Spit-roasted Game Birds

Spit-Roasted Game Birds Recipe from Cornwall with Beer, Serrano Peppers, and Soy Sauce

Region / culture: Cornwall | Servings: 4

Introduction

Spit-roasted game birds are a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a festive gathering. The combination of beer, spices, and citrus in the marinade gives the birds a unique and mouthwatering flavor that is sure to impress your guests.

History

Spit-roasting has been a popular cooking method for centuries, dating back to ancient times when meat was cooked over an open flame on a rotating spit. Game birds, such as hens, squab, and quail, have long been a favorite choice for spit-roasting due to their tender and succulent meat.

Ingredients

2 cans (12 oz / 340 g each) of beer
0.5 cup of vegetable or olive oil
4 serrano peppers, seeded and finely chopped
4 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 tsp of dried pepper flakes
2 limes, thinly sliced
4 tbsp of soy sauce
4 tsp of margarita salt
4 game hens or squab
2 pheasants or small chickens
8 quail

How to prepare

Combine beer, oil, peppers, garlic, pepper flakes, lime, soy sauce, and salt.
Put cleaned, washed, and dried birds in 1 or 2 large heavy plastic food bags.
Pour in marinade and seal bags.
Turn and shake until birds are coated with marinade.
Refrigerate for several hours or overnight, turning the bag occasionally.
Remove birds from marinade and position them on a turning spit.
Tie legs and wings close to the body to prevent overcooking.
Roast in a covered grill over medium-hot coals or in a 350°F (177°C) oven.
Small birds will take about 30 minutes; larger birds will take 1 to 1.5 hours.
Baste every 5 minutes.
Test doneness by pricking with a fork between the thigh and body to see if juices run clear.

Variations

You can use different types of game birds or poultry in this recipe, such as pheasant or duck.
Experiment with different marinades and spices to create unique flavor combinations.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to tie the legs and wings of the birds close to the body to prevent them from overcooking.

- Baste the birds every 5 minutes to keep them moist and flavorful.

- Test the doneness of the birds by pricking them with a fork between the thigh and body to see if the juices run clear.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the spit-roasted game birds with a side of roasted vegetables and a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Spit-roasting is a traditional cooking technique that involves cooking meat on a rotating spit over an open flame or in an oven.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have beer on hand, you can substitute it with chicken or vegetable broth.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the birds overnight to save time on the day of cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the spit-roasted game birds on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and citrus slices for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the spit-roasted game birds with a full-bodied red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover spit-roasted game birds in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of spit-roasted game birds contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of spit-roasted game birds contains approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of spit-roasted game birds contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of spit-roasted game birds contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Spit-roasted game birds are a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy sauce, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Spit-roasted game birds are a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in proteins and healthy fats.

Summary

Spit-roasted game birds are a flavorful and impressive dish that is perfect for a special occasion. With a delicious marinade and tender meat, this recipe is sure to be a hit with your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for spit-roasted game birds. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living on my family's farm. My grandmother, who was an excellent cook, had invited some friends over for a special dinner. As I watched her preparing the meal, I couldn't help but be fascinated by the way she effortlessly created delicious dishes from scratch.

On that particular day, my grandmother had decided to make spit-roasted game birds, a dish that she had learned from a friend who was an experienced hunter. As she began to gather the ingredients and marinate the birds, I asked her how she had learned to make such a unique dish.

She smiled at me and began to tell me the story of how she had acquired the recipe. She explained that many years ago, when she was a young newlywed, she had been invited to a dinner party at a friend's house. The hosts had prepared spit-roasted game birds, and my grandmother had been so impressed by the dish that she had asked for the recipe.

The friend had been happy to share the recipe with her, and my grandmother had eagerly tried it out at home. Over the years, she had refined the recipe and made it her own, adding her own special touches and techniques to make it even more delicious.

As she spoke, I could see the passion and love she had for cooking shining through. It was clear that she had a deep appreciation for good food and a talent for creating mouthwatering dishes that brought joy to those who tasted them.

As the birds roasted over the fire, the tantalizing aroma filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. When they were finally done, my grandmother served them up with a side of roasted vegetables and a fresh salad from our garden.

The flavor of the spit-roasted game birds was like nothing I had ever tasted before. The meat was tender and juicy, with a rich, smoky flavor that melted in my mouth. It was a truly unforgettable meal, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

From that day on, I made it my mission to perfect the recipe for spit-roasted game birds. I spent countless hours in the kitchen, experimenting with different marinades, seasonings, and cooking techniques until I had created a dish that rivaled my grandmother's.

I learned to source the best quality game birds, marinate them for hours in a blend of herbs and spices, and slowly roast them over an open fire until they were perfectly cooked. I discovered that the key to a successful spit-roasted game bird was patience and attention to detail, ensuring that every step of the cooking process was done with care and precision.

As I honed my skills and perfected the recipe, I began to share it with friends and family, who were always impressed by the delicious flavors and tender meat of the dish. I even entered a cooking competition at the local fair and won first prize for my spit-roasted game birds, much to the delight of my grandmother, who beamed with pride.

Years passed, and I continued to make spit-roasted game birds for special occasions and gatherings, always receiving rave reviews from those lucky enough to taste them. The recipe had become a beloved tradition in our family, passed down from generation to generation, each cook adding their own unique twist to make it their own.

Now, as I sit here reminiscing about that fateful day when I first saw the recipe for spit-roasted game birds, I am filled with gratitude for the knowledge and skills that I have acquired over the years. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to express my creativity and love for good food.

And as I look back on all the wonderful memories and delicious meals that I have shared with my loved ones, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting connections. The recipe for spit-roasted game birds may have originated from a friend's dinner party many years ago, but it has since become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, a symbol of the love and care that I put into every dish that I create.

And so, I will continue to cook and share my passion for food with those around me, always striving to create meals that bring joy and happiness to all who taste them. For cooking is not just about feeding the body, but also nourishing the soul, and I am grateful for the opportunity to do so every day.