Quail in bacon, with olives and mushrooms

Quail Wrapped in Bacon with Olives and Mushrooms: A Gourmet Delight

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 5 (3-4 quails/serving)

Who doesn't dream of a refined meal full of flavors and textures? Quail wrapped in bacon with olives and mushrooms is a perfect choice for a special dinner or to impress guests. This recipe, rich in flavor, combines the delicacy of quail meat with the richness of bacon and the freshness of mushrooms and olives. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicacy!

A Brief History of Quails

Quails are considered a delicacy in gastronomy due to their tender and flavorful meat. These birds have been consumed for centuries, appreciated not only for their taste but also for their nutritional value. Quail meat is rich in protein and low in fat, making it a healthy choice. Today, we will transform these tiny birds into a flavorful meal worthy of the finest dining experiences.

Required Ingredients

To prepare this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

- 10 quails (approximately 500-600 g)
- 10 thin slices of bacon
- 2 cloves of garlic (not too large)
- 350-400 ml dry white wine
- 50 ml olive oil
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 500 g small champignon mushrooms
- 300-400 ml tomato juice
- 250 g olives (preferably green or red)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Quails
Start by cleaning the quails. Make sure they are well washed and left to drain. This step is essential for achieving juicy and flavorful meat.

2. Making the Aromatic Paste
In a medium bowl, combine crushed garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme. This paste will infuse the quail meat with delicious flavors. Use a fork to mix the ingredients well.

3. Seasoning the Quails
Rub each quail with the prepared paste, ensuring they are coated on all sides. The garlic aroma will add a wonderful taste to the meat.

4. Wrapping in Bacon
Wrap each quail with a slice of bacon. The bacon will not only add flavor but will also help keep the meat juicy during baking.

5. Arranging in the Dish
Place the quails in a pot or a covered baking dish. Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper over them, then add the bay leaves and white wine. Cover the dish and place it in the preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius.

6. Initial Baking
Allow the quails to bake for 30 minutes with the lid on. This will help retain the juices and prevent the meat from drying out.

7. Adding Additional Ingredients
After 30 minutes, add the tomato juice, whole champignon mushrooms, and olives (rinsed and drained). These ingredients will not only add depth to the flavor but will also create a delicious sauce.

8. Final Baking
Cover the dish again and let the preparation bake in the oven for another 30 minutes. The aroma will be irresistible, and the quail meat will become tender and full of flavor.

9. Serving
Once the dish is ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the quails alongside a glass of dry white wine, which will perfectly complement the intense flavors of the dish.

Practical Tips

- Choose Quality Bacon: Use thinly sliced, high-quality bacon for the best results. It will add a crispy texture and deep flavor to the dish.
- Experiment with Mushrooms: You can use different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or portobello, to add a personalized touch to the recipe.
- Add Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme on hand, add them during baking for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutritional Information

A serving of quail wrapped in bacon with olives and mushrooms contains approximately 350 calories, providing high-quality protein and essential nutrients. Quail meat is a good source of iron and B vitamins, making it a healthy choice for a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can quails be replaced with another type of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken or turkey, but the cooking time will vary. Make sure to check the internal temperature of the meat to avoid drying it out.

2. Can I make the recipe without alcohol?
You can replace the wine with chicken or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.

3. What side dish pairs best?
Roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes are excellent side dishes that complement this preparation.

Recipe Variations

- Quails with Orange Sauce: Add the juice of one orange and grated zest to the tomato sauce for a fruity note.
- Quails with Aromatic Herbs: Replace thyme with other herbs like oregano or basil to change the dish's flavor.

Quail wrapped in bacon with olives and mushrooms is not only a delicious recipe but also an opportunity to explore new flavors and textures. Try it and enjoy a meal full of flavor and refinement that will surely impress anyone who savors it!