Split Cornish Hens with Mango Sauce

Split Cornish Hens with Mango Sauce Recipe from Cornwall

Region / culture: Cornwall | Servings: 4

Introduction

Split Cornish Hens with Mango Sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of mango with the savory flavors of roasted Cornish hens. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner party.

History

The combination of mango and Cornish hens is a popular dish in many Caribbean and Latin American cuisines. The sweet and tangy mango sauce complements the rich and tender meat of the Cornish hens, creating a unique and delicious flavor profile.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of catsup
0.25 cup of mango purée
2 cornish hens, split in half

How to prepare

Mix the ingredients for the sauce.
Roast the Cornish hens, basting them generously with the sauce until they are done.

Variations

You can add a touch of heat to the mango sauce by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
For a different flavor profile, you can substitute the mango purée with apricot or peach purée.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to baste the Cornish hens generously with the mango sauce to ensure they stay moist and flavorful.

- Roast the Cornish hens at a high temperature to ensure they cook evenly and develop a crispy skin.

- Let the Cornish hens rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Split Cornish Hens with Mango Sauce with a side of rice or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the Cornish hens at a high temperature ensures they cook evenly and develop a crispy skin.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find mango purée, you can use apricot or peach purée as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the mango sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to roast the Cornish hens.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Split Cornish Hens with Mango Sauce on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and sliced mango for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine or a fruity red wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

12g per serving

Fats

8g per serving

Proteins

24g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten and soy.

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and vitamins, but it is also high in fats and carbohydrates.

Summary

Split Cornish Hens with Mango Sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner party. The sweet and tangy mango sauce complements the rich and tender meat of the Cornish hens, creating a unique and delicious flavor profile. Serve with rice or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Split Cornish Hens with Mango Sauce. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I had decided to take a stroll through the local farmer's market in search of fresh ingredients for dinner. As I meandered through the bustling stalls filled with ripe fruits and vegetables, my eyes were drawn to a vibrant display of mangoes.

The sweet, tropical scent of ripe mangoes filled the air, and I couldn't resist buying a few to take home. As I continued my walk, I passed a small booth where a kindly old woman was selling homemade preserves and sauces. Intrigued, I stopped to chat with her and she mentioned that she had a delicious recipe for Split Cornish Hens with Mango Sauce that she would be happy to share with me.

Eager to try something new, I eagerly accepted her offer and she handed me a handwritten recipe card. The card was stained and well-worn, a sign that it had been used and loved for many years. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could tell that this recipe was something special.

That evening, I set to work in the kitchen, carefully preparing the Cornish hens and whipping up the mango sauce. The aroma that filled the kitchen was incredible - a perfect blend of savory and sweet that made my mouth water in anticipation. When the hens were finally done cooking and I poured the mango sauce over them, I knew that I had stumbled upon a truly special dish.

I served the Split Cornish Hens with Mango Sauce to my family that night, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. The tender, juicy hens paired perfectly with the tangy sweetness of the mango sauce, creating a dish that was both elegant and comforting. From that moment on, it became a staple in our household, a recipe that I would turn to time and time again.

Over the years, I have made this dish for countless family gatherings and special occasions. Each time, it never fails to impress and delight those who taste it. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the same joy and satisfaction that I experienced when I first discovered it.

As I reflect on how I learned to make Split Cornish Hens with Mango Sauce, I am filled with gratitude for the chance encounter at the farmer's market that led me to this incredible recipe. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories and forge connections that last a lifetime.

So now, whenever I make this dish, I think of that warm summer day and the kind old woman who shared her recipe with me. I remember the laughter and joy that filled my kitchen as my family gathered around the table to enjoy a delicious meal together. And I am grateful for the gift of this recipe, a treasure that I will continue to cherish and pass down through the generations.