Recipe

Stuffed Cornish Hen with St. Louis Flair

Savory Stuffed Cornish Hen with a St. Louis Twist

4.5 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of St. Louis with this delectable twist on the traditional Croatian dish, Punjeni kopun. This recipe combines the succulent flavors of a stuffed Cornish hen with the unique spices and ingredients found in St. Louis cuisine.

Meat Dish› Poultry Dish› Chicken Dish› Punjeni kopun

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Balkan cuisine› Croatian cuisine

Cuisine of the Americas› American cuisine› Midwestern American cuisine› St. Louis cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

45-50 minutes

Total time

65-70 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Omnivore, Low-carb, High-protein, Keto-friendly, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free breadcrumbs and barbecue sauce)

Allergens

Wheat (breadcrumbs), Pork (Italian sausage)

Not suitable for

Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy-free, Nut-free, Egg-free

Ingredients

In this St. Louis adaptation, the traditional Croatian Punjeni kopun is transformed into a dish that incorporates the unique flavors and ingredients of St. Louis cuisine. The original dish typically features a stuffing made with local Croatian ingredients such as prosciutto, prunes, and bread crumbs. In the St. Louis version, the stuffing is enhanced with Italian sausage, diced green peppers, onions, and St. Louis-style barbecue sauce, giving it a distinctively St. Louis flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Punjeni kopun, so you can check it out.

2 Cornish hens (500g each) 2 Cornish hens (500g each)
1 cup (235ml) toasted breadcrumbs 1 cup (235ml) toasted breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (120g) Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled 1/2 cup (120g) Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup (60g) diced green peppers 1/4 cup (60g) diced green peppers
1/4 cup (60g) diced onions 1/4 cup (60g) diced onions
2 tablespoons St. Louis-style barbecue sauce 2 tablespoons St. Louis-style barbecue sauce
Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
St. Louis-style barbecue sauce for serving St. Louis-style barbecue sauce for serving

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 7g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 3g
Protein: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2.
In a mixing bowl, combine the toasted breadcrumbs, cooked Italian sausage, diced green peppers, diced onions, St. Louis-style barbecue sauce, salt, and pepper.
3.
Rinse the Cornish hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
4.
Stuff each Cornish hen with the prepared stuffing mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
5.
Place the stuffed Cornish hens on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for approximately 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
6.
Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
7.
Serve the Stuffed Cornish Hens with a side of St. Louis-style barbecue sauce for dipping.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Italian sausage — Ensure the sausage is fully cooked and crumbled before adding it to the stuffing mixture to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Tips & Tricks

For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the stuffing mixture.
Serve the Stuffed Cornish Hens with a side of roasted potatoes and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
If Cornish hens are not available, you can substitute with small chicken or game hens.

Serving advice

Garnish the Stuffed Cornish Hens with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for an added pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

Place the Stuffed Cornish Hens on a platter and drizzle some St. Louis-style barbecue sauce over the top for an attractive presentation. Serve with a side of roasted potatoes and a green salad.