Piccioni alla Todina
Historically, the pigeon is one of the birds most commonly-used in traditional Italian cooking.
Piccioni alla Todina
(Pigeon, Todi-style)
2 pigeons, gutted
60 g Parma ham
1 onion
2 cloves of garlic
1 sprig of sage
50 g black olives
1 tbsp salted capers
Red wine
Chicken broth
Extra-virgin olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Rinse the pigeons and pat dry with kitchen paper. Cut into four large parts and arrange in a flameproof dish. Finely chop the prosciutto and vegetables and mix well, adding half a glass of oil and the sage leaves. Add salt and pepper, and allow the pigeons to brown for several minutes, turning frequently. Add a glass of red wine and allow to evaporate. Then add the pitted, finely-chopped olives, and the capers, well rinsed. Cover and leave to cook over a low heat for about 50 minutes, adding the chicken broth as necessary. Take off the lid, turn up the heat and allow the sauce to thicken for a few minutes. Serve the pigeons in their sauce.