Orange Poached Cornish Hen:
What's Coookin'

Aired on Superstation WGN
Saturday, February 19 and April 16, 2005
Show 207

Alex joins Chef Jeff Vigilla at the Aria Restaurant in the Ritz-Carlton in Biscayne Bay, Miami where Jeff prepares with international expertise a cornish hen with an Asian twist. A hen's fat cells are not fully developed which makes hen a healthy substitute for chicken. Jeff poaches the hen with cinnamon stick, fresh ginger, star anise, shitake mushroom and fragrant, dried orange peel. Simmered in healthy, low calorie brown sugar and rice wine, the aromatic hen is nestled with an apple-flavored lotus root and buttery carrots. A scrumptious, delicate and surprisingly quick and healthy dish!

Star Anise and Orange Poached Cornish Game Hens with Lemongrass Infused Basmati Rice:

Health Benefits:

Cornish game hens:  Because the Cornish game hen is caught young there is little fat to this bird. High in protein, low in fat and zero carbs.

Star anise:  Native to China and Vietnam, star anise is today grown almost exclusively in southern China, Indo-China, and Japan. Star anise has carminative, stomachic, stimulant and diuretic properties. In the East it is used to combat colic and rheumatism. It is a common flavoring for medicinal teas, cough mixtures and pastilles.

Dried Asian black mushrooms: Mushrooms are low in calories (a cup of raw mushrooms has about 20 calories). Moreover, researchers have discovered they contain antibacterial and other medicinal substances, including anti-tumor compounds called triterpenoids.

Lemongrass: Can fight fevers and soothe headaches while adding a natural abundance of lemon flavor to a dish.

Basmati rice: Basmati is a very aromatic, somewhat "nutty" rice that is aged considerably to spark optimum flavor.  The word "Basmati" literally means "perfumed one".  The name suits it well as it aims to prove itself with every meal! First discovered thousands of years ago in the foothills of the infamous Himalayas; Basmati rice has made its way around the world and is enjoyed by countless people. Rice in general has been considered a fundamental source of nutrition in parts of Asia for many generations, and remains the staple food of more than 70 percent of the world's population.  It was, and still is, a very important trademark to the Asian community. The West gladly opened its arms to embrace this food, and made it clear that Basmati would not be just another trend.
Serves 2

Ingredients:

2 Cornish game hens, rinsed and dried, legs and wings tied
1 cup light soy sauce
½ cup light brown sugar
1½ cups water
½ cup rice wine
4 pieces star anise seed
1 each, orange peel, zested
4 each, dried Asian black mushroom
1 each, cinnamon stick
½ tablespoon Chinese Five Spice Blend
2 each, scallion sprigs

Preparation:

Place the cornish hens into a deep narrow pot. Mix together the remaining ingredients and pour over the hens making sure to cover the hens completely. Bring to a simmer and cover with a piece of cheese cloth to help the hens to be submerged. Continue to simmer for 45 minute to one hour. Remove from the heat and let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving, serve with the poaching liquid and steamed basmati rice. Bon Appetit!

Lemongrass Infused Basmati Rice:

Serves 2

Ingredients:

1 ½ cup basmati rice, washed and drained
1 ½ cup water
1 inch piece of lemon grass, crushed

Preparation:

Place the rinsed rice into a pot, cover with water and add the lemon grass to the pot cover and bring to a simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the rice rest for 10 minutes before serving. Bon Appetit!