Oven-Braised Doves
Oven-braised doves coated in a rich sherry and mushroom sauce, perfect for elegant dinners and bird lovers seeking delicate, flavorful poultry with aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season the doves with salt and pepper.
- Melt butter in a heavy skillet and brown the doves on all sides.
- Remove the browned doves and place them in a baking dish.
- Add flour to the skillet with the remaining butter, stirring well to make a roux.
- Slowly add chicken broth and sherry to the skillet, stirring constantly.
- Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
- Blend the sauce well and pour it over the doves in the baking dish.
- Add the canned button mushrooms and minced parsley to the dish.
- Cover the baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- Serve the oven-braised doves over wild rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of chicken broth and homemade stock. If doves are not available, you can substitute with quail or small game birds. To enhance the sauce, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Ensure to brown the doves well for a deeper flavor, similar to the techniques used in Hot 'N Spicy Fried Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the oven-braised doves over a bed of wild rice for a delightful meal. Pair with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish. A glass of dry white wine or sherry enhances the flavors beautifully. For a complete meal, consider serving with Yummy Buffet Potatoes as a side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in the oven at 325°F (165°C) covered with foil to retain moisture, or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out. The sauce will help keep the doves tender during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven-Braised Doves contains roughly 141 calories, with 8g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (51% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2248mg per serving (98% 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 ensure they are fully thawed before cooking to ensure even browning and cooking. This will help maintain the texture and flavor of the doves, making them as delicious as if using fresh ones.
What can I substitute for sherry in this recipe?
If you prefer not to use sherry, you can substitute it with white wine, apple cider vinegar mixed with a bit of sugar, or even omit it entirely and add a bit more chicken broth for moisture. Each option will still yield a flavorful sauce.
How do I know when the doves are fully cooked?
The doves are done when their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check this. Additionally, the meat should be tender and easily pull away from the bone, indicating that it’s cooked through.
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).