Pilinja Peceni
Braised Quail
Pilinja Peceni is a traditional Macedonian dish featuring quails pan-fried and then simmered in a rich red wine and onion stock. It's a flavorful and rustic preparation, often served with rice pilaf or roasted potatoes, showcasing the country's agricultural bounty and culinary heritage.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 whole Quail
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 medium Onions(thinly sliced)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 cup Red wine(dry Macedonian red wine preferred)
- 1.5 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 piece Bay leaf
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the quails dry with paper towels. Season generously inside and out with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat butter and olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the quails on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the quails from the skillet and set aside.
- 3
Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook over medium heat until softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine simmer and reduce by half, about 3-5 minutes.
- 5
Add the chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the liquid to a simmer.
- 6
Return the seared quails to the skillet, nestling them into the liquid. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil.
- 7
Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Braise for 30-40 minutes, or until the quails are cooked through and tender. Baste occasionally with the pan juices.
- 8
Remove the quails from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes. Discard the bay leaf. If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it on the stovetop for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
- 9
Serve the braised quails with the red wine and onion sauce spooned over them. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Excellent served with rice pilaf or roasted potatoes.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If quail is unavailable, poussin or chicken thighs can be substituted.
- ✓Ensure the red wine is of good quality, as its flavor will be prominent in the sauce.
- ✓For a richer sauce, a tablespoon of tomato paste can be added with the garlic.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a few dried prunes or apricots to the braising liquid for a touch of sweetness.
- Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.