Introduction
Method
Method for grouse
- Take the grouse out of the fridge so that they can come to room temperature before you start cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/ 400°F/ Gas 6.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed roasting tin. Season the grouse well, inside and out, then sear them in the pan until golden brown all over.
- Add the diced vegetables, baby onions and thyme sprigs to the pan.
- Place the grouse on one breast and roast in the hot oven for 3-4 minutes.
- Flip the birds onto the other breast and roast for another 3 minutes.
- Next pour brandy into both birds and place them on their back to finish roasting - another 5 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the oven and leave the grouse to rest for 10 minutes breast upwards so the juices are evenly distributed. Keep all the pan juices and vegetables.
- Put the roasting tin back on the heat on top of the stove and begin to reduce the cooking juices.
- Add the chicken stock, bring to the boil and let the sauce reduce and thicken.
- Take off the heat and pass through a fine sieve - keep warm until ready to serve.
Method for roasted pumpkin
- Heat the oven to 180°C/ Gas4. Peel the beetroot, wearing plastic gloves to avoid staining your hands red.
- Cut into quarters, place in a saucepan and pour on enough water to cover. Add salt and bring to the boil.
- Simmer for 30minutes or until the beetroot is about three-quarters cooked. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, peel the Jerusalem artichokes, cut them in half and immerse in a bowl of cold water with the lemon juice added to stop them discolouring.
- Peel away the skin from the pumpkin and remove the skins. Cut into thick moon-shaped slices.
- Heat a large non-stick ovenproof frying pan (or a cast-iron roasting pan) over a medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Place the pumpkin and Jerusalem artichokes into the pan, season with salt and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning to colour.
- Transfer to the oven and roast for 15 minutes.
- Cut the beetroot into wedges, add to the pan and cook in the oven for a further 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the dressing. Combine the chopped hazelnuts, shallots, chives and hazelnut oil in a bowl. Add a splash of sherry vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste.
To serve
- Once the grouse has rested, remove the legs and breast meat and serve with pan juices.
- Spoon the dressing over the roasted vegetables and scatter over the watercress to serve.