October 19, 2021
Cocoa-Rubbed Cornish Hens with Orange Pomegranate Salsa
Earthy, sweet, and with a bit of heat, this delicious rub makes for a delicious roast bird, or any protein for that matter. Rich flavors find balance from the bright, sweet, and acidic salsa of orange, pomegranate, and vinegar with a burst of fresh herbs. Adapted from Eating Well.
Servings: 4
Calories: 567kcal
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons monk fruit golden, or 1 tablespoon coconut aminos
- 2 teaspoons cocoa powder unsweetened
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika use 1/2 teaspoon cumin nightshade-free
- 1/2 teaspoon salt divided
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper omit for nightshade-free
- 2 Cornish game hens giblets removed, or 2 pounds chicken thighs with bone in and skin on
- 1 shallot thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or red-wine vinegar
- 1 navel orange zested and cut into supremes
- 3/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- 2 tablespoons parsley minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425ºF and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Rub with a bit of avocado oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Combine monk fruit, cocoa, coriander, paprika, salt (reserve 1/8 teaspoon for the salsa), and cayenne in a small bowl. If using coconut aminos in place of monk fruit, simply omit from spice mix and rub it onto the birds instead and combine the remaining spice mix ingredients in a small bowl.
- Pat the hens dry with paper towels. Sprinkle evenly with the just mixed spices, both inside and out. Place onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until golden and an instant read thermometer reads 165ºF.
- While hens roast, stir together the shallot, vinegar, and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Add the zest of the orange, citrus supremes, pomegranate seeds, parsley, and olive oil. Toss to combine. Serve along with the roast hens.
Notes
If you make this with bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, bake at 450ºF for 25 minutes, or until golden and 165ºF.
Protein:Energy Ratio: 0.82
Nutrition made with chicken thighs: Calories: 539 cal, Carbs: 13g, Fiber: 3g, Fat: 40g, Protein: 33g, Protein:Energy Ratio: 0.66
Nutrition Facts
Cocoa-Rubbed Cornish Hens with Orange Pomegranate Salsa
Amount per Serving
Calories
567
% Daily Value*
Fat
39
g
60
%
Saturated Fat
10
g
63
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
7
g
Monounsaturated Fat
19
g
Cholesterol
227
mg
76
%
Sodium
433
mg
19
%
Potassium
731
mg
21
%
Carbohydrates
13
g
4
%
Fiber
3
g
13
%
Sugar
8
g
9
%
Protein
40
g
80
%
Vitamin A
796
IU
16
%
Vitamin C
28
mg
34
%
Calcium
58
mg
6
%
Iron
3
mg
17
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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