Ayam Masak Aceh (Butterfly Cornish Game Hen)

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

Preparation

1. Split open the game hens from the breast side and flatten them out into a butterfly shape.
2. Discard loose skin and fat.
3. Broil the hens for 3 minutes on each side.
4. Process the shallots, garlic, coriander, chile, ginger, turmeric, salt, lime juice and 1/2 cup of the coconut milk to a smooth sauce.
5. Marinate the hens in the sauce for 15 minutes.
6. 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.
7. Bring to a boil and cook for 30 minutes, basting ocasionally, until the hens are tender and almost all the liquid has evaporated.
8. Serve warm.

Serving

Serves 4 people