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1
Over moderate heat melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a heavy 10 to 12 inch skillet.
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2
When the foam begins to subside, add the onions and the pigeon giblets and, stirring frequently, cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the onions are soft and light brown.
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3
Add the fireek, mint, 1 teaspoon of the salt and a few grindings of the pepper and stir for 2 or 3 minutes until the grains are coated with butter.
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4
Set aside.
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5
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F).
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6
Pat the pigeons thoroughly dry inside and out with paper towels and sprinkle their cavities with the remaining salt and a few grindings of pepper.
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7
Then stuff 5 tablespoons of the fireek mixture into the breast cavity and 1 tablespoon into the neck cavity of each pigeon.
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8
Set the remaining fireek aside.
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9
Fasten the neck skin to the back of each bird with a skewer and close the breast openings by lacing them with skewers or sewing them with heavy white thread.
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10
Truss the birds by tying their legs together and bT 1: the skins with the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter.
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11
Place the pigeons, breast side up, in a heavy 4 to 5 quart casserole and pour in the water.
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12
Bring to a boil on top of the stove, cover tightly and braise in the middle of the oven for 45 minutes.
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13
Baste the pigeons with the liquid in the casserole, and continue braising for 1 hour longer.
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14
To test for doneness, pierce the thigh of a bird with the point of a small, sharp knife.
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15
If the juices that run out are slightly pink, cook for another 5 to 10 minutes.
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16
A half hour or so before the pigeons are done, bring the chicken stock to a boil in a 2 to 3 quart saucepan over high heat.
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17
Stirring constantly, add the reserved fireek mixture and bring to a boil again.
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18
Reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the grains are tender and have absorbed all the liquid.
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19
To serve, arrange the pigeons on a heated platter and remove the trussing strings and skewers.
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20
Moisten the pigeons with the liquid remaining in the casserole, and garnish the platter with parsley.
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21
Fluff the fireek with a fork and serve it separately in a heated bowl.