Discover the world of pigeon recipes with our collection of 15 inspired dishes.
Pigeon, a lean, gamey bird, is appreciated by chefs for its tender meat and unique flavor.
This article dives into versatile recipes showcasing this underused ingredient, from rustic stews to gourmet wellingtons.
Can I use frozen pigeons instead of fresh pigeons for these recipes?
Yes, you can use frozen pigeons instead of fresh pigeons for these recipes. Freezing the pigeon meat preserves its freshness and flavor, making it a convenient option for cooking at a later time.
When using frozen pigeon, ensure that it has been properly thawed in the refrigerator before cooking to maintain its texture and taste. You can follow the recipe instructions as usual, adjusting cooking times if necessary to account for the initial frozen state of the meat.
15 Recipes With Pigeon
Explore 15 pigeon recipes, ranging from rustic comfort foods to gourmet masterpieces, all bursting with unique flavors:
1. Roast Pigeon
Set the stage for a classic, rustic dining experience with the Roast Pigeon recipe. In about an hour and 15 minutes, you can recreate this timeless entrée that serves 2 to 4 people. A harmony of root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and Jerusalem artichokes are skillfully roasted to release their sweet undertones, complementing the robust, gamey flavor of the pigeon.
Lathered in melted butter and perfectly seared, the bird is then roasted at high heat to achieve a golden, crisp exterior and tender interior. The meal concludes with a light garnish of parsley and an optional dash of vinegar, enhancing the earthy flavors.
2. Pigeon pie with Madeira and mushrooms
Escape into a world of culinary elegance with the Pigeon pie with Madeira and mushrooms. With an estimated cook time of around two hours, this recipe yields a lavish pie filled with rich, woodsy flavors that can serve four to six people.
The pie filling holds a luxurious combination of seared pigeon breast and button mushrooms, accentuated by smoked bacon lardons and seasoned with thyme. A final touch of the beaten egg provides a glossy finish, transforming this recipe into a dining spectacle.
3. Pigeon and pea pastilla
Explore the tantalizing flavors of Moroccan cuisine with the Pigeon and pea pastilla. Within an estimated 45 minutes, you can serve a culinary masterpiece that yields about eight servings. This pastilla wraps a savory filling of tender pigeon breast and fresh peas within a buttered, crisp filo pastry.
The pigeon is delicately seasoned with a medley of aromatic spices including ginger, ras el hanout, and a hint of saffron. Upon baking, the pastilla transforms into a golden, flaky delight, ready to be dusted with icing sugar and served.
4. Roast Pigeon with Confit Legs
Let the rich flavors of pigeon take flight in your kitchen with this Roast Pigeon with Confit Legs recipe. The process is lengthy, calling for a 90-minute cooking time for the legs and additional 10-12 minutes for the crowns, but the result is worth every second.
The robust notes of red wine, marmite, and juniper berries in the sauce perfectly accentuate the rich, tender meat. A zingy hint of orange zest added during the salting process brightens up the dish. This recipe yields two servings, ideal for a well-planned dinner.
5. Wood pigeon salad with raspberry balsamic reduction
Light, fresh, and utterly delightful, this salad recipe featuring wood pigeon breasts provides an invigorating twist on classic protein salads. In a mere 15 minutes, you can prepare a dish that brings together the hearty wood pigeon breast with the tangy and sweet raspberry balsamic reduction.
The toasty pine nuts and the vibrant salad leaves enhance the dish's freshness. This six-serving recipe is a perfect choice for a summer lunch or light dinner.
6. Grilled Pigeons Egyptian Style
Infused with the bold, aromatic spices of the Middle East, this Egyptian-style grilled pigeon recipe will transport you straight to the heart of Cairo. The intriguing mix of cinnamon, cayenne, cumin, and other spices introduces an exhilarating flavor profile to the pigeon.
Preparation and grilling take approximately one hour, resulting in 4-6 servings. Complementing the bird, a side of green wheat salad, with a tangy hint of lemon, provides balance and makes this an authentic and complete Egyptian culinary experience.
7. Warm salad of Alresford wood pigeon
Delve into the gastronomic delights of British cuisine with this Warm Salad of Alresford Wood Pigeon recipe. This dish skillfully combines roasted pigeon with beetroot compote, candied walnuts, and pickled mushrooms in about an hour.
The sweet, tangy, and umami flavors artfully mesh with the rich, gamey pigeon, creating a culinary symphony that's hard to resist. The recipe caters to 4 servings, making it an excellent choice for a sumptuous family meal.
