The world square's poussin with pumpkin seed sauce

1 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2Poussin; (cornish hens may be substituted)
2Poblano chiles; roasted, seeded, deveined, chopped
cupUnsalted; hulled and toasted pumpkin seeds, (available in specialty food shops and health food stores)
2tablespoonsOlive oil
2tablespoonsButter
2smallsCloves garlic; peeled and chopped
1mediumOnion; chopped
¼teaspoonDried thyme
4Mexican green tomatoes; (tomatillos), husk removed, cooked and ground to a smooth consistency
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Cilantro for garnish

Directions

Preheat the broiler or grill until very hot.

Cut the backbone of the poussin. Flatten the bird and fold the wings under or have your butcher cut the poussin for you.

Toast the pumpkin seeds in an ungreased frying pan over medium heat, about 5 minutes. Toast lightly so that they barely turn color; do not let them burn. Have a lid handy because the seeds can pop about. Set aside to cool.

Once cooled, puree.

In a saucepan add the olive oil, garlic, chilis, and onion and cook over low heat for about 10 minutes.

Add the tomatoes and ½ of the chicken stock. Cook uncovered for about 8 minutes.

Transfer the cooled pumpkin seeds to a blender and puree with the remaining ½ cup chicken stock and the thyme. Add the smooth pumpkin seed puree to the onion mixture. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes. Whisk in the remainig 2 tablespoons butter. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.

Cut the backbone of the poussin. Flatten the bird and fold the wings under.

Season them with salt and pepper. Grill for about 2 -3 minutes skin side down then turn for another minute, allowing the squab meat to remain pinkish. To serve, spoon the sauce on a warm plate, set the poussin on top and garnish with the cilantro. Recipe inspired by Diana Kennedy.

Posted to recipelu-digest by LSHW <shusky@...> on Feb 10, 1998