Ayam Masak Aceh

(Butterfly Cornish Game Hen)

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 2 Cornish game hens, about 1 -1/3 pounds each
• 4 Shallots sliced
• 2 Garlic cloves, sliced
• 1 tb Ground coriander
• 3 To 7 fresh hot red chiles, -seeded, sliced
• 1/2 Piece fresh ginger, sliced
• 1/4 ts Ground turmeric
• Salt to taste
• 2 tb Lime juice
• 2 c Coconut milk
• 2 Stalks lemon grass or 1 -slice lemon

Directions

Split open the game hens from the breast side and flatten them out into a butterfly shape. Discard loose skin and fat. Broil the hens for 3 minutes on each side.

Process the shallots, garlic, coriander, chile, ginger, turmeric, salt, lime juice and 1/2 cup of the coconut milk to a smooth sauce. Marinate the hens in the sauce for 15 minutes.

Put the hens in a large skillet and cook over moderate heat for 10 minutes uncovered. Then add the remaining coconut milk and the lemon grass. Bring to a boil and cook for 30 minutes, basting occasionally, until the hens are tender and almost all the liquid has evaporated.

Serve warm.