Quaglie Lessate e Riposate sull Erbe Selvatiche

1. 1

   In a large soup kettle, bring to a simmer 2 quarts of water and the sea salt.

2. 2

   Add the bottle of white wine and permit the liquid to return to a simmer.

3. 3

   Place a leaf of sage inside the cavity of each bird.

4. 4

   Slide four or more of the quail into the simmering liquidsas many as will fit comfortably.

5. 5

   As the liquids once more return to a gentle simmer, lower the flame and poach the birds for 10 to 12 minutes, until their breast flesh feels firm when poked a bit with a finger.

6. 6

   The time will vary with the weight of the birds.

7. 7

   If youve kept the liquid barely simmering and have resisted leaving the birds too long in their bath, their meat will be succulent, tender.

8. 8

   Have on hand a brown paper bag or a rededicated pillowcase.

9. 9

   While the quail poach, ready the sack by laying it on its side and fashioning a cushion of the herbs and garlic.

10. 10

    One cannot use too many herbs for this purpose.

11. 11

    Remove the quail from their poaching liquors with a large slotted spoon.

12. 12

    Position the birds directly inside the herb-lined sack.

13. 13

    Close the sack and continue the poaching process until all the quail are cooked and safely nested inside.

14. 14

    If using chicken or capon, relieve the birds of their skins after the poaching process.

15. 15

    Fasten the sack with some butchers twine and leave it to rest at cool room temperature for 8 or 10 hours or as many more as your patience permits.

16. 16

    A Sard will tell you to let the birds rest for two days.

17. 17

    When you are ready, serve the quail at room temperature as a starter course, presenting them on cushions of warm, just-toasted bread and glossing them with tears of good, green oil, flattering the savor of the herbed birds.

18. 18

    Jugs of cold white wine are welcome.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.