Gherkin chicken stuffed with vegetables

3 servings

60 minutes

Cornish hens stuffed with vegetables are an exquisite dish of European cuisine that embodies a harmony of flavors and textures. Historically, these small chickens were considered a delicacy due to their tender meat and versatility in cooking. The stuffing of carrots, celery, and apples adds juiciness, while mustard and thyme contribute spicy and aromatic notes. The honey glaze makes the Cornish hens wonderfully caramelized with a crispy golden crust. This dish is perfect for festive dinners or cozy family meals. Roasted vegetables soaked in meat juices and sauce become the ideal side dish, while the combination of sweet honey and spices creates a memorable gastronomic experience.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 540.8
• Proteins: 5g
• Fats: 37.3g
• Carbohydrates: 46.6g

Ingredients

• Gherkins: 3 pc
• Carrot: 2 pc
• Celery stalk: 3 pc
• Apple: 3 pc
• Mustard: 2 tbsp
• Sunflower oil ""Oleina"": 7 tbsp
• Thyme: 3 sprig
• Honey: 4 tbsp
• Soy sauce: 1 tbsp
• Salt: to taste
• Ground black pepper: to taste

Cooking steps

1. Peel the vegetables and apples, then cut them into thick strips or small slices.

   Required ingredients:

   • Carrot: 2 pieces
   • Celery stalk: 3 pieces
   • Apple: 3 pieces

2. Tear off the leaves of thyme. Mix mustard and 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil, add thyme leaves, season with salt and pepper.

   Required ingredients:

   • Mustard: 2 tablespoons
   • Sunflower oil ""Oleina"": 7 tablespoons
   • Thyme: 3 sprigs
   • Salt:  to taste
   • Ground black pepper:  to taste

3. Pour mustard with oil over the chopped vegetables and mix.

   Required ingredients:

   • Mustard: 2 tablespoons
   • Sunflower oil ""Oleina"": 7 tablespoons
   • Thyme: 3 sprigs

4. Wipe the chicks with paper towels and stuff them (not too tightly) with vegetable mixture.

   Required ingredients:

   • Gherkins: 3 pieces
   • Carrot: 2 pieces
   • Celery stalk: 3 pieces
   • Apple: 3 pieces

5. Make small cuts on the skin around the buttocks. Cross the chicken legs and thread them through the cuts to secure.

6. Place the remaining filling at the bottom of a heat-resistant dish, then top with the chickens.

   Required ingredients:

   • Carrot: 2 pieces
   • Celery stalk: 3 pieces
   • Apple: 3 pieces

7. Heat the honey in the microwave until it becomes liquid and runny, then mix with 4 tablespoons of 'Olein' sunflower oil and soy sauce.

   Required ingredients:

   • Honey: 4 tablespoons
   • Sunflower oil ""Oleina"": 7 tablespoons
   • Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon

8. Brush the chicks with honey glaze.

   Required ingredients:

   • Honey: 4 tablespoons
   • Sunflower oil ""Oleina"": 7 tablespoons
   • Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon

9. Bake the gherkins for 40 minutes in a preheated oven at 180 degrees, periodically brushing with honey glaze.

   Required ingredients:

   • Honey: 4 tablespoons
   • Sunflower oil ""Oleina"": 7 tablespoons
   • Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon