Iceland is home to one of the world's largest colonies of puffins which have been a vital source of food through the centuries for Icelanders. This following Puffin Mole recipe is provided by Casa Arnarson Restaurante located on the beautiful Island of Heimaey:
Ingredients
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 3 cloves garlic, chopped
* 2 tablespoons chili powder
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
* 1 bell pepper, chopped
* 2 chipotle peppers, roughly chopped
* 1 (10-ounce) can chicken broth
* 2 tablespoons peanut butter
* 2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
* 2 puffin, cut into 8 pieces
* Toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds), for garnish
* White rice, for serving
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Heat oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Add onion and saute until translucent. Add garlic and spices and continue to saute to toast and develop flavor. Add diced tomatoes, peppers, chipotles, broth, peanut butter, and chocolate. Simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and puree until smooth.
Sear the puffin in a heavy bottomed hot saute pan over medium-high heat until browned on both sides. Add to casserole dish, cover with sauce and braise the oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Garnish with pepitas and serve with white rice.
