along the way, discovering a passion and a talent that I never knew I possessed. And I owed it all to that fateful day when I first laid eyes on the recipe for Cornish Game Hens Bourguignonne.

Now, whenever I make this dish, I am transported back to that moment of wonder and discovery, reminded of the joy and satisfaction that comes from creating something truly special in the kitchen. And I am grateful for the culinary legacy that has been passed down to me, inspiring me to continue exploring and experimenting with new recipes and flavors for years to come.