Braised Pheasant With Sauerkraut Recipes

BRAISED PHEASANT WITH SAUERKRAUT

Steps:

• Sprinkle pheasants inside and out with salt and pepper.
• Heat fatback in casserole large enough to hold pheasants without crowding. Add necks and hearts. When fatback is slightly rendered add pheasants, placing them on one side. Cook about 3 minutes or until golden brown on one side and turn. Cook 2 or 3 minutes on second side until golden brown. Continue cooking and turning until golden brown. Browning time is 12 to 15 minutes.
• Add onion and garlic and stir. Cook about 3 minutes.
• Add wine and stir around bottom. Add apple slices and sauerkraut, distributing it over and around birds.
• Add broth, bay leaves, thyme, juniper berries, salt and pepper. Cover closely and cook 45 minutes to 1 hour or until pheasants are tender. Untruss pheasants and cut into serving pieces. Serve with sauerkraut and apples and buttered boiled potatoes.

BRAISED PHEASANT WITH SAUERKRAUT ALSATION STYLE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Drain the sauerkraut and cover with cold water, stir, then drain well and squeeze with the hands to remove excess water.
• Place a casserole large enough to cook the pheasants side by side over medium heat. Before placing the pheasants in the casserole, cook the bacon in the casserole, stirring, until the fat is rendered.
• Season the pheasants with salt and pepper to taste, both outside and inside the cavities. Add the pheasants to the casserole and brown on all sides. Scatter the onions, carrot and garlic around the birds. Add the bouquet garni, juniper berries and cloves. Cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes.
• Place the drained sauerkraut around the pheasants and add the wine, chicken broth and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil on top of the stove, cover and remove to the oven. Bake for 35 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to 375 degrees, add the potatoes and bake for 15 minutes more. Add the sausages and bake for another 15 minutes or until the potatoes are done.
• Carve the pheasants and slice the sausages. Serve with sauerkraut and potatoes and the mustards.

BRAISED PHEASANT WITH CELERY AND WALNUTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Brown the pheasant in two tablespoons butter in a casserole. Add the orange juice and Madeira or port, salt, pepper and stock. Cover and braise in the oven for 45 minutes or until tender, basting occasionally.
• Meanwhile, trim the celery, cut into one-half-inch slices crossways. Heat the remaining butter in a skillet and add the walnuts and celery. Saute over high heat with salt and pepper to taste, keeping celery crisp.
• Julienne the orange rind and simmer in boiling water until tender (about 45 minutes). Strain and set aside.
• Test the pheasant for doneness and season with salt and pepper. Remove to a heated serving dish. Bring the cooking juices to a boil and reduce (if the sauce is very thin, add a little cornstarch mixed to a smooth paste with water and bring to boil). Season to taste with salt and pepper and pour the sauce around the pheasant and serve with the celery and walnuts scattered on top with the orange rind.