QUAIL WITH CHESTNUTS AND RAISINS

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Quail With Chestnuts and Raisins image

You may not associate the Loire Valley with game, but the hunt, especially for birds, is important in that region of France. I had that in mind when I decided on a seasonal preparation for quail, dressed up with chestnuts, raisins, a shot of gingery heat and a splash of port. It would pair well with cabernet franc from the region.

Provided by Florence Fabricant

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 45m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup port
12 quail, all but legs and wings deboned
Salt and black pepper
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large shallot, minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
18 roasted chestnuts, halved (fresh, frozen or vacuum-packed)
1/2 cup well-seasoned chicken stock
6 sprigs fresh thyme

Steps:

  • Place raisins in a bowl, add port and set aside. Season quail with salt and pepper. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Melt butter in a large heavy skillet on medium-high. Add as many quail as will fit comfortably, breast side down. Sauté until breast is well browned. Transfer quail, breast side up, to a baking dish that can go to the table and continue sautéing until all the quail are browned. Quail can be slightly overlapping in the dish.
  • Reduce heat in pan to medium-low, add shallot and ginger and sauté until soft. Add raisins with port and the chestnuts. Add stock. Let simmer about a minute. Check seasonings and pour over quail in the baking dish. Place thyme on top. Bake uncovered about 20 minutes for medium; timing can be adjusted according to taste.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 631, UnsaturatedFat 18 grams, Carbohydrate 35 grams, Fat 33 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 45 grams, SaturatedFat 11 grams, Sodium 765 milligrams, Sugar 9 grams, TransFat 0 grams

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