PARTRIDGE w/BACON, CIDER GLAZED CABBAGE

By BobD

Ingredients

• 6 SERVINGS
• Partridge with Bacon, Cider-Glazed Cabbage, and Sautéed Apples
• • 3/4 pound slab bacon, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• • 2 small heads green cabbage, cored, quartered, and shredded (about 8 cups)
• • 1 cup apple cider
• • 1 to 2 cups chicken or duck stock
• • 6 red-legged partridges, 10 to 12 ounces each, giblets and neck removed, patted dry
• • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• • 2 tablespoons rendered duck fat or unsalted butter
• • 3 to 4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into eighths
• • 2 tablespoons sugar
• • Few drops lemon juice
• In France, braised cabbage is a classic partner for partridge. Here, young partridges are steamed over bacon and apple cider-centered cabbage. Serve with spaetzle or mashed potatoes. A chilled Alsatia

Details

Servings 6
Adapted from dartagnan.com

Preparation

Step 1

1. Place bacon in a large deep skillet or casserole and, over medium heat, slowly render the fat, but don’t brown the cubes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Discard all but 2 tablespoons of the fat.

2. Heat bacon fat. Add cabbage and sauté over medium-high heat until it starts to wilt and cook down, turning often. Pour in cider and enough stock to come halfway up the cabbage, and bring to a boil for 2 minutes. Stir in reserved bacon, season partridges with salt and pepper, and place over cabbage. Turn heat down so liquid just simmers, cover pan, and cook gently for 20 minutes. Turn off heat, and let skillet sit covered for 10 minutes more.

3. Meanwhile, heat duck fat in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add apples and sauté until beginning to brown. Sprinkle on sugar, turning to coat evenly, and continue cooking over low heat until lightly caramelized. Squeeze on lemon juice, turn again, and keep warm. Uncover partridges and slice breasts and legs from carcasses. Serve partridge with cabbage and cooking juices. Garnish with sautéed apples and serve with spaetzle or mashed potatoes, if desired.