Moroccan Cornish Game Hens Recipe

Name: Moroccan Cornish Game Hens
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large oranges, sliced; 2 cups dates, pitted (about 8 oz.); 4 Cornish hens (1 1/2 pounds ea.); Paste; 2 cups fresh cilantro stems (cilantro sprigs); 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander; 12 garlic cloves; 1/2 cup pimento stuffed olive; Marinade; 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar; 1/2 cup marsala wine; 1/4 cup honey

Servings: persons

4 large oranges, sliced
2 cups dates, pitted (about 8 oz.)
4 Cornish hens (1 1/2 pounds ea.)
Paste
2 cups fresh cilantro stems (cilantro sprigs)
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
12 garlic cloves
1/2 cup pimento stuffed olive
Marinade
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup marsala wine
1/4 cup honey

1
Arrange orange slices in a 2 quart (13 x9 ) baking dish and sprinkle evenly with dates.
2
Remove and discard giblets and neck (if included) and rinse hens with cold water. Pat dry. Remove skin & excess fat. Split hens in half lengthwise. Place hen halves, meaty side up, on top of dates. Prepare paste. Place cilantro in food processor; pulse 4 times or until coarsely chopped. Add cardamom, cumin, coriander and garlic. Process until finely chopped. Place cilantro mixture onto hens; arrange olives around hens.
3
Prepare marinade. Combine vinegar, wine, & honey; stir well with a whisk until well blended. Slowly pour over hens. Cover and marinade in refrigerator 2-24 hours, basting once with vinegar mixture.
4
Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Uncover hens and bake at 250 for 1 hours 25 minute or until juices run clear. Baste occasionally with the vinegar mixture. Shield wings with foil, if needed.

668

kcal

Calories

Fat

148

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave for a slightly different but equally rich sweetness.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 4 large oranges, sliced, 2 cups dates, pitted (about 8 oz.), 4 Cornish hens (1 1/2 pounds ea.), Paste, and more.

Yes, Moroccan Cornish Game Hens falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Moroccan Cornish Game Hens

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions