Spiced Cornish Game Hens

Prep: 30 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Mediterranean

Spiced Cornish game hens featuring lemon, cumin, and coriander offer a flavorful, aromatic main course perfect for special occasions or a festive family dinner.

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Ingredients

  • 4 Cornish game hens (1 to 1½ lbs each)
  • ¾ cup lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon coriander
  • 6 tablespoons soft butter
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • sliced green pepper
  • mint sprigs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons cumin
  • 10 ounces green beans
  • 2 tablespoons minced green onion
  • ¼ teaspoon additional cumin
  • lemon slices

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the hens, then loosen the skin from the breasts by inserting fingers between the flesh and skin, leaving the skin attached to the keel bone if possible.
  2. Mix lemon juice, coriander, cumin, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
  3. Rub the marinade inside the hens and underneath the loosened skin, then let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  5. Butter the hens with 3 tablespoons of soft butter, and place sliced green peppers and lemon slices inside the cavity or on top as desired.
  6. Arrange the hens in a roasting pan, and roast for approximately 60 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  7. While the hens are roasting, blanch green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then drain.
  8. In a skillet, sauté green onions in the remaining butter, add the green beans and additional cumin, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  9. Serve the roasted hens garnished with mint sprigs and extra lemon slices, alongside the green beans.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

393 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 12.4g 25% DV
Total Fat 31.9g 41% DV
Carbs 19.5g 7% DV
Fiber 6g 22% DV
Sugar 3.4g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 9780.5mg 100% DV
Potassium 881mg 19% DV
Cholesterol 101.5mg 34% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 272.3mcg 30% DV
Vitamin C 55.3mg 61% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 290mg 22% DV
Iron 18.1mg 100% DV
Diet fit Low-carb High-fiber Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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