Here is a super-simple recipe for doves. All you'll need is a mess of fresh, cleaned and plucked doves, some cajun seasoning, olive oil and a hot grill.

Time: 3 hrs   •   Prep Time: 3 hrs   •   Cook Time: 3 hrs and 15 mins
Serving Size: 4

Ingredients

8-12 doves (or 8 quail)
1/4 cup olive or vegetable oil
1/2 cup Creole or Cajun spice rub

Directions

After cleaning your doves (keep them whole for this recipe, not breasted out), coat them with olive oil and drop them in a Ziploc type bag or container, along with your favorite spice rub. I like a cajun seasoning, but just about any type of rub flavor you like will do. Let the birds sit in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.

Get your grill hot and leave a cooler spot, since these will be cooked using indirect heat. If you use a gas grill, just use one burner. If using charcoal, leave a place where there are no hot coals underneath to grill your birds.

Before you put the birds on the grate, wipe it down with a paper towel soaked in vegetable oil or spray it with non-stick cooking spray (be careful with either approach).

Put the doves or quail, breast side up, in the in-direct heat part of the grill for about 5 minutes with the grill cover down.

Turn the birds onto one side to sear the wings and legs and grill over the hot side of the grill for about 2 minutes or until you brown the skin nicely. Repeat this by flipping the bird onto the other side.

Lastly, flip the doves so they are breast side down (towards the flame) for another 1-2 minutes, or until the breast is also nicely browned, with a little bit of char on it.

Remove the doves from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes before eating.

Tips

Serve with your choice of sides. If you use a cajun seasoning on the dove, then a some dirty rice or beans and rice might be a nice choice. Enjoy.