Spice-Roasted Cornish Hens with Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce

Tender Cornish game hens roasted with aromatic cumin and coriander spices, served with a cooling cucumber-yogurt sauce. This elegant dish combines Middle Eastern flavors with succulent poultry.

6 servings
55 min

Ingredients

  • 3 whole Cornish game hens
  • 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
  • teaspoons coarse kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 5 ounces cucumber
  • ½ cup plain whole-milk yogurt
  • 12 sprigs fresh cilantro
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Position rack in top third of oven; preheat to 450°F. Arrange hens, skin side up, on large rimmed baking sheet. Finely grind cumin and next 3 ingredients in spice mill.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Brush hens with oil. Sprinkle on both sides with spice mixture. Roast hens until cooked through, about 35 minutes.

    35 min

  3. 3.

    Meanwhile, combine all remaining ingredients in processor. Blend until almost smooth. Season sauce with salt and pepper.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    Place hens on plates. Serve with sauce.

    5 min

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