Want more deliciousness? Follow me on X @TeresasRecipes
Tandoori Cornish Hen
Indulge in the vibrant and aromatic flavors of India with this Tandoori Cornish Hen. Marinated in a rich blend of yogurt and spices, this dish offers a perfect balance of heat and tang, resulting in juicy, tender meat with a tantalizing char from the grill. Traditionally, Tandoori cooking involves marinating meat in a spice mix and cooking it in a clay oven, but this recipe brings that authentic taste to your backyard grill. Serve it with fresh lime wedges and cilantro for a refreshing finish, and let the spices transport you to the bustling streets of India.
Ingredients
- Cornish hens
- 2, cleaned and halved
- Plain yogurt
- 1 cup
- Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons
- Garlic
- 4 cloves, minced
- Ginger
- 1 tablespoon, grated
- Tandoori masala
- 2 tablespoons
- Paprika
- 1 teaspoon
- Cumin
- 1 teaspoon
- Coriander
- 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt
- 1 teaspoon
- Vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons, for brushing
- Fresh cilantro
- for garnish
- Lime wedges
- for serving
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, tandoori masala, paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and salt. Whisk until well blended to form a smooth marinade.
- Place the cleaned Cornish hens in a large ziplock bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the hens, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it is well-oiled to prevent sticking.
- Remove the Cornish hens from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Brush the hens lightly with vegetable oil to enhance grilling.
- Place the hens on the grill and cook for about 20-25 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and that the skin is crispy and charred.
- Once cooked, remove the hens from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for an added burst of freshness. Enjoy your delicious Tandoori Cornish Hen!
Tips
- For an extra kick, add chopped fresh green chilies to the marinade.
- Serve alongside naan or basmati rice, and a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal.
- If you don't have a grill, you can bake the hens in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 45-50 minutes, basting occasionally.
Dietary Information
Servings: 4 Dish Type: Main Course Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time) Cook Time: 50 minutes Calories: 450 Fat: 22g Carbs: 10g Protein: 50g Sodium: 600mg Sugar: 5g
Finding side dishes...
Selecting wines...
Reviews
Share Your Experience
Your Review
Want to share your experience with this recipe?
Sign in to Leave a ReviewCommunity Reviews
Loading community reviews...