Quail and Lentil Casserole

Name: Quail and Lentil Casserole
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: african
Ingredients: 1 heaping cup dried lentils, rinsed; 6 quail, halved; Salt to taste; Freshly ground pepper to taste; 3 or 4 tablespoons flour; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 slices bacon, cut into small pieces; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 large cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; 1 pound ripe plum tomatoes, chopped; 1 gallon chicken stock; 1/2 cup dry red wine Additional thyme for garnish, optional

Recipe from "Reflections of the South African Table"

Adapted by Marian Burros

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Rating: (0)
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Ingredients

Yield:6 servings

1heaping cup dried lentils, rinsed
6quail, halved
Salt to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
3 or 4tablespoons flour
1tablespoon unsalted butter
2tablespoons olive oil
4slices bacon, cut into small pieces
1medium onion, finely chopped
2large cloves garlic, minced
1tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1pound ripe plum tomatoes, chopped
1gallon chicken stock
½cup dry red wine Additional thyme for garnish, optional

Ingredient Substitution Guide

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Preparation

Step 1
Pour boiling water over the lentils in a bowl, and set aside for 30 minutes. Drain well.
Step 2
Season the quail with salt and pepper and dredge lightly with flour.
Step 3
Heat the butter and oil in a large saute pan, and brown the quail all over. Set the birds aside.
Step 4
Add the bacon, and cook until it is crisp. Drain, and pat dry.
Step 5
Add the onion, garlic and thyme, and cook gently until the onion has softened.
Step 6
Add the tomatoes, drained lentils, stock and wine, and season with salt and pepper. Cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Uncover, and simmer for an additional 20 minutes, until the lentils are tender.
Step 7
Add the quail, and simmer, in covered pan, for 10 to 15 minutes longer or until the quail are cooked and the lentil mixture has thickened.
Step 8
Serve directly from the pan, and sprinkle with additional herbs for garnish, if desired.