Best Easy Codorniz en Salsa de Chile Recipe

Quail simmered in a dried chile sauce, a delicate game bird preparation from rural Mexico. This lean, high protein family dish offers a refined, gamey flavor perfect for special occasions.

Cook 80 min Difficulty NORMAL 230 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • quail 8 pieces
  • dried guajillo chiles 4 pieces
  • dried ancho chiles 2 pieces
  • white onion 1 pieces
  • garlic cloves 4 cloves
  • roma tomato 2 pieces
  • chicken broth 2 cups
  • vegetable oil 2 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • bay leaf 2 pieces
  • whole cumin seeds 1 tsp
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
  • salt 1.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 8 g 14%
Protein 28 g 49%
Fat 7 g 27%
Serving size 180g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Toast the guajillo and ancho chiles in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn them.

  2. 2

    Soak the toasted chiles in warm water for 15 minutes until softened. Drain and remove stems and seeds.

  3. 3

    In a blender, combine softened chiles, tomatoes, onion, and garlic; blend with 1 cup chicken broth until you achieve a smooth sauce.

  4. 4

    Pat the quail dry. In a large heavy pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown the quail for 2-3 minutes on each side, working in batches if needed.

  5. 5

    Lower the heat to medium. Pour the chile sauce over the browned quail. Add the remaining chicken broth, bay leaves, cumin seeds, oregano, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine.

  6. 6

    Simmer the mixture gently, partially covered, over low heat for 45 minutes. Occasionally spoon sauce over the quail and check for doneness.

  7. 7

    Remove the bay leaves, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve the quail bathed in chile sauce.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient that defines the flavor of Codorniz en Salsa de Chile?
The combination of dried guajillo and ancho chiles is the core ingredient in this recipe. These chiles provide a complex, earthy, and slightly sweet heat that creates the foundation of the sauce’s flavor profile, perfectly accenting the quail’s delicate, gamey notes.
Q. How do I ensure the quail stays juicy and tender?
To keep the quail moist, brown it quickly over medium-high heat and then simmer gently in the chile sauce over low heat. Avoid boiling, as high temperatures can cause the lean meat to dry out. Basting the quail occasionally with the sauce during cooking also helps retain moisture.
Q. What is the calorie and protein content per serving of this dish?
Each serving of Codorniz en Salsa de Chile is about 180g, providing approximately 230 kcal and 28g of protein. The dish is both lean and high in protein, making it suitable for those seeking a nutritious, flavorful main course.
Q. Which step is most important for preventing a bitter or overpowering chile flavor?
It’s crucial to carefully toast the dried chiles on medium heat without burning them, as burnt chiles can impart bitterness. Soak and deseed them as described in step 2 to ensure a smooth, balanced sauce profile.
AI 채팅 아이콘