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Cornish Hens with Garlic-Mint Butter
A little seasoned butter nestled between the skin and flesh keeps
these beauties savory and succulent.
For the butter:
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1 |
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stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened |
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1 |
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tablespoon finely chopped garlic |
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1 |
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teaspoon kosher salt |
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1 |
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tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint |
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1 |
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tablespoon fresh lime juice |
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1 |
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teaspoon chili powder |
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1/4 |
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teaspoon grated lime zest |
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1/4 |
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teaspoon freshly ground black pepper |
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4 |
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Cornish hens, 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 pounds each, wingtips removed |
To make the butter: Place the softened butter in a small bowl. Combine
the garlic and salt on a cutting board. Finely chop them and, using the
side of the knife, crush the mixture into a paste. Add the paste to the
bowl along with the remaining butter ingredients.
Remove the giblets from the hens and discard. Rinse the hens, inside
and out, under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Working from
the cavity end of each hen, run your fingers between the skin and flesh
of the breasts and legs to loosen the skin without tearing. Push half
of the butter mixture under the skin and massage from the outside to
spread the butter mixture evenly over the breasts and legs. Spread the
remaining butter over the entire surface of the hens.
Truss the hens with cotton string. Grill over Indirect Medium heat
until the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink at the bone,
35 to 45 minutes. Transfer the hens onto a cutting board. Loosely cover
with foil and allow to rest for about 5 minutes. Using poultry shears
or a sharp knife, remove the strings. Serve immediately.
Makes 4 servings.
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