Grilled Cornish Game Hens with Lemon, Sumac, and Date Relish
Grilled Cornish Game Hens with Lemon, Sumac, and Date Relish is a flavorful Middle Eastern Middle Eastern Recipes dish prepared with quality ingredients. Combine 9 cups water, 1/2 cup lemon juice, and coarse salt in large nonreactive pot.
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Easy Prep ≤ 4 steps · Fast & beginner friendly
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Moderate 5–8 steps · Everyday home cooking
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Expert ≥ 9 steps · Multi-step advanced prep
Ingredients Required
Tap or click any ingredient to check off during cookingStep-by-Step Cooking Method
Follow numbered steps for authentic taste and perfectionCombine 9 cups water, 1/2 cup lemon juice, and coarse salt in large nonreactive pot.
Stir until salt dissolves.
Add hen halves and press to submerge.
Refrigerate hens in brine, weighing down with heavy plate if needed, at least 6 hours and up to 1 day.
Whisk 1/2 cup lemon juice, oil, and sumac in medium bowl.
Press in garlic cloves; season with pepper.
Let dressing stand 15 minutes to thicken slightly, whisking occasionally.
Pat dry with paper towels; arrange on large rimmed baking sheet.
Using fingertips, loosen skin of breast meat on each hen half.
Brush some dressing under skin onto breast meat of each hen; place lemon slice onto breast meat and pull skin over to cover.
Brush hens all over with remaining dressing.
DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead.
Let stand at room temperature.
Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat).
Place hens, skin side up, on grill rack.
Cover and grill until bottom sides are brown, about 8 minutes.
Turn hens over; grill uncovered until skin sides brown, about 6 minutes.
Continue to grill until hens are cooked through, turning occasionally, about 9 minutes longer.
Transfer hens to platter.
Serve with Date Relish.
*Ground, dried, reddish-purple berries that grow wild throughout the Middle East; available at specialty foods stores and Middle Eastern markets.
Chef's Secret Tips & Serving Pairings
- Serve hot and fresh as a wholesome vegetarian meal.
- Pairs excellently with steamed rice, flatbreads, or fresh salad garnish.