English Sparrow Or Blackbird Pie
A traditional savory pie featuring game birds or blackbirds, seasoned with herbs and spices, complemented by hearty vegetables and rich flavors, ideal for rustic or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 6 sparrows or 2 blackbirds per person
- seasoned flour for dredging ⓘ
- fat or oil ⓘ
- chopped onion ⓘ
- chopped celery
- 1 teaspoon diced fatback per bird ⓘ
- pinch of marjoram per bird
- pinch of tarragon per bird
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- 6 to 8 pounds cut for 8 persons ⓘ
- 1/2 pound fatback ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 2 chilies ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- thyme ⓘ
- savory ⓘ
- marjoram ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 lemon, sliced in 1/4-inch slices ⓘ
Instructions
- Place the meat on a rack; season with salt and pepper. Dredge with thin sliced salt pork or fatback.
- Add a pinch of thyme, savory, and marjoram. Slice garlic very thin and sprinkle over the meat.
- Add 2 quarts of bouillon to the pot.
- Add bay leaf and chilies to the mixture.
- Add chopped vegetables, apple slices, and onion slices on top of the meat.
- Cook for approximately 1 1/2 hours for a thin roast.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful pie, consider marinating the sparrows or blackbirds in a mixture of lemon juice and herbs overnight before cooking. If you don't have fatback, bacon can be a great substitute for that rich, savory flavor. You can also use a No-Salt Dried Herb Blend to control the seasoning without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pie with a side of roasted seasonal vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish. A glass of robust red wine pairs beautifully with this dish, enhancing the flavors of the game birds. For a unique twist, consider pairing it with the After Dinner Mint Pineapple for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Adding a splash of broth can help retain moisture during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of English Sparrow Or Blackbird Pie contains roughly 450 calories, with 10g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (98% of the Daily Value), iron (39% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 605mg per serving (26% 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 other types of game birds for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute other small game birds like quail or pheasant. Adjust the cooking time based on the size and type of the bird to ensure they are cooked through but still tender.
What can I serve with English Sparrow Or Blackbird Pie?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or a hearty bread to soak up the flavorful juices. Consider a light, tangy sauce on the side for a refreshing contrast to the rich pie.
How do I know when the birds are done cooking?
The birds are done when they are tender and fully cooked, typically after about 1.5 hours. You can check by cutting into the thickest part of the meat; it should be clear with no pink remaining.
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).