Dove In Sauce
Dove in sauce offers tender game bird flavors simmered in a rich tomato and mushroom sauce, perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions involving hearty, savory tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place doves in a saucepan with tomato juice, cover, and simmer slowly for 30 minutes.
- Remove doves and reserve the liquid.
- Place diced bacon and butter in a flame-proof casserole and heat until hot.
- Add diced onion and saute until golden.
- Add the doves, minced garlic, thyme, bay leaf, and mushrooms.
- Stir to brown the ingredients, then add the reserved tomato juice and cooking liquid.
- Cover and simmer slowly until the meat is tender, about 1 hour.
- Remove the doves to a warm serving platter.
- Thicken the sauce with flour.
- Pour the sauce over the doves and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the doves in the tomato juice overnight. If you don't have doves, quail or even chicken can be used as substitutes. To enhance the sauce, add a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce while simmering. Remember to adjust cooking times based on the protein used. This dish could be paired with Bacon Tomato Rounds for a delightful appetizer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the dove in sauce over a bed of rice or polenta for a hearty meal. Steamed vegetables or a crisp salad complement the richness of the dish well. For a complete dining experience, consider pairing with May Morning Strada for brunch or a light dinner option.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover dove in sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid boiling to ensure the meat stays tender and flavorful.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dove In Sauce contains roughly 422 calories, with 10g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (152% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), and calcium (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. It also contributes 17g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. It may also help to soak them in the tomato juice for a bit longer to retain moisture.
What can I serve with dove in sauce?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh garden salad. For a more rustic approach, crusty bread can be used to soak up the delicious sauce.
How do I know when the doves are cooked properly?
The doves are done when the meat is tender and easily falls off the bone, typically after about an hour of simmering. Using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
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).