The thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of a perfectly cooked meal – what more could you ask for? When it comes to game nights, nothing beats the excitement of trying new flavors and techniques with your favorite wild game. In this article, we’re shining the spotlight on 18 savory dove recipes that will elevate your gourmet game nights to new heights.
From classic dishes like Pan-Seared Dove Breast with Red Wine Reduction, to innovative twists like Smoked Dove with Applewood and Bourbon Glaze, our recipe collection has something for every taste and skill level. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out on your culinary journey, we’ve got you covered with these mouth-watering dove recipes that are sure to impress.
So, grab your apron and get ready to dive into the world of gourmet game nights!
Pan-Seared Dove Breast with Red Wine Reduction
Savor the rich flavors of this elegant dish, featuring tender dove breast paired with a deep red wine reduction.
Ingredients:
– 4 dove breasts, skin removed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the dove breasts with salt and pepper. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet and sear the dove breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired doneness. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté the onion slices until caramelized (about 5 minutes).
4. Add the red wine to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until reduced by half.
5. Stir in the butter until melted. Serve the pan-seared dove breasts with the rich red wine reduction spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes total
Grilled Dove Skewers with Garlic and Rosemary
Grilled Dove Skewers with Garlic and Rosemary: Elevate your outdoor cooking game with this savory recipe that combines the tender flavor of dove breast with aromatic rosemary and pungent garlic.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 dove breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic and rosemary.
3. Thread dove pieces onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush both sides of the dove with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic-rosemary mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional rosemary if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Slow-Cooked Dove Stew with Root Vegetables
This hearty stew is a perfect blend of tender dove meat and flavorful root vegetables, slow-cooked to perfection in a rich broth. A comforting and satisfying meal for any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb dove breast or thighs
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 1 large celery stalk, chopped
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3-4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a large skillet, brown the dove meat in a little oil until cooked through. Set aside.
3. Add chopped carrots, celery, onion, and potatoes to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
4. Transfer the vegetable mixture to the slow cooker with the browned dove meat, chicken broth, red wine (if using), and thyme.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Dove and Wild Mushroom Risotto
Experience the creamy richness of this autumnal risotto, infused with the earthy flavors of wild mushrooms and a hint of dove’s warmth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 8 oz mixed wild mushrooms (e.g., chanterelle, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add Arborio rice; cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Add wine (if using); cook until absorbed.
4. Add 1/2 cup broth; stir until mostly absorbed. Repeat process, adding broth in 1/2-cup increments, until rice is cooked and creamy.
5. Add mushrooms, garlic, and thyme; cook until mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese (if desired).
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Smoked Dove with Applewood and Bourbon Glaze
Smoked Dove with Applewood and Bourbon Glaze: A Twist on Classic BBQ
This recipe combines the tender, juicy flavor of dove breast with the rich, sweet notes of applewood smoke and bourbon glaze. Perfect for a special occasion or a unique dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 4 dove breasts
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Wood chips (applewood), for smoking
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture onto both sides of dove breasts.
4. Place dove breasts in the smoker and smoke for 2-3 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2-3 hours
Bacon-Wrapped Dove Bites with Jalapeño
These bite-sized morsels combine the tender flavor of dove meat with the smoky, spicy kick of bacon and jalapeño. Perfect for a special occasion or game-day gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dove breast or thighs, cut into small pieces
– 6 slices of bacon
– 2-3 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap each dove piece with a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
3. In a bowl, mix together the chopped jalapeños and olive oil.
4. Place the bacon-wrapped dove pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle the jalapeño-olive oil mixture evenly over the dove bites.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the dove is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Dove Pot Pie with Flaky Crust
This classic comfort food recipe combines tender chicken and creamy vegetables in a flaky, buttery crust. Perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 large celery stalk, sliced
– 1/2 cup frozen peas
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Make the crust: Whisk together flour, salt, and cold butter until crumbly. Gradually add water, stirring with a fork until dough forms.
3. Prepare filling: Cook chicken, carrots, celery, and peas in a large skillet over medium-high heat until tender. Stir in flour, broth, and heavy cream. Season to taste.
4. Assemble pie: Roll out crust on a lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Place in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Fill with filling mixture.
5. Bake: Cover with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes, then remove and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Herb-Roasted Dove with Lemon and Thyme
This recipe showcases the rich flavors of dove paired with a bright and citrusy twist, perfect for a special occasion or game dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole dove (about 2 lbs), cleaned and patted dry
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 4 sprigs fresh thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, olive oil, thyme, and rosemary.
3. Season the dove with salt and pepper, then brush the herb mixture all over the bird, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
4. Place the dove in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
5. Roast for about 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the dove rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Dove Confit with Crispy Skin
This classic French dish is a masterclass in simplicity and flavor, where tender dove meat is slow-cooked in its own fat to create a rich, buttery confit. Paired with crispy skin, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 dove breast or thighs (about 2 lbs)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp duck fat or vegetable shortening
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp paprika
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the dove meat with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
3. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the dove meat until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Add the duck fat or shortening to the pot and render it until melted and hot, about 2 minutes.
