An Ottoman Feast: The Ultimate Stuffed Quail Recipe
An Ottoman Feast: The Ultimate Stuffed Quail Recipe
Looking to create a truly special dinner? With its elegant presentation and exquisite flavor, stuffed quail is a magnificent dish that will make you the star of any table. This recipe brings the rich subtleties of Ottoman cuisine right to your home. Here is a simple, step-by-step guide to preparing this enchanting meal!
Ingredients:
For the Quails:
4 cleaned quails
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
For the Stuffing Pilaf:
1 cup of rice (baldo or osmancık)
1 small onion, finely grated
2 tablespoons currants
2 tablespoons pine nuts
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 ½ cups hot water
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Salt, black pepper
Finely chopped fresh dill and mint
Instructions:
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Marinate the Quails: Pat the washed and dried quails completely dry. Rub them with the mixture of olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
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Prepare the Stuffing Pilaf: In a pot, melt the butter and olive oil. Sauté the pine nuts until lightly golden, then add the grated onion and cook until translucent. Add the rinsed rice and toast for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the currants, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Pour in the hot water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the water is absorbed. Turn off the heat, stir in the fresh dill and mint, cover, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
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Stuff the Quails: Fill the quails with the prepared pilaf, but do not pack them too tightly. Secure the openings with kitchen twine or toothpicks to prevent the stuffing from spilling out.
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Bake: Arrange the stuffed quails on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 40-50 minutes, or until the quails are golden-brown and fully cooked.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve the hot stuffed quails garnished with fresh herbs and a few pomegranate seeds. They pair perfectly with a side of yogurt or a refreshing glass of Ayran. Enjoy your delicious meal!
