Pheasant with Risotto, Grilled Asparagus, and Roasted Cauliflower
This is a winning-contestant recipe from Season Four of FOX's MasterChef.
After you remove the breasts for cooking, you can use what remains of the pheasant to make stock to cook the risotto in. Or, feel free to use chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth.
Recipe information
Yield
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
For the pheasant:
For the risotto:
For the asparagus:
For the cauliflower:
Preparation
Prep the pheasant:
Step 1
Remove both breasts from the pheasant and season all over with sumac, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate the breasts while you make the risotto and vegetables. If desired, use the rest of the pheasant to make stock to cook the risotto in.
Make the risotto:
Step 2
In a medium saucepan over moderate heat, warm the stock. Keep hot.
Step 3
In a second medium saucepan over moderate heat, warm the oil. Add the fennel and leek and sauté until tender. Add the wine and simmer the mixture until nearly dry. Add the rice and sauté, stirring, until lightly toasted. Add about 1 ladle's worth of hot stock and cook, stirring frequently, until absorbed. Continue adding the stock, 1 ladle's worth at a time, and cook, stirring frequently, until all the stock is absorbed and the risotto is creamy and tender but still al dente. Stir in the butter, season with salt and pepper, and keep warm.
Grill the asparagus:
Step 4
In a medium bowl, toss together the asparagus, oil, salt, and pepper. Heat a grill pan over moderate heat then add the asparagus and grill until tender. Alternatively, toss the asparagus, oil, salt, and pepper together on a large baking sheet and roast in a 500°F oven until tender.
Roast the cauliflower:
Step 5
Preheat the oven to 500°F.
Step 6
On a large baking sheet, toss together the cauliflower, oil, salt, and pepper. Roast until tender and caramelized.
Finish the pheasant:
Step 7
In a large sauté pan over moderate heat, warm the oil. Add the pheasant and sear, flipping once, until both sides develop a rich brown color. Add the butter and sage and once the butter melts, use it to baste the breasts. Continue cooking until an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pheasant (do not touch the bone) registers 165°F. Let the pheasant rest briefly then cut each breast in half.
To serve:
Step 8
Divide the risotto, asparagus, and cauliflower among 4 plates. Top each with 1/2 pheasant breast and garnish with the reserved fennel fronds, if desired.