5. Return the dove meat to the pot, cover with lid, and transfer to preheated oven.
6. Confit the dove for 3-4 hours, or overnight, until tender and easily shreds with a fork.
7. Remove from oven and increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
8. Remove dove from pot and place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Crisp skin under broiler for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (or overnight)
Spicy Dove Tacos with Avocado Crema
Add a twist to traditional tacos with these spicy and creamy delights. Tender dove breasts are marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, chili powder, and cumin before being grilled to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb dove breast, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup lime juice
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 corn tortillas
– Avocado Crema (recipe below)
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, crumbled queso fresco
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Add dove breast pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove dove from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through.
3. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
4. Assemble tacos by placing grilled dove on a tortilla, topping with Avocado Crema, and adding desired toppings.
Avocado Crema:
– 2 ripe avocados
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 lime, juiced
– Salt to taste
Mash avocado in a bowl until smooth. Mix in sour cream, lime juice, and salt. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Dove and Sausage Gumbo
This hearty gumbo combines tender dove meat with spicy sausage and a rich roux-based broth, perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day. With its bold flavors and tender texture, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb dove breast or thighs
– 1 lb smoked sausage (such as Andouille), sliced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 stalks celery, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons filé powder (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add dove meat and cook until browned, about 5 minutes more.
3. Add onion, celery, and garlic; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in flour to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
5. Gradually add broth, whisking continuously; bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until thickened.
6. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. If using filé powder, stir in at the end of cooking time.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Braised Dove Legs in Rich Gravy
Elevate your game with this rich and flavorful dish that showcases the tender qualities of dove legs. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 4 dove legs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 2 teaspoons dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the dove legs on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
3. Remove the dove legs from the pot and set aside. Reduce heat to medium and sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the garlic, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Return the dove legs to the pot, cover, and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
6. Serve with the rich gravy spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Dove Stir-Fry with Ginger and Soy
A flavorful and aromatic stir-fry recipe that combines the tender texture of Dove breast with the savory goodness of ginger and soy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Dove breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the Dove breast pieces and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the wok and set aside.
3. In the same wok, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Pour in the soy sauce and honey. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes, until slightly thickened.
5. Add the cooked Dove breast back into the wok and stir to coat with the glaze. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if using). Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Dove Schnitzel with Lemon Caper Sauce
A classic German-inspired dish gets a bright and tangy twist with this recipe for Dove Schnitzel served with a zesty Lemon Caper Sauce. Crispy breaded chicken meets the bold flavors of citrus and capers in this easy-to-make delight.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 cup lemon-caper sauce (see below)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon Caper Sauce:
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup capers, rinsed and chopped
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, breadcrumbs, and a pinch of salt.
3. Dip each chicken breast in the beaten egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle Lemon Caper Sauce over the schnitzel and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Dove and Fig Crostini with Balsamic Drizzle
Elevate your appetizer game with this elegant combination of creamy cheese, sweet figs, and tangy balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 8 oz Dove chocolate (white or dark), crumbled
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh figs
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet.
3. Top each slice with crumbled Dove chocolate, chopped figs, and a drizzle of honey.
4. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until cheese is melted and figs are caramelized.
5. Meanwhile, whisk balsamic vinegar to create a thick glaze.
6. Remove crostini from the oven and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Dove Stuffed with Wild Rice and Cranberries
Elevate your holiday meal with this savory and sweet twist on the classic dove recipe. The combination of earthy wild rice, tart cranberries, and tender dove breast is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 dove breasts
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix cooked wild rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff each dove breast with the wild rice mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
4. Place the stuffed dove breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the dove breasts and sprinkle with cranberries.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the dove is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Dove Cacciatore with Tomatoes and Olives
A classic Italian hunter-style stew, Dove Cacciatore is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, rich tomatoes, and savory olives. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 cups mixed tomatoes (fresh or canned)
– 1 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the mixed tomatoes, sliced olives, and dried oregano to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Dove Kebabs with Pomegranate Molasses
Elevate your kebab game with this unique fusion of flavors, combining tender dove meat with the tangy sweetness of pomegranate molasses. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dove breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Wooden skewers for kebabs
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, honey, and pomegranate molasses.
3. Add the dove pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Let sit for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours in the refrigerator.
4. Thread marinated dove onto wooden skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Cook kebabs for 8-10 minutes on each side, or until the dove is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your game nights with these mouthwatering dove recipes. From classic dishes like Pan-Seared Dove Breast with Red Wine Reduction and Dove Pot Pie with Flaky Crust, to bold flavors like Smoked Dove with Applewood and Bourbon Glaze and Bacon-Wrapped Dove Bites with Jalapeño, there’s something for every palate. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty stew or a quick stir-fry, these 18 savory dove recipes are sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.
