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Pigeon en crapaudine

Pigeon en crapaudine - the humble dish that is so much more than meets the eye. It’s a simple yet delectable classic French recipe that embodies rustic traditions and wholesome flavours. It may not strike others as being an exotic dish, but when made with love, it delivers a truly sublime culinary experience.

Pigeon en crapaudine


Made from a whole pigeon that is generously filled with butter and herbs, the bird is then seasoned before being wrapped in bacon and slow-cooked for several hours or overnight. Even the smell of it cooking sends tantalizing aromas through your kitchen and makes your mouth water in anticipation. The result is succulent and tender meat that melts in your mouth and is full of flavour.

The original name of this dish, Pigeon en crapaudine, comes from the French verb ‘Crapaudiner’, which translates to ‘to crawl’. This has been taken to mean that after the bird is cooked it will be so pliable and juicy, it can easily be pulled apart and eaten with your fingers, as though it were a true ‘crawler’.

This traditional method of preparation, however, is full of nuances. Each subtle difference in cooking time, temperature and seasoning can create a slight variation in the end product, thus allowing you to make this dish your own. The variations are fascinating, and chefs from all around the world have added their own twist, often with spectacular results.

Whether it’s served as the star of the show in a French bistro, or simply alongside some roasted root vegetables on a weeknight dinner plate, I encourage you to give this humble but delicious dish a try. You might just find yourself pleasantly surprised.

The origin of Pigeon en crapaudine

Ah, the classic French dish of pigeon en crapaudine! While its origins are shrouded in mystery, there have been many theories and speculations about the origin of this delightful dish. I'm here to shed some light on its mysterious provenance, so let's dig into it!

The craze for "Pigeon en Crapaudine" grew in the early 19th century, when wealthy households throughout France began to serve this delicious dish to their guests. It quickly became a beloved classic of French cuisine. Though no one is sure where it truly came from, there are several theories regarding its origin.

One popular theory suggests that the dish was invented by a French chef who wanted to test the limits of culinary artistry. In an attempt to create something that was both aesthetically pleasing and flavorful, he combined two classic ingredients - roasted pigeon and truffles - and served them on top of a bed of potatoes. The result was “pigeon en crapaudine”, a dish that proved to be an instant hit among diners.

Another theory suggests that the dish originated in the south of France, where it was a favorite of the local nobility. This area was known for its abundance of game birds, like pigeon and partridge, which were used to prepare this tasty entrée. With a bed of potatoes as a base, the bird was roasted and then stuffed with truffles, herbs, and spices before being served.

Finally, there is also a belief that the dish was invented in Paris in the mid-19th century by a cook named Auguste Escoffier. He claimed to have created the recipe by combining the flavors of two different meals - oeufs en cocotte (poached eggs in cream) and caneton en crapaudine (roast duck in an Armagnac sauce). By combining the two dishes, he created a unique and delicious meal that quickly became popular throughout France.

Though the true origin of pigeon en crapaudine remains unknown, it is clear that this dish has captivated palates for centuries and will continue to do so for years to come. Its classic combination of roasted bird and truffles, along with its unique presentation, is sure to delight your taste buds. So, if you ever have the opportunity to try this amazing dish, don't hesitate!

Types of Pigeon en crapaudine

Ah, the delicious dish of Pigeon en crapaudine. It is a delight that has been enjoyed by generations, and has seen its fair share of evolution over the centuries. For those unfamiliar with the dish, it is a French stew made from chicken, usually a rooster or cockerel, that is split down the back and spatchcocked before being cooked on a rotisserie.

At the heart of it, Pigeon en crapaudine is a simple dish that makes use of basic ingredients such as butter, herbs, and spices. While the preparation of the bird is key, the resulting flavors can vary depending on the type of herbs and spices used. This variance can come from the addition of items such as garlic, thyme, parsley, rosemary, tarragon, or even bay leaf. The end result is a succulent, savory, and complex flavor.

When making this dish, it is important to note that there are different variations to choose from. For example, the classic version features the spatchcocked chicken roasted until it's golden brown on the outside and juicy on the inside. Another variation, known as Salmi de Pigeon en crapaudine, involves braising the bird in a flavorful broth. This broth is then strained and served with the finished dish.

Next, we have the more modern Pigeon en crapaudine recipes. Here, chefs will often add other ingredients such as mushrooms, olives, or wine to the mix. This creates a deeper, richer flavor. Many recipes will also incorporate tomatoes into the mixture, adding a subtle sweetness and bright acidity.

Also popular is the “amuse-bouche” variant of Pigeon en crapaudine. This version includes diced vegetables such as carrots and celery and is served without the presence of the bird itself. Instead, the vegetables are combined with a rich, creamy sauce to create a mouth watering appetizer.

No matter which recipe you try, each version of Pigeon en crapaudine is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Whether you opt for the traditional classic method or decide to put a modern twist on the dish, the results will be sure to please the palate. So, why not give this delicious French treat a try? You won't regret it.