Whole Cornish Hens with Mango Sauce

Whole Cornish Hens with Mango Sauce Recipe | Cornwall | Brown sugar, Mango, Garlic & More

Region / culture: Cornwall | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Whole Cornish Hens with Mango Sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the succulent taste of Cornish hens with the tropical sweetness of mango. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner.

History

Cornish hens are a small breed of chicken that originated in Cornwall, England. They are known for their tender and juicy meat, making them a popular choice for roasting. The addition of mango sauce to this recipe adds a unique and exotic twist to the traditional Cornish hen dish.

Ingredients

1 tbsp of brown sugar
1 tbsp of butter
0.75 cup of chopped fresh mango
1.5 cups of mango nectar
6 tbsp of melted butter
0.25 cup of water
2 tsp of salt
1 clove of garlic
1 tsp of ground pepper
6 cornish hens

How to prepare

Remove the giblets and sprinkle the Cornish hens with pepper.
In a blender, puree the garlic, salt, and water.
Pour the puree over the hens and marinate them in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
To make the sauce, puree the nectar and mangos.
In a small skillet, melt the butter, add the mango puree and brown sugar, and stir.
When the mixture boils, remove it from heat and set it aside.
Preheat the oven to 500°F.
Place the hens, breast side down, in a large greased baking pan.
Baste the hens with the melted butter and bake them for 15 minutes.
Turn the hens breast side up and continue to bake them for another 15 minutes, basting frequently.
Lower the temperature to 375°F, turn the hens again, and bake them for 10 minutes.
Remove the hens from the oven, drain the juices from the pan, and stir them into the mango sauce.
Turn the hens breast side up, baste them with the mango sauce, and bake them for another 5-7 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Serve the hens with extra slices of mango as garnish.

Variations

Substitute the mango sauce with a pineapple or peach sauce for a different flavor profile.
Add some chili flakes to the mango sauce for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the hens for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Baste the hens frequently while baking to keep them moist and flavorful.

- Serve the hens with extra mango slices for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Whole Cornish Hens with Mango Sauce with a side of rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the hens for at least 2 hours for maximum flavor.

- Baste the hens frequently while baking to keep them moist.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken thighs or breasts instead of Cornish hens if desired.

- Substitute the mango nectar with orange juice for a different citrus flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the hens in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

- The mango sauce can also be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the hens with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation. - Serve the hens on a bed of greens for a colorful and elegant dish.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Whole Cornish Hens with Mango Sauce with a crisp white wine or a fruity sangria.

- Serve a side of coconut rice or grilled pineapple for a tropical twist.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the hens in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Whole Cornish Hens with Mango Sauce contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Whole Cornish Hens with Mango Sauce contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Whole Cornish Hens with Mango Sauce contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Whole Cornish Hens with Mango Sauce contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium from the mangoes. The Cornish hens also provide a good source of iron and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and garlic, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Whole Cornish Hens with Mango Sauce is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Whole Cornish Hens with Mango Sauce is a delicious and exotic dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner. The combination of tender Cornish hens with sweet mango sauce creates a flavorful and memorable meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Whole Cornish Hens with Mango Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a friend in the countryside. We had spent the morning picking fresh mangoes from her orchard, and as we sat down for lunch, she brought out a platter of beautifully roasted Cornish hens smothered in a sweet and tangy mango sauce.

The aroma that wafted from the dish was intoxicating, and my mouth watered as I took my first bite. The combination of the juicy, succulent hens and the bright, flavorful mango sauce was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I knew right then and there that I needed to learn how to make this dish for myself.

My friend, seeing my enthusiasm, was more than happy to share her recipe with me. She explained how she had learned to make it from her grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. The recipe was a labor of love, requiring patience and attention to detail, but the end result was always worth it.

I watched as my friend demonstrated each step, from marinating the hens in a fragrant spice rub to roasting them to perfection in the oven. The mango sauce was a delicate balance of sweetness and acidity, made from fresh mangoes, a touch of honey, and a splash of vinegar.

As I sat down to eat my own plate of Whole Cornish Hens with Mango Sauce, I knew that this dish would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire. Over the years, I have made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and special occasions, always receiving rave reviews from those lucky enough to taste it.

I have since made a few adjustments to the original recipe, adding my own twist with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a hint of spice. But the heart of the dish remains the same – tender, juicy hens paired with a luscious mango sauce that is both comforting and elegant.

Each time I make this dish, I am reminded of that warm summer day in the countryside, where I first fell in love with the flavors of Whole Cornish Hens with Mango Sauce. It is a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy that good food and good company can bring.

So as I sit here, penning this story and reminiscing about the many times I have made this dish, I am filled with gratitude for the friend who introduced me to it and the memories we shared together. And I hope that as you read this, you too will be inspired to try your hand at making Whole Cornish Hens with Mango Sauce – a dish that is sure to delight and impress all who taste it.