Rice and Hens Andalusia

Rice and Hens Andalusia Recipe from Spain with Onion, Parsley, Garlic, and Orange Juice

Region / culture: Andalusia, Spain | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Rice and Hens Andalusia is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender cornish game hens with a citrusy orange juice marinade. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner.

History

This recipe is inspired by the traditional cuisine of Andalusia, a region in southern Spain known for its rich and diverse culinary heritage. The combination of citrus fruits, nuts, and spices in this dish reflects the influence of Moorish and Mediterranean flavors on Andalusian cuisine.

Ingredients

4 cornish game hens, thawed (1 lb (454 g) each)
0.25 cup finely chopped onion
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cups orange juice
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp ground black pepper
0.25 cup melted butter or margarine
0.25 cup seedless raisins
0.25 cup toasted sliced almonds
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
3 cups hot cooked rice
fresh orange slices for garnish (optional)
stuffed for garnish (optional)

How to prepare

Place the hens in a baking pan.
Combine the onion, parsley, garlic, and orange juice. Pour the mixture over the hens and let them marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
Remove the hens from the marinade and pat them dry. Season with salt and pepper. Brush them with butter, making sure to coat all sides. Arrange the hens in a 3 qt (2.84 liter) baking pan and bake them uncovered at 400°F (204°C) for 30 minutes.
Pour the marinade over the hens and sprinkle them with raisins and almonds. Cover the pan and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes. Remove from the oven.
Blend the cornstarch with water. Transfer the sauce from the baking dish to a small saucepan and stir in the cornstarch mixture. Cook until thickened.
Arrange the hens on a serving plate and surround them with rice. Spoon the sauce over the rice and hens. Garnish with orange slices and stuffed, if desired.

Variations

Substitute the cornish game hens with chicken thighs or drumsticks for a more budget-friendly option.
Add diced bell peppers or olives to the dish for extra flavor and texture.
Use lemon juice instead of orange juice for a tangier marinade.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the hens for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Basting the hens with melted margarine helps to keep them moist and adds a rich flavor.

- Toasting the sliced almonds before adding them to the dish enhances their nutty flavor and crunchy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Rice and Hens Andalusia with a side of green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal. Garnish with fresh orange slices for a pop of color and citrusy flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Marinating the hens helps to infuse them with flavor and keep them moist during cooking.

- Basting the hens with melted margarine adds richness and helps to brown the skin.

- Thickening the sauce with cornstarch creates a luscious and velvety texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken broth or white wine instead of orange juice for a different flavor profile.

- Swap out the raisins for dried apricots or prunes for a sweeter twist.

- Replace the almonds with pine nuts or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the hens in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to develop even further.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the hens on a platter with a bed of fluffy rice and spoon the sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh orange slices and parsley for a vibrant and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Rice and Hens Andalusia with a crisp white wine such as a Spanish Albariño or a fruity red wine like a Rioja. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Rice and Hens Andalusia contains around 400 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Rice and Hens Andalusia contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates, mainly from the rice and raisins in the dish.

Fats

This dish is moderate in fat, with each serving providing around 15 grams of fat. The fats come from the margarine used for basting the hens and the almonds in the dish.

Proteins

Rice and Hens Andalusia is a protein-rich dish, with each serving containing approximately 25 grams of protein from the cornish game hens.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C from the orange juice marinade and vitamin E from the almonds. It also provides iron and zinc from the cornish game hens.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (almonds) and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies. It also contains dairy (margarine) and may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

Summary

Rice and Hens Andalusia is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a flavorful and nutritious option for a special meal.

Summary

Rice and Hens Andalusia is a delicious and aromatic dish that combines tender cornish game hens with a citrusy orange juice marinade. This recipe is inspired by the flavors of Andalusian cuisine and is perfect for a special meal or family dinner. Enjoy the rich and diverse flavors of this dish with your loved ones!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a warm summer day in Andalusia, and I was visiting a friend who lived in a small village in the countryside. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most amazing aroma of spices and herbs.

My friend, Maria, was busy preparing a traditional dish called Rice and Hens Andalusia. She had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had learned it from her mother, and so on. The dish had been passed down through generations, each adding their own twist to make it unique.

Maria graciously invited me to stay for dinner and offered to teach me how to make the dish. I eagerly accepted, excited to learn the secrets of this delicious recipe.

We started by marinating the hens in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, paprika, and cumin. The aroma was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the final result. While the hens were marinating, Maria showed me how to prepare the rice, using saffron, onions, and bell peppers to add flavor and color.

As the hens roasted in the oven, the kitchen filled with the most mouth-watering scent. I knew this dish was going to be something special. Maria then showed me how to layer the rice and hens in a large baking dish, sprinkling almonds and raisins on top for a sweet and crunchy finish.

After an hour in the oven, the Rice and Hens Andalusia was ready to be served. The hens were tender and juicy, and the rice was perfectly cooked and fragrant with saffron. Maria and I sat down to enjoy our meal, savoring each bite and reminiscing about the old days in Andalusia.

I was so grateful to Maria for sharing her family recipe with me. It was a dish that brought back memories of my own grandmother, who loved to cook and had taught me so much in the kitchen. I knew that this recipe would become a cherished tradition in my own family, passed down through the generations just like it had been in Maria's.

As I left Maria's house that evening, I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart. It was more than just a dish; it was a connection to the past, a reminder of the love and traditions that bind us together.

And so, I continue to make Rice and Hens Andalusia for my family, sharing the story of how I learned the recipe and passing on the flavors and aromas of Andalusia to the next generation. It is a dish that brings us all closer together, a taste of the past that will always be a part of our present and future.