Pancetta Partridge in Wine Sauce

For me, there aren't too many things more enjoyable than heading to Northern Ontario with my son and doing some partridge hunting. I think any hunter who's been lucky enough to have had this experience with their son (or good buddies) would agree. The crisp, fresh smell of fall and walking the trails is great. But, now that you've got a grouse or two, do it justice and cook it well. After a few years of looking for a good way to cook these birds I think I've found a winner, thanks to an old Northerner at the Kenogami Bridge Inn. Serve on rice or mashed potatoes.

• Preparation Time: 45 mins
• Cooking Time: 60 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins
• Calories: 258 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup cold water
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bunch fresh spinach
• 1 (8 ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms
• ½ cup dry red wine
• toothpicks
• 1 tablespoon butter, or as needed
• 1 pinch chopped fresh thyme
• 1 (.75 ounce) packet dry mushroom gravy mix
• 3 skinned partridges, breast meat filleted from the bone
• ½ cup 35% cream
• 8 thin slices pancetta

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

Place partridge fillets, one at a time, between 2 pieces of plastic wrap and tenderize by tapping with a rolling pin; set aside.

Step 3

Heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Saute mushrooms, onion, and garlic until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Set aside.

Step 4

Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add spinach and cook, uncovered, until it turns bright green, about 30 seconds. Drain in a colander and immediately immerse in ice water for several minutes to stop the cooking process. Drain and dice.

Step 5

Stir cold water gradually into gravy mix in a small saucepan using a whisk. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until gravy comes to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat and mix wine, cream, and thyme into gravy; gravy will thicken upon standing.

Step 6

Lay tenderized fillets on a cutting board and place a thin layer of blanched spinach on top. Top with a thin layer of sauteed mushrooms, followed by 1 piece of pancetta. Roll and fold fillets, securing with toothpicks. Place into a small roasting pan. Pour gravy over meat until completely immersed.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven until no longer pink and juices run clear, about 45 minutes.