Pomegranate-Honey Roasted Game Hens
Pomegranate-Honey Roasted Game Hens
- SERVES
- 6
- CHILL TIME
- 8 Hr
- COOK TIME
- 35 Min
Pomegranate juice adds flavor and color to these spicy, honey-kissed holiday hens.
What You'll Need
- 1 cup fresh pomegranate juice (see Note)
- 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 6 garlic cloves, smashed
- 3 game hens, split in half
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Pomegranate arils (seeds) for garnish
- Chopped, roasted pistachio nuts for garnish
What to Do
- In a bowl, mix pomegranate juice, 1/2 cup honey, ground coriander, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne pepper, and garlic; pour over hens. Marinate, covered, at least 8 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Turn occasionally.
- Drain hens, reserving marinade. Simmer marinade in a saucepan, covered, 10 minutes; reserve.
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Coat roasting pans with cooking spray. Place hens in pans; season with salt and pepper.
- Bake about 25 minutes or until hens are just firm to the touch, basting frequently with reserved marinade. Remove from oven. Cover with towel and let rest 5 minutes.
- Brush each half with remaining honey. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and chopped pistachios.
Notes
To make 1 cup pomegranate juice, put 1-1/2 to 2 cups of seeds in a blender; blend until liquefied. Pour mixture through a cheesecloth-lined strainer or sieve.