Quail with mushrooms, capers, and olives

Delicious quail recipe with mushrooms, capers, and olives

When it comes to impressing guests or enjoying a special meal with loved ones, quail with mushrooms, capers, and olives is a perfect choice. This refined dish not only offers an explosion of flavors, but also adds a touch of elegance to your table. I will guide you through each step of the recipe, so you can achieve a result worthy of the finest restaurants, right from the comfort of your home.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

- 6 cleaned quails (approximately 1 kg)
- 100 ml extra virgin olive oil (preferably)
- 200 ml semi-dry white wine
- 200 ml water
- 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
- 250 g mushrooms (champignon or any preferred type)
- 3 tablespoons of capers
- 100 g pitted olives
- Seasonings to taste:
- sweet paprika
- pepper
- thyme
- flavored salt
- oregano
- allspice
- bay leaves

Steps for preparing the dish:

1. Preparing the quails: Start by thoroughly cleaning the quails and rinsing them under cold running water. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess water. Now is the time to sprinkle your favorite seasonings on each quail. Mix sweet paprika, pepper, thyme, flavored salt, oregano, and allspice in a small bowl, then massage this mixture onto each quail, ensuring they are well coated.

2. Browning the quails: In a Dutch oven or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the quails and fry them quickly until golden brown on all sides. This step not only gives them a delicious crust but also an intense, penetrating flavor. Once you achieve an even browning, transfer the quails to another dish.

3. Cooking the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the wine and water, then introduce the sliced carrot and mushrooms. Mix the ingredients well, then place the browned quails on top of the vegetables. Cover with a lid and let simmer over moderate heat for about 25 minutes. This process will make the meat tender and flavorful, while the vegetables will add extra taste to the dish.

4. Finalizing the dish: After 25 minutes, check if the quails are cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then add the capers and olives. Let everything simmer together for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend perfectly.

5. Serving: Once the dish is ready, you can choose how to serve it. These savory quails pair wonderfully with simple sides like boiled potatoes or rice. You can garnish with a few fresh parsley or dill leaves for an appealing look.

Useful tips and variations:

- If you desire a more intense flavor, you can add a few crushed garlic cloves during the vegetable cooking.
- Instead of green olives, you can use black olives for a deeper flavor.
- This recipe is easily adaptable. Try adding halved cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for an extra splash of color and taste.

Nutritional benefits:

Quails are an excellent source of protein, being leaner than chicken or pork, making them a healthy option. Additionally, mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, and capers provide vitamins and minerals. This is a meal that will not only delight your taste buds but also offer essential nutrients.

Drink pairings:

To complement this refined dish, I recommend a semi-dry white wine, which will perfectly balance the intense flavors of the dish. A lemon-flavored mineral water or even a fresh citrus-based cocktail could also be excellent choices.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen quails?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw them before cooking to achieve an even texture.

2. What other sides can I serve with quails?
Besides boiled potatoes or rice, a creamy mashed potato with butter and whole grains would go wonderfully.

3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can cook the quails a few hours ahead and reheat them on low heat, adding a little liquid to prevent drying out.

In conclusion, quails with mushrooms, capers, and olives are a wonderful choice for any occasion, offering a combination of flavors and textures that are sure to impress. I wish you much inspiration and good appetite!