Quails with Sour Cream
Quails with Sour Cream Recipe from Romania
Introduction
Quails with sour cream is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner at home. The combination of tender quail meat with creamy sour cream sauce is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
History
Quails with sour cream is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed for centuries in Eastern European countries such as Russia and Ukraine. Quails were often hunted for their meat, which was considered a delicacy, and sour cream was a common ingredient in many dishes due to its rich and creamy texture.
Ingredients
- 6 quails
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp flour
- salt
How to prepare
- Wash the quails and cut them in half lengthwise.
- Cover the quails and let them sit for 15 – 20 minutes.
- Next, fry the quails with butter.
- After frying, pour the sour cream mixture (sour cream mixed with flour) over the quails. Add 1 – 2 tbsp of water and salt. Cover the pan and simmer for 15 – 20 minutes.
- Serve the quails with warm polenta.
Variations
- You can add herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika to the sour cream sauce for extra flavor.
- Substitute the quails with chicken or turkey if you prefer a milder meat flavor.
- Add mushrooms or onions to the sour cream sauce for a more robust and savory dish.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to wash the quails thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.
- Cutting the quails in half lengthwise helps them cook more evenly and allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Be careful not to overcook the quails, as they can become tough and dry. Simmering them in the sour cream sauce helps keep them moist and tender.
- Serve the quails with warm polenta or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the quails with sour cream over a bed of warm polenta or mashed potatoes for a hearty and comforting meal. Add a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.
Cooking Techniques
Frying the quails in butter helps seal in the juices and adds a rich flavor to the meat.
- Simmering the quails in the sour cream sauce allows the flavors to meld together and creates a creamy and delicious dish.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have quails, you can use chicken or turkey as a substitute.
- You can use Greek yogurt or coconut cream as a dairy-free alternative to sour cream.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the quails in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook. Simply reheat them in the sour cream sauce before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the quails with sour cream on a platter garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill for a beautiful and elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Quails with sour cream pairs well with a light and crisp white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. Serve with a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
- Each serving of quails with sour cream contains approximately 300 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal.
Carbohydrates
- Quails with sour cream is a low-carb dish, with only a small amount of carbohydrates coming from the flour in the sour cream sauce.
Fats
- The main source of fat in this dish comes from the butter and sour cream. Quails are lean meat, so the addition of butter and sour cream adds richness and flavor to the dish.
Proteins
- Quails are a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. Each serving of quails with sour cream provides a healthy dose of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Quails are rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (sour cream), so it may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
Summary
Quails with sour cream is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Summary
Quails with sour cream is a classic dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a delicious and elegant meal that is sure to impress your guests. Serve with warm polenta or mashed potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for quails with sour cream. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother. We lived in a small village nestled in the rolling hills of the countryside, where fresh ingredients were abundant and cooking was a way of life.
One summer afternoon, while exploring the dusty shelves of my mother's cookbook collection, I came across a worn and tattered recipe book that had been passed down through generations. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes lit up when I saw the recipe for quails with sour cream.
I had never tasted quail before, let alone cooked it, but something about the combination of tender meat and tangy sour cream intrigued me. I asked my mother about the recipe, and she smiled warmly as she recounted the story of how she learned to make it.
She told me that the recipe had been given to her by an old friend who lived in a neighboring village. This friend was a masterful cook who had traveled far and wide, collecting recipes from different cultures and cuisines. One day, she had come to visit my mother and brought with her a plump quail she had hunted in the nearby forest. Together, they had prepared the quail with sour cream, and my mother had been hooked ever since.
With my mother's guidance, I set out to gather the ingredients for the dish. We plucked fresh herbs from our garden, picked ripe tomatoes from the vine, and selected the plumpest quails from the market. As I worked diligently in the kitchen, my mother shared her wisdom and expertise, teaching me the importance of patience, precision, and passion in cooking.
The scent of herbs and spices filled the air as the quails roasted in the oven, their skin turning golden and crispy. I prepared the sour cream sauce, blending it with garlic, lemon juice, and a hint of paprika for a touch of warmth. When the quails were done, I placed them on a platter and drizzled the creamy sauce over them, the aroma making my mouth water.
As my family gathered around the table, I held my breath, eager to see their reaction to my creation. The first bite was met with silence, then a chorus of praise as they savored the tender meat and rich flavors. My heart swelled with pride as I watched them enjoy the dish I had worked so hard to perfect.
From that day on, quails with sour cream became a staple in our household. I made it for special occasions, holidays, and even just for a cozy dinner at home. Each time I prepared the dish, I felt a connection to my mother, to her friend, and to the generations of cooks who had come before me.
As the years passed, I continued to refine the recipe, adding my own twists and touches to make it truly my own. I shared it with friends, neighbors, and anyone who was lucky enough to sit at my table. And each time I cooked quails with sour cream, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the traditions and recipes that had been passed down to me.
Now, as I look back on that fateful day when I discovered the recipe for quails with sour cream, I am filled with a sense of nostalgia and joy. Cooking has always been a source of comfort and creativity for me, a way to express my love and care for those around me. And this dish, with its tender meat, creamy sauce, and unforgettable flavors, will always hold a special place in my heart.
So, if you ever find yourself craving a taste of home, of tradition, of love, I urge you to try making quails with sour cream. Let the aromas and flavors transport you to a simpler time, when cooking was a labor of love and a way to connect with those we hold dear. And remember, the true magic of cooking lies not just in the ingredients, but in the stories and memories that come with each dish we create. Bon appétit!
Categories
| Quail Recipes | Romanian Meat Dishes | Romanian Recipes | Sour Cream Recipes |