Make this festive pheasant stew in a sweet-and-sour cider and clementine sauce up to a day ahead, then simply reheat until piping hot when you want to serve
Prep:30 mins
Serves 4
2 pheasants2 tbsp rapeseed or sunflower oil4 rashers streaky bacon, chopped1 onion, finely chopped2 celery sticks, finely chopped400g Chantenay carrots, trimmed and halved lengthways300g chestnut button mushrooms2 tbsp plain flour2 bay leavesa few thyme sprigs, leaves picked250ml cider or apple juice400ml chicken stock2 clementines, zested and juiced1 tbsp redcurrant jellysmall bunch of flat-leaf parsley, leaves picked and chopped
STEP 1Carve the breasts from the pheasants, then remove the skin from the breasts and cut each one in half. Repeat with the pheasant legs, cutting each one at the knee joint to divide into two pieces. (Carve the rest of the carcasses to use later in gravies or stocks.)STEP 2Heat the oil in a medium flameproof casserole over a medium-high heat and brown the meat all over briefly, then remove to a plate. Fry the bacon in the pan for a few minutes. Add the onion and celery and fry for 7 mins more, stirring often until the veg has started to soften and turn golden. Add the carrots and mushrooms, and fry for a few more minutes until the mushrooms have released their liquid.STEP 3Stir in the flour, then add the bay, thyme, cider, stock and clementine zest and juice. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Return the pheasant pieces to the pan and simmer for 45 mins-1 hr.STEP 4Lift the pheasant pieces onto a plate, then reduce the sauce until glossy. Stir in the redcurrant jelly, then return the pheasant to the sauce. Sprinkle over the parsley to serve. Once completely cool, the casserole will keep frozen for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat until piping hot.
