"Quail A La Burton"
Quail A La Burton is a hearty dish featuring tender quail simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce, perfect for special occasions or comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove breasts from the bones and remove legs, then cut into two pieces each.
- Dust the breasts and leg pieces in seasoned flour.
- Brown the breasts and leg pieces over medium-high heat in a Dutch oven or large skillet, adding oil as necessary to prevent burning.
- Remove the browned pieces from the skillet and set aside.
- Brown the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms in the same skillet.
- Add the creamy chicken mushroom soup and one can of water to the skillet, dissolving the soup, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Return the quail pieces to the skillet and simmer uncovered until the quail is tender, approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- Season with garlic salt, cracked pepper, and Cajun seasoning as needed.
- Serve the quail and sauce over cooked egg noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure the quail stays moist, consider brining them for a few hours before cooking. If you’re out of Cajun seasoning, a mix of paprika, cayenne, and thyme can work well. Also, using a mix of wild mushrooms can add depth to the flavor. For a quicker version, you can substitute quail with chicken breasts in this recipe, making it similar to Chicken Rounds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the quail and sauce over a bed of freshly cooked egg noodles, which will soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed green beans or a crisp salad pairs beautifully with this dish. For a heartier meal, consider serving with creamy polenta or mashed potatoes, making it a comforting choice similar to Spicy Chicken Stew.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover quail can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the meat or microwave in short intervals, covered, until heated through. The sauce can also be refrigerated separately and reheated.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Quail A La Burton" contains roughly 317 calories, with 43g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (262% of the Daily Value), protein (85% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. At about 317 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 quail for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen quail. Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. This may take several hours in the refrigerator or a quick thaw in cold water. The cooking time may need slight adjustments if the quail are particularly large.
What can I substitute for the creamy chicken mushroom soup?
If you prefer not to use canned soup, you can make a homemade version using equal parts of cream, chicken broth, and sautéed mushrooms, thickened with a roux. This will give you a fresher flavor while still maintaining the dish's creamy texture.
How do I know when the quail is done cooking?
The quail is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bones. Cooking for 1 1/2 to 2 hours should achieve this, but using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure doneness.
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).