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Shanna's Moroccan Fried Pigeons Saffron Wine Sauce
4 x Pigeons, about 1lb each
MARINADE
1/2 tsp Saffron threads
2 tbl Dry white wine, warmed
10 fl oz Mild olive oil
6 tbl Fresh lemon juice
4 tsp Ground ginger
2 tsp Freshly ground pepper
SAUCE
1/2 tsp Saffron threads
2 tbl Dry white wine, warmed
3 tbl Unsalted butter
1 lrg Onion, diced
3 tbl Garlic, chopped
3 tbl Coriander, chopped
1/2 tsp Salt
1 1/4 tsp Freshly ground pepper
10 fl oz Chicken stock
1 tbl Fresh lemon juice
Peanut oil for deep frying
6 oz All purpose flour
1 tsp Ground ginger
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 lrg Eggs
2 tbl Cold water
Method :
Remove the heads and feet from the pigeon. To butterfly, insert a sharp knife at
the neck cavity of each bird and carefully cut down one side of the backbone.
Cut along the other side of the backbone to separate it from the body. Remove
the breastbone, central cartilage and ribs.
For the marinade, soak the saffron in the wine for about 15 minutes.
Combine with the remaining marinade ingredients: lemon juice, saffron, ginger,
garlic, black pepper and chilli powder - in a shallow non-aluminium container.
Turn the pigeons in the marinade, cover and refrigerate overnight.
To prepare the sauce, soak the saffron in the wine for about 15 minutes.
Heat the butter in a medium saute pan over a medium heat. Add the onion and
black pepper and cook until tender and translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the
ginger and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes longer. Stir in the saffron infusion,
coriander, salt and pepper. Add the chicken stock, heat to simmering and simmer
for 5 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice to taste and adjust the seasoning.
Heat enough oil to cover the pigeon in a deep fryer to 350F. Mix the flour,
ginger, salt and pepper to taste. Lightly beat the eggs with the water in a
shallow bowl. Remove the pigeon from the marinade and put in the watered down
egg mixture. Roll the bird in the seasoned flour. Place the bird in the hot oil
and cook for 5-6 minutes. Take the bird out of the oil and pat off the extra oil
with a kitchen towel.
Transfer the bird to a serving dish, pouring the sauce around the bird.
Garnish with parsley.