Stewed Starlings
Origin: Florence, Italy
Source: Pellegrino Artusi, 1891
Ingredients
- 6 starlings
- 1/4 large onion
- 30 g ham fat
- 20 g butter
- fatty and lean prosciutto
- 2 juniper berries
- 3 dl dry white wine
- sage
Instructions
- Make a fine battuto of a quarter large onion and 30g ham fat; set on heat with 20g butter, prosciutto strips, and two juniper berries.
- Lay the ungutted starlings on top, garnish with sage, and season with salt and pepper.
- Turning often, cook until the birds absorb the flavor and the onion colors, then moisten with dry white wine, adding more to total 3 dl (or use 2 dl water plus 1 dl marsala).
- Cover with quadruple-folded paper and a heavy lid and simmer gently until cooked; serve with their juices.