Delicious Dove Casserole
A savory casserole featuring tender dove breasts, aromatic herbs, green peppers, and onions, all baked in a rich creamy sauce topped with bread crumbs. Perfect for game enthusiasts or those seeking a flavorful, hearty dish with a touch of elegance and wild game flair.
Ingredients
- 4 cups diced cooked dove breasts
- 1 (10 oz.) can chicken consomme ⓘ
- 2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2/3 cup cream
- 2/3 cup bread crumbs ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 2/3 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2/3 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground sage ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook whole doves in chicken consomme until tender.
- Remove the breasts and dice the meat.
- Measure 4 cups of the diced dove meat and set aside.
- In a saucepan, blend 3 tablespoons butter with flour and cream to make a sauce.
- Sauté bread crumbs, green pepper, onion, parsley, and sage in the remaining 3 tablespoons butter.
- Mix the sautéed vegetables and herbs with the flour mixture and diced dove meat.
- Place the mixture in a skillet, add salt, pepper, and sherry.
- Let cook gently for 25 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider substituting half of the cream with sour cream or Greek yogurt. If you don't have dove breasts, chicken breasts can work well as a substitute. To enhance the flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the mixture. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Dove Casserole hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside rice or mashed potatoes. This dish also complements a light white wine for a refined dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be careful not to overcook them, which can dry them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Delicious Dove Casserole contains roughly 718 calories, with 29g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (186% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (103% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (76% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1206mg per serving (52% 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 dove breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen dove breasts. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can either leave them in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Cooking time may need slight adjustments to ensure they are cooked thoroughly.
What can I substitute for the chicken consomme?
If you don't have chicken consomme, you can use low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute. Keep in mind that using broth may result in a slightly lighter flavor, so you might want to enhance it with additional herbs or spices to suit your taste.
Is there a way to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you're ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
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).