Roasted Poussins with Pomegranate Sauce and Potato Rösti

Ingredients for Roasted Poussins with Pomegranate Sauce and Potato Rösti

• 240ml bottled pomegranate juice

• 240ml sugar

• 8 (1-pound) poussins (small chickens) or 8 (575g) Cornish hens

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric

• 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

• 1/8 teaspoons crumbled saffron threads

• 110g roasted walnuts

• 2 tablespoons or more vegetable oil, for frying

• 4 russet (baking) potatoes, peeled and coarsely grated

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt

• 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

• 90ml olive oil

How to make Roasted Poussins with Pomegranate Sauce and Potato Rösti

In small saucepan over moderately high heat, whisk together 240ml water, pomegranate juice, and sugar. Bring to boil and cook, uncovered, until thick and syrupy, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Preheat oven to 191°C.

Rinse poussins inside and out and pat dry. Cut out necks if attached and discard. In small bowl, whisk together salt, cumin, turmeric, pepper, and saffron. Sprinkle poussins with spice mixture; press to adhere.

Set large roasting pan on stove top, straddling two burners. Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and heat over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. Working in 2 batches, sear poussins until well browned, about 5 minutes per side, transferring as done to large platter and adding more oil as needed. Return poussins to pan and pour pomegranate syrup over.

Roast 15 minutes. Baste poussins with pan juices and scatter walnuts around. Roast, basting occasionally, until instant-read thermometer inserted into 1 thigh (avoiding bone) registers 77°C, about 15 minutes more.

In large bowl, stir together grated potato, rosemary, salt, and pepper. In heavy 10-inch nonstick skillet over moderate heat, heat 2 tablespoons oil until hot but not smoking. Pour in 1/2 potato batter and lightly press to form even layer that completely fills pan. Cook, without moving, until underside is browned, about 12 minutes. Invert large plate over skillet and flip pancake onto plate. Add 1 tablespoon oil to skillet, then slide pancake back, uncooked side down, into skillet. Cook until underside is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and keep warm, then repeat process with remaining oil and potato batter to make second pancake.

Cut into wedges and serve with poussin.

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.