Baked Poussin with Lemon and Paprika

Ingredients

• 4 lemons
• 4 large ripe tomatoes
• peeled
• seeded
• and chopped
• 1 large onion
• finely chopped
• 1 tbsp sweet paprika
• 2 tsp honey
• 4 bay leaves
• Salt
• Cayenne pepper
• 4 poussins
• 8 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
• Lemon wedges and bay leaves
• to garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).
2. Cut 2 lemons in half lengthwise, and then into thick slices.
3. Combine the tomatoes, onion, lemon slices, paprika, honey, and bay leaves in a large ovenproof casserole with a lid.
4. Season with the salt and cayenne.
5. Cut the 2 remaining lemons into quarters.
6. Insert 2 lemon quarters and 2 garlic cloves into the cavity of each poussin.
7. Arrange the poussins on the tomato mixture and season with salt.
8. Cover the casserole.
9. Bake for 30 minutes.
10. Uncover and reduce the oven temperature to 350F (180C) for 15 minutes more, or until the juices run clear when pierced in the thigh with the tip of a knife.
11. Transfer the poussins to a platter and keep warm.
12. Skim the fat from the tomato mixture and discard the lemon slices and bay leaves.
13. Puree the tomato mixture and balsamic vinegar in a food processor.
14. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
15. Serve the poussins hot, with the sauce.