Nero Wolfe’S Lamb Kidneys Bourguignonne
Description
This classic dish elevates lamb kidneys into a sophisticated, restaurant-quality meal. The kidneys are gently poached to remove bitterness, then dredged in seasoned flour and seared until golden. They are braised in a rich mixture of dry red wine, fresh mushrooms, and aromatic herbs like thyme, watercress, and celery. The result is a tender, flavorful stew with a deep, savory profile and a velvety sauce. Perfect for adventurous eaters who appreciate traditional offal preparations, this recipe offers a robust, hearty experience best served over fluffy rice to soak up the delicious juices. It is an excellent choice for a special dinner or for those looking to explore international culinary traditions with bold flavors.Ingredients
Directions
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Soak the lamb kidneys in cold water for 10 minutes to help remove impurities.
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Drain the kidneys, then carefully remove any white membranes and connective tissue.
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Cut each kidney across in half.
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Season the flour with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Dredge the prepared kidneys in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
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Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Sauté the dredged kidneys until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the minced shallots and mushrooms to the remaining butter.
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Sprinkle the skillet with 2 tablespoons of the reserved dredging flour.
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Cook the flour, shallots, and mushrooms over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to create a roux base.
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Gradually stir in the dry red wine, bay leaf, minced watercress, minced celery, thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a few grindings of black pepper.
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Return the browned kidneys to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.
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Cover the skillet and simmer gently for 25 minutes.
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Remove the skillet from heat and discard the bay leaf.
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Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and glossy.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
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Serve immediately over hot rice.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1432.2kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 94.8g146%
- Saturated Fat 40.6g204%
- Cholesterol 436.5mg146%
- Sodium 324.6mg14%
- Total Carbohydrate 22.8g8%
- Dietary Fiber 0.8g4%
- Sugars 0.1g
- Protein 115.5g231%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Preparation Tip: Soaking the kidneys in cold water and removing the white core is essential to reduce any strong gamey flavor.
Ingredient Substitution: If watercress is unavailable, you can substitute with fresh parsley or spinach, though watercress provides a unique peppery note.
Wine Choice: Use a dry red wine that you would drink, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, for the best flavor profile.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat.
Serving Suggestion: This dish pairs well with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, in addition to rice.