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Mango-Tamarind Glazed Cornish Hen

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Mango-Tamarind Glazed Cornish Hen is a gourmet dish that artfully combines the exotic and tangy flavors of mango and tamarind with the tender, succulent meat of Cornish hen. This dish is a testament to culinary creativity, blending sweet, sour, and savory notes in a fun manner.

Flavor Profile

  • Mango-Tamarind Glaze: The star of the dish is the glaze, which marries the sweet, tropical essence of mango with the distinctively sour and slightly sweet flavor of tamarind. This combination creates a rich, glossy sauce that is intriguing and complex.
    • Mango: Originating in South Asia, mangoes are a staple in Indian cuisine and have significant cultural and religious importance in the region. They are also prevalent in Southeast Asian, Caribbean, and Latin American cuisines. Mangoes are celebrated for their sweet, rich flavor.
    • Tamarind: Tamarind is widely used in Indian, African, Latin American, and Caribbean cuisines. It’s known for its sour taste and can be used in sauces, marinades, drinks, and candy. In many cultures, tamarind is more than just a culinary ingredient; it’s part of traditional medicine and cultural rituals.
  • Cornish Hen: Cornish hens, known for their tender and delicate meat, provide a perfect canvas for the mango-tamarind glaze. Their mild flavor absorbs the glaze beautifully, ensuring every bite is infused with the sauce’s vibrant taste.
  • Green Onion Garnish: The addition of chopped green onions as a garnish adds a mild, slightly sharp flavor that cuts through the richness of the dish, providing a fresh contrast to the sweet and tangy glaze.

This dish is an excellent example of global fusion cuisine. It combines the tropical, sweet flavor of mangoes with the tangy, sour taste of tamarind – ingredients that are integral to many world cuisines – and applies them to a Cornish hen, a bird more commonly associated with Western cooking techniques like roasting.

What is a Cornish hen?

A Cornish hen is a small breed of chicken, popular among chefs for special occasion meals. They usually weigh between 1 and 2 pounds, making them ideal for single servings. The flavor is similar to chicken but is usually slightly milder, with a more delicate texture.

Cornish hens can be cooked in various ways, including roasting, grilling, and broiling. Their small size allows them to cook more quickly than a full-sized chicken. Cornish hens offer an elegant alternative to traditional chicken dishes, suitable for a variety of culinary styles, from simple roasting with herbs to more elaborate preparations with stuffings or glazes.

Suggested Wine Pairings

  • Riesling: A slightly sweet or off-dry Riesling can balance the tanginess of the tamarind and the sweetness of the mango. Its crisp acidity will also cut through the richness of the dish.
  • Pinot Noir: A lighter red like Pinot Noir, with its subtle fruitiness and mild tannins, can pair well without overpowering the delicate flavor of the Cornish hen.
  • Prosecco or Champagne: A dry sparkling wine can be a delightful pairing, as the effervescence and acidity can cleanse the palate between bites.
Mango-Tamarind Glazed Cornish Hen
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Mango-Tamarind Glazed Cornish Hen

5 from 1 vote
Difficulty: Medium
Servings

2

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 
Total time

1

hour 

30

minutes

Mango-Tamarind Glazed Cornish Hen is a delectable fusion dish that tantalizes the palate with its sweet and tangy glaze, enveloping tender, succulent poultry for a unique and flavorful dining experience.

Ingredients

  • 2 whole 2 Cornish hens

  • 2 tablespoons 2 extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 cup 1 mango nectar

  • 2 tablespoons 2 tamarind paste

  • 2 tablespoons 2 honey

  • 2 tablespoons 2 soy sauce

  • 1 clove 1 garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon 1 ginger, grated

  • 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 red pepper flakes

  • 1 1 lime, juiced

  • 1/2 cup 1/2 green onion, chopped

  • salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Equipment

Directions

  • Preheat Oven and Prepare Hens:
    Preheat your oven to 375°F. Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels. Season inside and out with salt and pepper. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the hens and rub it in to coat evenly.
  • Make the Mango-Tamarind Glaze:
    In a saucepan, combine the mango nectar, tamarind paste, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat slightly, and cook until the mixture cooks down and thickens, about 20-25 minutes. Stir in lime juice and season with salt to taste to finish. Let the glaze cool down a bit before applying it to the hens.
  • Glaze the Hens:
    Arrange the Cornish hens in a roasting pan. Brush the hens with half of the mango-tamarind glaze, covering all sides as best you can.
  • Roast the Hens:
    Roast in the preheated oven for 60 minutes. Baste with additional glaze once more, halfway through cooking, reserving just a bit for serving.
  • Rest and Serve:
    Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with the remaining glaze with chopped green onions before serving.

I find cooking to be inspiring on many different levels. The [culinary] arts connect people, cultures, and generations. In many ways – pun intended – food fuels society forward. It’s so much more than just a literal means for survival. I’ve experienced the importance of food as nourishment for both the mind and body, and I’m pleased to share my positives experiences with you.

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