Panfried Pressed Poussins

Ingredients for Panfried Pressed Poussins

• 2 (1 1/4- to 675g) poussins or Cornish game hens

• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

• 1/2 teaspoons black pepper

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 180ml chicken stock or broth

• Accompaniment: fresh tomato and onion chutney

• kitchen shears

• 2 (10-inch) heavy skillets (one preferably well-seasoned cast-iron or heavy nonstick)

• a 10-inch round of parchment paper

• 5 to 2.7kg of weights such as 3 (28- to 900g ) cans of tomatoes

How to make Panfried Pressed Poussins

Cut out backbones from birds with kitchen shears. Pat birds dry, then spread flat, skin sides up, on a cutting board. Cut a 1/2-inch slit on each side of each bird in centre of triangle of skin between thighs and breasts (near drumstick), then tuck bottom knob of drumstick through each slit. Tuck wing tips under breasts. Sprinkle birds on both sides with sea salt and pepper.

Heat butter in 10-inch cast-iron or heavy nonstick skillet over moderate heat until foam subsides. Add birds, skin sides down, and cover with parchment round and second skillet, then top with weights. Cook birds until skin is browned, about 15 minutes. Turn birds over, cover with parchment round, skillet, and weights, then cook until just cooked through, 10 to 15 minutes more.

Transfer birds to a platter, discarding parchment, and cover loosely with foil. Add stock to skillet and deglaze by boiling over high heat, stirring and scraping up brown bits, until reduced to about 120ml , about 5 minutes. Skim fat from surface.

Halve birds lengthwise and serve each half drizzled with pan juices.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.