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1
Split hens with poultry shears.
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2
Pull the skin off the hens, using paper towels to get a better grip.
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3
Prick hens all over with a fork or a thin skewer.
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4
Make diagonal slashes, 1/2 inch thick and 1 inch apart 2 on the breast, 2 on the thighs and 1 on the drumsticks.
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5
Place hens in a large shallow dish.
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6
Combine the food coloring in a small bowl and brush over the hens evenly.
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7
Mix all the ingredients for the marinade and rub it on the Cornish hen halves.
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8
Mix thoroughly, turning several times, pushing marinade into slits and coating pieces evenly.
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9
Cover and refrigerate overnight or a maximum of 2 days.
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10
Remove hens from the refrigerator and arrange them, meaty side up, on a 10-inch microwave-safe bacon/meat rack.
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11
Cook with 650 watts for 6 minutes (or until hens are fully cooked).
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12
Remove from oven.
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13
If you are using fat, brush hens lightly with usli ghee, melted butter or olive oil.
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14
Heat 10-inch browning skillet, uncovered, with 650 watts for 4 minutes.
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15
Remove from oven and add hens, meaty side down, to the skillet.
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16
Let hens sear until sizzling stops (about 1 1/2 minutes), pressing the hens down.
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17
Cook hens with 650 watts for 2 minutes (or until hens turn crimson red and glazed).
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18
Remove from oven.
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19
While hens are cooking, add accumulated juices from the bacon rack to the onions and peppers in a bowl and mix well.
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20
Spread vegetables on bacon rack.
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21
Cook vegetables with 650 watts for 2 minutes.
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22
Remove from oven.
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23
Arrange tandoori hens on a heated platter and serve surrounded with onions, peppers and lemon wedges.