Roast Partridge with Sage, Thyme & Cider

Serves
2

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
25 minutes

This delicious recipe is from Gill Mellor and is an ideal Autumn warmer. The cider stops the partridge drying out whilst you roast it. Gill says, “For me, partridge is every bit as good as pheasant. I always enjoy cooking it, and it seems to  punch above its weight when it comes to “flavour and texture. A brace carefully roasted will  make a perfect supper for two.”

Photo credit Andrew Montgomery

Ingredients

Serving 2
  Ingredients
2 x Oven Ready Partridge
1 bunch x Sage
1 bunch x Thyme Sprigs
1 x Garlic Bulb
1 tbsp x Olive Oil
2 knobs x Butter
100 ml x Cider
150 ml x Double Cream
1 tsp x Dijon Mustard
To Season Salt & Pepper

1. First heat

the oven to 200°C/400°F/gas mark 6. Place the partridges in a small roasting tray, then tuck the herbs in and around the birds.

2. Cut the garlic

into two halves then add to tin and season well with salt and  pepper. Drizzle the olive oil over the birds, place a knob of butter  on top of each, then put the roasting tray in the oven. Roast the  partridges for 20–25 minutes, until the skin is golden brown.

3. Once cooked

remove the roasting tray from the oven and remove the birds to  a clean plate, positioning them upside down and leaving them  to rest somewhere warm. Meanwhile, place the roasting tray directly over a medium heat.

4. To make the sauce,

add the cider and  bring the contents of the tray to the boil. Add the cream and stir  in the mustard. Bring the sauce back to the boil, then lower the  heat and simmer gently for about 5 minutes, until nicely reduced  and beginning to thicken. Season the sauce with salt and pepper.

5. Finally,

Return the birds to the roasting tray along with any juices left  on the plate.  

Bring to the table in the tray, then place one bird on each plate and  spoon over plenty of sagey, cidery sauce. Serve with buttery mash and veggies of your choice.