
Braised Cornish Hens with Root Vegetables is a comforting, rustic dish where small, tender poultry is slow-cooked in a flavorful broth alongside hearty vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions. This method, common in European and American home cooking, allows the hens to become incredibly tender while the vegetables absorb the rich, savory juices. It's a classic one-pot meal often served for special family dinners.
This dish is a well-balanced, high-protein meal with moderate fat and carbohydrates from the root vegetables. It provides key nutrients like iron, B vitamins, and potassium, with a typical serving ranging from 400 to 550 calories.
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 42 g |
| Carbs | 28 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
| Potassium | 780 mg |
| Vitamin A | 450 mcg RAE |
| Iron | 3.2 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 12 mg |
| Phosphorus | 310 mg |
| Selenium | 28 mcg |
| Zinc | 3.5 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.8 mg |
Per 1 Cornish hen (about 350 g cooked) with 1 cup (200 g) mixed root vegetables · estimated, varies by recipe
Cornish hens are a specific breed of small chicken, making them a perfect individual portion, which adds a touch of elegance to a home-style meal. Nutritionally, braising is a gentle cooking method that helps retain more water-soluble vitamins in the vegetables compared to boiling.