Grilled Cornish Hens with Rice and Sicilian Butter Recipe

Grilled Cornish Hens with Rice and Sicilian Butter Recipe

  • 8 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
  • 1/3 cup black olives, such as Kalamata, halved and pitted
  • 2 teaspoons anchovy paste
  • 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
  • 2 teaspoons orange juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
  • 2 (1 1/4 pound) Cornish hens, halved
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • Boiled or steamed rice, for serving
  1. Light the grill. In a food processor, puree the butter and olives with the anchovy paste, orange zest, orange juice, garlic, and pepper. With a rubber spatula, scrape the butter into a small bowl and refrigerate.
  2. Rub the hens with oil and cook over moderate heat for 12 minutes. Turn and cook until just done, about 12 minutes longer.
  3. Remove the hens from the grill and serve with the rice. Top each serving with 2 tablespoons of the flavored butter, letting the butter melt over both the hen and the rice.
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