8. Wood Fired Wood Pigeon
This dish celebrates the beautiful simplicity of wood fire cooking, bringing forth a rustic charm. Using only 4 ingredients, the pigeon breast is seasoned with sea salt and black pepper, then cooked over a fire of oak and rosemary for a subtle smoky flavor.
The charred exterior of the pigeon beautifully contrasts the tender, pink meat inside. A bed of peppery watercress and a dash of lemon oil add a fresh touch to this hearty dish. With only 20 minutes of preparation and cooking time, this recipe yields four servings.
9. Chinese Fried Pigeon (Squab)
A traditional Chinese delicacy, this recipe combines meticulous preparation with rich flavors. The squab is cleaned and carefully braised in a savory blend of ginger, garlic, Shaoxing wine, and soy sauce, infusing it with an aromatic depth. Afterward, it's coated in a unique maltose-vinegar mixture, which lends a sweet-tart flavor and helps achieve an enticingly crispy skin during frying.
The process requires dedication, spanning over approximately 4 hours, but yields a truly rewarding result, with 4 servings of succulent, golden fried squab, accompanied by zesty lemon wedges and savory dipping salt.
10. The Pigeon Soup
Experience the warmth and nourishment of this soul-soothing pigeon soup. The pigeon is cleaned, then stewed along with fragrant ginger, onions, and various herbs in a casserole. As the soup simmers, quail eggs and sliced bamboo shoots are added to the mix, enriching the flavor profile and providing a delightful texture.
The whole preparation process takes about an hour, after which you can enjoy a comforting, flavorsome soup. This recipe serves 4, providing a serving of comfort in every bowl.
11. Pheasant, Pigeon, and Woodcock Wild Game Stew Recipe
The Wild Game Stew is a rustic culinary delight, delivering an orchestration of robust flavors and a symphony of textures. This hearty meal, taking 2 hours and 15 minutes to prepare, combines pheasant, pigeon, and woodcock, transforming these wild games into bite-sized chunks of rich, tender meat.
The recipe calls for generous amounts of root vegetables, bringing an earthy undertone to balance the richness of the meats. A gentle simmering process allows the sprigs of rosemary and thyme to infuse the dish, while large baking potatoes lend their starchy goodness to the mix. The recipe yields 4 warm servings, perfect for a cozy evening meal.
12. Game of Thrones: Pigeon Pie
A tribute to a famed series, the Game of Thrones Pigeon Pie is a rich, sumptuous dish that celebrates unique flavors and textures. With a preparation and cooking time totaling just over 2 hours, this recipe combines ground pork, quail meat, and dried apricots to create a distinctive, hearty filling.
Layered within a hot water crust, every slice delivers an array of exciting textures. A finishing touch of toasted pine nuts adds a gentle crunch and a subtle nutty flavor. This recipe yields a large, beautifully adorned pie perfect for serving up to 8 people, depending on the size of the slices.
13. Golabki sauerkraut roll with wood pigeon ragù
Unravel the unique blend of flavors in this Golabki Sauerkraut Roll with Wood Pigeon Ragù. This Polish classic, combined with a contemporary wood pigeon ragù, offers a medley of textures and tastes, from the crisp fermented cabbage to the tender wood pigeon meat.
The whole recipe requires approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes of active cooking, followed by about 14 days for fermentation if you opt for homemade sauerkraut leaves. With this recipe, you can prepare approximately 10-12 servings, making it an excellent dish for sharing.
14. Roast Pigeon and Cherry Sauce with game stock
Embark on a culinary journey with this Roast Pigeon and Cherry Sauce with Game Stock recipe. Roasting brings out the rich, robust flavors of the wood pigeon, which harmonize beautifully with the sweet-sour cherry sauce, making each bite a celebration of contrasting flavors.
The addition of herbs like rosemary and thyme, along with a rich game or chicken stock, further enhances this culinary delight. This recipe will take about 25 minutes to prepare, promising an elegant dish that is more straightforward than it appears. A perfect main course for four, this recipe is a decadent delight for dinner parties or an intimate evening at home.
15. Pigeon and foie gras Wellington with ceps and black truffle sauce
Experience the gourmet delight of Pigeon and Foie Gras Wellington. This dish pairs the tender pigeon breasts with decadent foie gras, enveloped in a flaky, golden puff pastry. It's served alongside an intense cep and black truffle sauce, its deep flavor profile setting the tone for the dish.
A smooth salsify puree offers a comforting contrast, with pan-fried ceps lending an extra layer of flavor. With careful attention, this recipe, designed to yield 4 servings, will require around 6-7 hours to perfect. The result is a truly sophisticated meal, a testament to your culinary dedication.
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