A WILD GAME DELIGHT
Dove hunters, this one is for you. Bacon Wrapped Dove with Figs is one great answer to the question: How do you make dove poppers taste fantastic?
I’ve experimented with many dove recipes over the years. Dove poppers or dove nuggets are always super popular, and this bacon-wrapped dove-with-figs recipe is a new favorite version. Tender dove meat, crispy bacon, and sweet figs create a harmonious blend of savory and sweet.
Dove meat is highly nutritious, packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins. It is also a great source of lean protein, making it an ideal choice for those looking to incorporate more protein into their diet.
Dove meat has a delicate and slightly gamey flavor that pairs well with a variety of ingredients. The meat itself is tender and moist, with a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall taste. When cooked correctly, dove meat becomes incredibly succulent. The flavor of dove meat is enhanced when combined with other ingredients, such as bacon and figs. The saltiness of the bacon complements the mildness of the dove meat, while the sweetness of the figs adds a delightful contrast. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave your taste buds singing.
Cooking with dove meat and other wild game has many benefits. First, game meat is often leaner than meat from domesticated animals, making it a healthier choice. Separate from whatever ingredients you combine it with, wild game is lower in saturated fat and cholesterol than grain-fed animals. Second, game meat provides a unique and exciting flavor experience. The rich, earthy taste of wild game adds depth and complexity to dishes, elevating them to a new level.
These dove poppers are versatile. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer, a main course, or even as part of a charcuterie board. The combo of flavors and textures makes it a crowd pleaser.
Cooking dove poppers requires some special considerations to ensure the best results. Here are a few tips to help you cook dove meat and other wild game to perfection:
Proper Seasoning: Game meats have a mild flavor, so it’s important to season them well to enhance their taste. Use a combination of salt, pepper, and herbs to bring out the natural flavors.
Cooking Time: Game meats are leaner, so they cook faster. Be mindful of the cooking time to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meat is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Resting Time: Allow game meat to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
Pairing Flavors: Experiment with different flavor combinations to enhance the taste of game meats. Consider using ingredients like citrus, herbs, spices and fruits to add complexity and balance to your dishes.
Ingredients
For marinade:
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons) and zest
- 3 T olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 2 cups cilantro, chopped
- 2 t paprika
- 2 t red pepper flakes
- 2 t cumin
- 1 t kosher salt
- ½ t freshly ground black pepper
For dove poppers:
- 12 dove breasts, or 24 halves
- 12 medium jalapeno peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 12 figs, halved
- 1 lb bacon strips, thin sliced
Directions
- In food processor, blend all marinade ingredients. Place dove breasts into plastic bag and pour the marinade mixture over the dove. Remove air from bag, seal it, and leave in refrigerator overnight.
- With a meat mallet, pound dove meat into 3-by-4-inch rectangle.
- Add a teaspoon of cream cheese into cavity of halved jalapenos. Slice fig to fit width of jalapeno’s cavity, and place fig on top of cream cheese. Wrap bacon around stuffed jalapeno and dove meat. Secure bacon with toothpick.
- On hot outdoor grill with coals on one side, place poppers bacon seam-side-down onto grill over hot coals. Once bacon is browned, move poppers to grill side without hot coals to finish cooking. When pepper is easily pierced, poppers will be done.
Notes: You can bake these poppers seam-side-down on a baking sheet in a 350-degree oven for 25 minutes. You can also cook them on the stovetop in a cast-iron skillet: start with the poppers seam side down, turn them to get the bacon completely done on each side, and then turn the heat down and cook until done.
If you don’t like cream cheese, you could always use mascarpone or even gouda.
If you don’t have fresh figs (they are very perishable), then dried figs, dates or dried apricots will work beautifully.
If you don’t have any dove on hand, this recipe will work with any kind of meat, even chicken.
(Republished by permission from stacylynharris.com)
