Two Tasty Treats to Celebrate the Year’s First Hunting Season
Feature Story by TF&G STAFF
LISTEN: (3 minutes, 18 seconds)
DOVE HUNTING IS A cherished tradition in Texas, where the start of the dove season is eagerly anticipated as the official kick-off of the hunting season.
Hunting is a year-round affair in Texas with hogs and exotics but as far as native game, doves are the first offering.
Once the hunt concludes, the best part begins-dinner! Here are two delicious recipes to honor this tradition: Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Dove and Dove in Creamy Mushroom Sauce.
Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Dove
(Photo: Adobe)
Ingredients:
• 12 dove breasts, deboned
• 12 slices of bacon
• 2 jalapeño peppers, sliced
• 12 small cubes of cream cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Toothpicks
• Barbecue sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dove Breasts: Rinse the dove breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Stuff the Dove Breasts: Place a slice of jalapeño and a cube of cream cheese in the center of each dove breast.
3. Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each stuffed dove breast with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick.
4. Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat.
5. Grill the Dove Breasts: Place the bacon-wrapped dove breasts on the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the bacon is crispy and the dove is cooked through. Brush with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of grilling, if desired.
• • •
Dove in Creamy Mushroom Sauce
(Photo: Adobe)
Ingredients:
• 12 dove breasts, deboned
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dove Breasts: Rinse the dove breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Dove Breasts: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the dove breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Add the mushrooms and cook for another 5-7 minutes until they release their juices and become tender.
4. Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Combine and Cook: Return the dove breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over them. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, or until the dove breasts are cooked through and tender.
Whether grilled to perfection with a smoky, bacon-wrapped exterior or simmered in a luxurious creamy mushroom sauce, these dove recipes celebrate the unique flavors of this prized game bird. Each dish not only honors the tradition of dove hunting in Texas but also brings family and friends together around the table to savor the fruits of their labor.
