Pomegranate-Honey Roasted Game Hens

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup pomegranate juice*
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 game hens, split in half
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons pomegranate seeds
• 2 teaspoons chopped, roasted pistachio nuts, for garnish

Instructions

1. Mix first 7 ingredients; pour over hens. Marinate, covered, overnight or at least 8 hours in the refrigerator, turning occasionally.
2. Drain hens, reserving marinade. Simmer marinade, covered for 10 minutes; reserve.
3. Season hens with salt and pepper. Bake at 450 degrees F, basting frequently with reserved marinade, until hens are just firm to the touch, about 25 minutes.
4. Remove from oven; let rest covered with a tea towel for 5 minutes.
5. Brush each half with remaining honey. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and chopped pistachios.

Notes

* To make 1 cup pomegranate juice, put 1 1/2 to 2 cups seeds in a blender; blend until liquefied. Pour mixture through a cheesecloth-lined strainer or sieve.

Attribution

Recipe courtesy: Pomegranate Council