Rice-Stuffed Cornish Hens
Cooking for 2
"I found this recipe in a cookbook many years ago, and it's become one of my favorites," reports Gloria Leiding of Fairmont, Minnesota. "It's a nice change of pace from the usual beef or pork. These game hens always seem festive."
SERVINGS: 2
CATEGORY: Main Dish
METHOD: Baked
TIME: Prep: 30 min. Bake: 55 min.
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup uncooked long grain rice
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 can (4 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained and chopped
- 2 Cornish game hens (20 ounces each)
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Directions:
In a saucepan, cook and stir the rice, onion and almonds in 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat for 5 minutes or until rice is lightly browned. Stir in the water, bouillon, lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 16-20 minutes or until rice is tender. Stir in mushrooms.
Sprinkle outside and cavity of hens with pepper and remaining salt. Stuff hens with rice mixture. Place on a rack in a shallow roasting pan coated with cooking spray. Melt remaining butter; brush half over hens.
Cover and bake at 400° for 25-35 minutes longer or until juices run clear and a meat thermometer reads 180° for hens and 165° for stuffing. Yield: 2 servings.