Poultry

Coturnix coturnix

A tier

Coturnix coturnix is the common quail of Eurasia and Africa—the wild species behind much farmed coturnix meat and a traditional game bird. Breast is tiny, tender, and delicately gamey; the whole bird is often roasted or grilled in one or two bites per person as a starter. Cook hot and fast; overcooking turns the meat dry and livery. Serve with grapes, pancetta, or spiced glaze. Wild birds taste more intense than farmed Japanese coturnix crosses.

Also known as: Common quail, Coturnix coturnix