Roasted Quail with Cherry reduction.
Servings:
Serves 4
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
This dish pairs the slightly gamey taste of quail with a sweet and tart cherry reduction sauce, creating an elegant and visually impressive meal that's perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
4 whole quails, cleaned and ready to cook
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
30 mL olive oil
60 grams shallots, finely chopped
150 grams fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
120 mL red wine (a good quality one)
60 mL balsamic vinegar
15 grams sugar (optional, depending on the sweetness of the cherries)
Fresh chives or rosemary (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the Quail:
Preheat your oven to 200 degrees C.
Season the quail with salt and pepper inside and out.
Brown the Quail:
In a large ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the quail and sear until browned on all sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Remove the quail from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Cherry Reduction:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the shallots. Cook until they are soft and translucent, about 2 minutes.
Add the cherries, red wine, balsamic vinegar, and sugar if using. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Let the mixture reduce until it thickens slightly and the cherries are soft, about 10 minutes.
Bake the Quail:
Return the quail to the skillet with the cherry reduction.
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and roast the quail for about 10-15 minutes or until cooked through and juicy.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary if desired.
Serve the quail with the warm cherry reduction spooned over the top.
Chef Brooke Silk's Notes:
Choosing Wine: A Pinot Noir or Merlot is recommended for the cherry reduction, as these wines complement the cherries without overwhelming the delicate flavour of the quail.
Cherry Alternatives: If cherries are not available, dried cherries rehydrated in red wine or cherry preserves can be used as a substitute.
Presentation Tip: Plating each quail on a small bed of arugula or mixed baby greens adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.