Indulge in a festive culinary masterpiece with our Poularde de Noël (Capon Stuffed with Chestnuts and Truffles). This classic French dish is a centerpiece of many holiday celebrations, and our recipe guide provides step-by-step instructions to recreate this luxurious entrée. Discover the art of preparing the capon, from selecting the finest bird to expertly trussing it for even cooking. Learn how to craft a flavorful stuffing using a medley of chestnuts, aromatic herbs, and rich truffles, ensuring a moist and delectable filling. We also offer variations on the stuffing, including a vegetarian option with wild mushrooms and a luxurious foie gras version for a truly decadent experience. Additionally, we provide guidance on preparing a sumptuous sauce to accompany the capon, whether you prefer a classic pan sauce or a rich madeira jus. Elevate your holiday feast with our comprehensive guide to Poularde de Noël, ensuring a memorable and delicious occasion for your loved ones.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
ROASTED CAPON WITH CHESTNUTS AND WINTER VEGETABLES
Cook capon in the oven the French traditional way at Christmas, with winter vegetables and chestnuts. I give you cooking tips for very tender meat.
Provided by Florence RICHOMME
Categories Main dish
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Take the capon out of the refrigerator 1 hour in advance.
POULARDE DE NOEL (CAPON STUFFED WITH CHESTNUTS AND TRUFFLES)
Provided by Moira Hodgson
Categories dinner, roasts, main course
Time 2h30m
Yield Four servings
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Chop the shallots and cook them for a few minutes in the butter. Add the sausage meat and sausages and cook, stirring with a fork, until the meat is lightly browned.
- Add the bread crumbs, soaked in milk and well drained, the Cognac, the mushrooms and the truffle, cut into small sticks. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the thyme and set aside.
- Peel and cook the chestnuts and cool them. Break into pieces, reserving about eight whole ones. Add the pieces to the stuffing mixture. Blend well. Add the remaining whole chestnuts.
- Fill the chicken cavity with the stuffing and close the opening by sewing with kitchen thread. Rub the chicken with salt and pepper and roast for about one and one-half hour.
- After half an hour add the carrot, onion, celery, thyme, bay leaf and parsley to the pan in which the chicken is cooking.
- Transfer the chicken to a serving dish. Keep it warm, covered with aluminum foil.
- Skim the fat and vegetables from the pan. Add the chicken broth and bring it to a slow boil. Reduce, add Port, correct seasonings and drain in a sieve. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 1163, UnsaturatedFat 33 grams, Carbohydrate 88 grams, Fat 56 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 61 grams, SaturatedFat 17 grams, Sodium 1688 milligrams, Sugar 9 grams, TransFat 0 grams
ROASTED CAPON WITH BLACK TRUFFLES AND CHANTERELLE STUFFING
Provided by Molly O'Neill
Categories dinner, project, main course
Time 2h30m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- To make the stuffing, combine the apricots and brandy and set aside. In a large skillet set over medium heat, combine the butter and olive oil. Add the mushrooms and shallots and cook, stirring, until the mushrooms are tender and lightly browned, 7 to 8 minutes.
- Add the apricots and brandy and cook until the brandy has evaporated. Add the stock and cook until almost dry. Remove the pan from the heat and add the bread crumbs and thyme. Season the stuffing with salt and pepper.
- To make the capon, preheat the oven to 475 degrees. Season the bird generously, inside and out, with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, combine the butter, truffle paste and shallot and stir until smooth. Use your fingers to gently separate the skin from the breast meat, and work your fingers under the skin at the leg. Push the butter mixture under the skin and over the leg.
- Stuff the bird loosely with the stuffing (do not pack it, as it expands during cooking) and truss the bird or tie the legs together securely with kitchen string.
- Place the bird on a roasting pan fitted with a rack and roast for 15 minutes. Lower the temperature to 350 degrees and continue to roast until the juices of the bird run clear when it is pierced at the thickest part of the leg, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours more.
- Remove the bird from the oven and allow to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes. Remove the string, and then remove the stuffing. Carve and serve the capon with the stuffing on the side.
Tips:
- Mise en place: Chop the chestnuts and soak them in Armagnac for at least 30 minutes. Finely chop the truffles. Peel and mince the onion and garlic. Prepare the chicken stock and keep it warm.
- Choose a quality capon: A good capon should be plump and have a moist skin. Make sure to remove any pinfeathers before cooking.
- Stuffing the capon: Use a spoon to carefully stuff the capon with the chestnut and truffle mixture. Be careful not to overstuff the capon, as this will make it difficult to cook evenly.
- Trussing the capon: Use kitchen twine to truss the capon securely. This will help to keep the stuffing in place and the capon from becoming misshapen during cooking.
- Seasoning the capon: Sprinkle the capon with salt and pepper, and rub it with butter. This will help to create a golden brown crust.
- Roasting the capon: Roast the capon in a preheated oven at 375°F for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Baste the capon with the chicken stock every 30 minutes to keep it moist.
- Making the sauce: While the capon is roasting, make the sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the flour. Gradually whisk in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Conclusion:
Poularde de Noël, or capon stuffed with chestnuts and truffles, is a classic French dish that is perfect for a special occasion meal. This dish is sure to impress your guests, and it is easier to make than you might think. With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can create a delicious and memorable meal that will be enjoyed by all.
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