Quail packs a lot of punch for its tiny size but ask your butcher for jumbo quail to ensure enough meat for each guest. Serve this Christmas quail recipe instead of turkey if wanting to break with convention
Method
1.
To make the stuffing, cut 6 slices of pancetta into small pieces. In a pan, heat 3 tablespoons of oil. Add the pancetta and fry to a light colour. Add the garlic, mushrooms, onions, lemon zest and thyme
2.
Cook well, stirring occasionally, then add the rice. Mix well and add 700ml of chicken stock and 50g of butter. Cover with a lid or a foil. Lower the heat and gently simmer for 15 minutes
3.
Take off the heat and leave to rest. Pour the rice onto a tray and cool down quickly
4.
Clean the pan then heat the remaining butter. When it foams, cook the cleaned livers for 2 minutes only, then tip onto a chopping board and chop quite finely. Add to the cooling rice
5.
Heat the oven to 200°C/Gas mark 6
6.
When the rice is at room temperature, fill the quails with the stuffing and close each opening with 2 cocktail sticks. Wrap 2 slices of pancetta around each bird
7.
Place the birds on a roasting tin and pour 6 tablespoons of olive oil over the top. Cook for 10 minutes then add the white wine to the tin and leave to cook for another 15 minutes
8.
Remove from the heat and place on a plate. Cover with foil and keep warm
9.
Add the remaining stock to the roasting tray with the cranberries and the grapes. Simmer gently until the jus is a light consistency
10.
To plate, place the quails on a large serving plate. Spoon the juices and fruit over
and serve immediately
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