[ENG] Moroccan Cornish Hens with Caramelized Apricots | Flavors of Morocco

For more Flavors of Morocco: https://flavorsofmorocco.com/ Follow us on Instagram @Flavors.of.Morocco   / flavors.of.morocco   Still haven’t subscribed to Flavors of Morocco on youtube? / / @flavorsofmorocco8403 ------------------------------------------ ABOUT FLAVORS OF MOROCCO: Flavors of Morocco is the leading online cooking school dedicated to authentic Moroccan cuisine. Our expert Moroccan chefs, known as dadas, will teach you all the secrets of making Moroccan food no matter where you are. ------------------------------------------ ABOUT THIS RECIPE: Cornish hens with caramelized apricots is a luxurious Moroccan delicacy that is often featured on the menu during special occasions such as weddings, engagement ceremonies, and Eids. The cornish hens dish is yet another Moroccan recipe that combines sweet and savory flavors. The chicken (the savory part), is marinated in warm spices, and cooked until it's fall-of-the-bone tender. Then it is slathered with butter and baked to achieve that classic golden-brown look. The onion heavy sauce that bathed the chicken while it cooked is cooked off further to become a delicious thick gravy, and spooned over the golden chicken. Ingredients "For marinating the cornish hens 4 garlic cloves 1 heaping teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 1/2 heaping teaspoons salt 1 heaping teaspoon turmeric A couple saffron threads 4 tablespoons water to soak the saffron threads 60ml (1/4 cup) water 4 cornish hens (you can alternatively use chicken) For cooking the cornish hens A small bunch of cilantro and parsley Kitchen twine 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 teaspoon smen (Moroccan fermented butter) 2 tablespoons butter 4 large red or yellow onions, peeled and diced 1 cinnamon stick 1L (4 cups) water 1 heaping teaspoon ground ginger 1 heaping teaspoon turmeric 1/2 teaspoon pepper 3 pieces Mastic gum For the caramelized apricots 200g (1 cup) dried apricots Water for boiling the dried apricots 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon orange blossom water 1 tablespoon honey For roasting the cornish hens 3 tablespoons butter Walnuts Roasted or fried almonds (See attached course for how to make fried almonds at home) Steps Step 1: Marinating the cornish hens 1- Peel the garlic, then grate it into a large bowl using a garlic press or grater. 2- Season with ginger, pepper, salt, and turmeric. 3- Place the saffron threads in a small bowl, add the water, and set them aside to infuse. 4- Add half of the saffron infused water and the 60ml (1/4 cup) water to the bowl, then mix to combine the spices. 5- Add the cornish hens to the bowl and rub the marinade all over them to make sure they are fully coated. Step 2: Cooking the cornish hens 1- Place the cornish hens chest down in a large pot. 2- Add the remaining saffron water and threads to the pot. 3- Tie up the parsley and cilantro into a bouquet using the kitchen twine, then add them to the pot. 4- Add the olive oil, vegetable oil, smen, and butter. 5- Place the pot on medium heat and allow the cornish hens to cook for a couple of minutes. 6- Flip the cornish hens, then cook for a couple more minutes. 7- Flip the cornish hens back a second time, making sure their breasts are in direct contact with the pot. 8- Add the diced onions, cinnamon stick, and water. Make sure to pour the water on the side of the pot and not directly on the cornish hens, so the spices are not washed off of the cornish hens. 9- Add ginger, turmeric, pepper, and Mastic gum. Cover the pot, then cook for 30-40 minutes while occasionally stirring until the cornish hens are fully cooked. Step 3: Caramelizing the apricots 1- While the chicken is cooking, place the apricots and water in a pan over medium heat. 2- Bring the mixture to a boil, then cook for 5 minutes or until the apricots are tender. 3- Strain the apricots and discard the water. 4- Melt the butter and a tablespoon of water in the pan. 5- Add sugar and cinnamon, then mix to combine. 6- Add the apricots back into the pan, then cook until they start to caramelize (about 4 minutes). 7- Turn off the heat. Add the orange blossom water and honey, mix, and set aside until ready to serve. Step 3: Roasting the cornish hens 1- Preheat the oven to 180°C/356°F. 2- When the cornish hens are cooked through, carefully remove them from the sauce and place them on a baking sheet covered with baking paper. 3- Rub the cornish hens with butter, then bake them for 12 minutes or until they start to lightly brown. 4- Discard the herbs and cinnamon stick from the pot, then place the sauce back on the stove to continue cooking until the water evaporates and the oil starts to separate and rise to the top. Step 4: Serving the cornish hens 1- Decorate the caramelized apricots with walnuts and roasted almonds, then serve and enjoy!"