Recipe:

Roasted Poussins with Couscous, Pine Nut and Cranberry Stuffing

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Serves 4

Poussins are very young small chickens. They are tender and succulent because of a special vegetarian diet of cornmeal and soy. Each bird serves one, and they make an impressive centerpiece for an elegant dinner when displayed on a platter, burnished golden brown and decorated with herb sprigs.

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked couscous
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1/2 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
4 poussins or Cornish game hens

Method

Cook couscous according to package instructions. Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add onions, shallots and garlic, and cook, stirring, for about 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl. Add cooked couscous, pine nuts, cranberries and parsley. Season with salt and pepper and toss to combine.

Season poussins inside and out with salt and pepper. Stuff the poussins loosely with the couscous mixture, then tie their legs together with kitchen twine. Roast, breast side up on a rack in a shallow roasting pan for 35 to 40 minutes, or until juices run clear when the thickest part of the thigh is pierced with a knife. Brush with melted butter during the last 10 minutes of roasting, if you like. Set poussins aside for 10 minutes to let rest, then carve anad serve.

Nutrition

Per serving (about 12oz/335g-wt.): 950 calories (510 from fat), 57g total fat, 15g saturated fat, 295mg cholesterol, 440mg sodium, 52g total carbohydrate (4g dietary fiber, 12g sugar), 56g protein

Tags: Entertaining, American

Note: We've provided special diet and nutritional information for educational purposes. But remember — we're cooks, not doctors! You should follow the advice of your health-care provider. And since product formulations change, check product labels for the most recent ingredient information. See our Terms of Service.