The Partridge in a Pear Tree, from the traditional 12 Days of Christmas song, has inspired a new dish at The Dhabba in the Merchant City. Chefs there have created a special plate using a traditional tandoor oven and the festive bird.
The famous reference to the partridge comes from carol, where it is listed as the first gift. Partridges are smaller than pheasants but bigger than quails. In Scotland they forage and eat berries and heather and they have a delicate subtle taste which isn’t as strong and gamey as other birds.
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Although partridges are unlikely to be found in pear trees as they are ground nesting birds, it’s been suggested that the pear tree in the lyrics comes from the French une perdrix which means partridge.
Regardless, the phrase is now so famous that The Dhabba wanted to pay tribute in its own way. The Partridge and Pear main course sees the bird being marinated in festive herbs and spices and gently roasted in the tandoori oven, then served alongside soft pear cooked in a sweetened spiced syrup.
It will be offered between December 20 -24 for £19.95 and must be booked in advance through thedhabba.com.
Owner Navdeep Basi told Glasgowist: “Partridge is a popular dish in North India, especially in the Punjab region. In fact, it is said that the Indian lover can pay no higher compliment than to say that his lady runs with the ease of a partridge. Indian people love their game and the smokey taste of the tandoor combined with the rich spices provides an exciting taste. Obviously we couldn’t neglect having pear in the dish too and it’s a classic case of sweet complementing savoury.”