Asian-Brined Cornish Hens

Ingredients

• 1 cup kosher salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 pound firm unpeeled ginger
• sliced lengthwise 1/4 inch thick
• 6 whole star anise
• 1/2 cup dried red chiles (about 25)
• 24 kaffir lime leaves
• 2 heads of garlic
• halved horizontally
• Six 2-pound Cornish hens
• Canola oil
• for grilling

Instructions

1. In a pot, combine the salt, sugar, ginger, star anise, chiles, lime leaves and garlic with 5 quarts of water and bring just to a simmer.
2. Stir to dissolve the sugar and salt.
3. Remove from the heat and let the brine cool.
4. Put the hens in a large container and pour the brine on top.
5. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours.
6. Light a grill and oil the grates.
7. Drain the hens.
8. Using poultry shears, cut the hens in half.
9. Pat the hens dry.
10. Brush with oil and arrange on the grill.
11. Cover and grill over moderate heat, turning occasionally, until lightly charred in spots and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thighs registers 160, about 35 minutes.
12. Transfer the hens to platters and serve hot or at room temperature.