Mesa Grill Ancho-Rubbed Game Hen

Posted by philocrates at recipegoldmine.com 5/14/02 1:52:31 pm

Source: Recipe by Bobby Flay, Mesa Grill

Serving size: 2

6 ancho chiles, dried
8 cups boiling water
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons cilantro, minced
2 cups cornmeal
2 tablespoons curry powder
2 tablespoons cumin
Ground salt and pepper
2 rock Cornish game hen breasts, skinned and boned
1 cup olive oil

Place the ancho chiles in a large bowl, cover them with the boiling water, and soak them for 30 minutes to overnight.

Heat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Drain the chiles well, then remove and discard the seed and stems. Place the chilies in a blender with the garlic, salt and cilantro. Puree and set aside.

Combine the cornmeal, curry powder, cumin, salt and pepper and spread in a jellyroll pan. Spread the hen breasts generously and evenly with the chili puree, then dredge them in the seasoned cornmeal.

Place a large saute pan or skillet over high heat, add the oil and heat until it begins to smoke. Add the hen breasts and cook 2 to 3 minutes, or until the topping is crisp. Turn the breasts, cook the other side until crisp, then transfer the breasts to the preheated oven to cook another 5 minutes, or until opaque throughout.