Slow-Braised Guinea Fowl with Vegetables
Category: Main Dishes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Guinea fowl (cut into pieces) | 800g |
| Canned peeled tomatoes | 400g |
| Sweet pancetta (diced) | 90g |
| Celery stalks (chopped) | 2 |
| Carrot (chopped) | 1 |
| Red onions (halved) | ½ |
| Water | 120g |
| Fresh marjoram (leaves) | to taste |
| Fresh thyme (sprigs) | to taste |
| Fine sea salt | to taste |
| Freshly ground black pepper | to taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the vegetables: Begin by washing and chopping the celery and carrot into small pieces. Slice the red onion in half and set aside.
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Brown the pancetta: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until it starts to brown and release its fat. This should take about 4-5 minutes.
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Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped celery, carrot, and onion to the skillet. Sauté for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
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Add the guinea fowl: Once the vegetables are lightly softened, introduce the guinea fowl pieces to the skillet. Sear the pieces on all sides until golden brown. This step helps to seal in the flavors of the meat.
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Season with herbs: Sprinkle in fresh marjoram leaves and thyme sprigs. Stir to combine, allowing the herbs to release their fragrant oils.
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Simmer the stew: Pour in the canned peeled tomatoes, crushing them slightly with the back of a spoon, and add the water. Stir gently to mix the ingredients. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the dish simmer gently for 45 minutes, or until the guinea fowl is tender and fully cooked through.
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Season to taste: After the simmering time, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
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Serve and enjoy: Once the guinea fowl is tender and the flavors have melded together, remove from heat. Serve immediately while hot, alongside crusty bread or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious, savory sauce.
Tips:
- Flavor variations: For an extra layer of richness, you can add a splash of white wine or a tablespoon of tomato paste while simmering the stew.
- Serving suggestion: This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, polenta, or a light salad to balance the richness of the meat.
This slow-braised guinea fowl recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. The tender meat and flavorful sauce, infused with fresh herbs and vegetables, are sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Enjoy the comforting essence of this traditional Italian dish!
