Roasted Quail
Here’s a classic, flavorful plate that works great for a special dinner or Sunday meal: Roasted Quail, Arroz con Gandules, and Simple Green Beans. This version keeps it traditional but approachable
Roasted Quail (Puerto Rican–inspired)
Ingredients (serves 4)
4 whole quail, cleaned
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon or sour orange juice
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp sea salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp butter (for basting)
Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
Arroz con Gandules
Ingredients
2 cups medium-grain rice
1 cup pigeon peas (gandules), drained
¼ cup sofrito
2 tbsp olive oil
1 packet sazón (with achiote)
1 tsp sea salt
½ tsp cumin
½ cup tomato sauce
2½ cups chicken broth
Optional: diced ham or bacon (½ cup)
Simple Green Beans
Ingredients
1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, sliced
Sea salt & pepper
Optional: squeeze of lemon or splash of apple cider vinegar
Instructions
Roasted Quail
Marinade & Roast
Marinate
Mix garlic, olive oil, citrus juice, oregano, cumin, paprika, sea salt, and pepper.
Rub quail inside and out. Marinate 2–12 hours (overnight is best).
Roast
Preheat oven to 425°F
Place quail breast-side up in a roasting pan
Dot with butter and add herbs if using
Roast 18–22 minutes, basting once, until golden and internal temp hits 160°F
Rest 5 minutes before serving
Optional glaze: drizzle with a little honey + lime juice during the last 3 minutes.
Instructions
Arroz con Gandules
Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add sofrito (and ham/bacon if using). Cook 2–3 minutes.
Stir in tomato sauce, sazón, salt, cumin, and gandules.
Add broth and bring to a boil.
Stir in rice, reduce heat to low, cover.
Cook 20–25 minutes until rice is tender.
Fluff gently and rest 5 minutes before serving.
Instructions
Simple Green Beans
Blanch green beans in salted boiling water 3 minutes, then drain.
Sauté garlic in olive oil over medium heat.
Add beans, season, toss 3–4 minutes.
Finish with lemon or vinegar if desired.
Roasted Quail