Braised Doves
Braised doves offer tender, flavorful meat with a savory, lightly seasoned coating, perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions, appealing to those who appreciate traditional game dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Roll the doves in a dry mixture of flour, salt, and pepper.
- Brown the birds in a skillet with a small amount of shortening added.
- Remove most of the drippings and add a small amount of water.
- Simmer the birds over low heat for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the doves in your choice of herbs and spices for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have shortening, butter or olive oil can be good substitutes for browning. Ensure the doves are not overcrowded in the skillet to achieve a nice golden color. You can also use a Dutch oven for an even better braising experience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve braised doves with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal. A light salad or steamed greens can provide a refreshing contrast. This dish pairs beautifully with a glass of cranberry wine spritzer for a delightful dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover braised doves in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Braised Doves contains roughly 237 calories, with 3g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (184% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 672mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen doves for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen doves. Just make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking. This ensures even cooking and better texture. Pat them dry after thawing to help achieve a nice browning when frying.
What can I use instead of all-purpose flour?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Both will help create a nice coating on the doves for browning without compromising flavor.
How can I add more flavor to the braising liquid?
To enhance the flavor of the braising liquid, consider adding aromatics like garlic, onions, or herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the skillet after browning the doves. Adding a splash of white wine can also add depth to the sauce.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).