Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
- 1 tablespoon whole fenugreek
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
- 4 tablespoon cornish game hens, split in half through the back and breast bone (ask your butcher to do this)
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
- 1 tablespoon whole fenugreek
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
- 4 tablespoon cornish game hens, split in half through the back and breast bone (ask your butcher to do this)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 1/2 cup all natural yogurt
- 1/2 cup english cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut into a small dice
Preparation
Baking Directions:
For hens:Heat a small sauté pan over medium high heat.
Individually toast the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, and fenugreek for 2 to 3 minutes each or until each spice is lightly toasted and gives off a fragrant smell.
Swirl the pan often to ensure even toasting.
Allow the spices to cool slightly, then combine the toasted spices along with the paprika and the turmeric into a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder and grind until a smooth powder is achieved.
Spread the game hens onto a baking sheet and season each game hen generously with the spice rub.
Allow the game hens to marinate, meanwhile preheat a grill on medium high heat.
For sauce:Combine the yogurt, cucumber, dill, and lemon juice in a large mixing bowl and whisk all ingredients until fully incorporated.
Season to taste with salt and pepper and refrigerate covered until serving.
Season the hens with salt and pepper on both sides and place on the grill breast side down for 5 to 6 minutes or until the skin has a nice golden color.
Watch the hens closely to ensure that the spice rub doesn’t cause the skin to burn on the grill.
Turn the hens and continue cooking for an additional 5 to 6 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thigh reaches 165F.
Remove the hens from the grill and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
Serve the game hens with the yogurt sauce.
