The perfect Christmas dinner for two, festive roast poussin with a cranberry, bacon and pistachio stuffing can easily be doubled or multiplied up to serve more.
Poussin
Here in the UK, poussin are small young chickens which are less than 28 days old at slaughter and usually weighing 400–450g (14–16 oz) but not above 750g (26 oz).
Sometimes called spring chickens but that term usually refers to slightly larger and old chicken weighing about 750–850 g (26–30 oz).
In the United States, poussin is an alternative name for a Rock Cornish game hen, which is twice as old and twice as large as the typical British poussin.
Roast for one or two
Their size makes them perfect for a single serving. While it might seem extravagant to serve a whole bird per person there is only a small amount of flesh to bones on a poussin so its not as much meat as first appears.
Because poussin is always cooked on the bone, the meat will stay moist with a full yet delicate flavour. They make a much more sophisticated and tasty alternative to standard chicken which is ideal for a special occasion such as Christmas.
If you have a small appetite then 1 poussin may be enough for two people, but that is certainly not the case in our household! Given that this dish is not meant as an everyday meal I suggest you keep to one per person.
Any left over poussin can be used to make a soup or stock.
Ive made this a recipe for two people but if there are more of you the recipe is very easy to multiply up to serve more.
Cranberry, bacon and pistachio stuffing
Poussin are perfect for stuffing and to give this poussin a festive flavour, I have stuffed the birds with a breadcrumb stuffing flavoured with nuts, bacon and cranberries. A little orange zest, juice, garlic and thyme add extra flavour.
Poussin are quite lean and although cooking on the bone helps to keep the meat moist, I have covered the birds with a little foil to begin with and then I baste the birds with a little sherry and orange juice part way through the cooking. This also helps to produce delicious juices to spoon over the bird when serving.
Serving suggestions
Poussin is often covered with bacon during roasting but I've left it off adding it instead to the stuffing. If you want extra bacon serve with Pigs in blankets after all it is Christmas!
It doesn't need a gravy, simply spoon any juices over before serving or why not try with my easy red wine jus.
Serve with a selection of seasonal vegetables such as roast potatoes, parsnips, red cabbage or sprouts.
How to cook festive roast poussin step by step
Festive Roast Poussin
Equipment
- roasting tin
- kitchen foil
Ingredients
- 2 oven ready poussin
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoon sherry
- ½ orange juice only
for the stuffing
- 25 g butter
- 1 shallot chopped
- 2 rashers streaky bacon chopped
- 1 clove garlic chopped
- 50 g fresh breadcrumbs
- 25 g pistachios chopped
- 2 tablespoon dried cranberries chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped or ½tsp dried
- ½ orange zest and juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200℃ (180℃ fan)/400°F/gas mark 6. Remove any trussing from the poussin and place in a roasting tin.
Make the stuffing
- Melt 25g (1oz) butter in a saucepan and gently fry 1 chopped shallot for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add 2 chopped rashers of streaky bacon and fry 3 minutes then add 1 chopped garlic clove and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat.
- Add 50g (½ cup) fresh breadcrumbs, 25g (scant ¼ cup) chopped pistachio, 2 tablespoon chopped dried cranberries, 1 teaspoon chopped thyme, and the grated zest and juice of ½ an orange. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.
- Spoon the stuffing into the body cavities of the poussin. Drizzle each poussin with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cover loosely with foil and roast for 20 minutes..
- Remove the foil and drizzle 1 tablespoon sherry over each bird and then the juice of ½ and orange. return to the oven and bake for a further 25 minutes until golden and cooked through. Allow to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
Eb Gargano | Easy Peasy Foodie says
Such a lovely idea... and not just at Christmas. I'm rather partial to a poussin, but I haven't had one for ages! This recipe has me craving one now 😀
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
Oh I agree its not just for Christmas but it does work well as a smaller alternative to turkey.
Cat | Curly's Cooking says
This looks so delicious. I wish I'd have had more time to plan this year because I would have loved to have made this for my husband and I.
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
I think Planning Christmas 2020 was doomed to failure so you were better off going with the flow. There's always next year!
Chloe Edges says
This sounds absolutely delicious and perfect for a smaller Christmas meal!
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
It sure is we loved it.