Ethical Butcher

Respecting the bird from beak to feet True culinary mastery requires more than just high-quality ingredients; it demands a philosophy of total utilization. At Fallow, this ethos manifests in the viral Chicken Head Pie, a dish that challenges modern sensibilities by embracing the entire animal. This isn't shock value for the sake of social media. Instead, it is a calculated effort to honor the bird, ensuring that no part—from the rich Chicken Gizzards to the often-discarded head—is lost to the bin. By sourcing from the Ethical Butcher, the kitchen ensures the starting material justifies the labor-intensive preparation. Building the foundation of flavor The soul of this pie lies in its base. Start by caramelizing bacon to provide a smoky, salty depth. To this, add brazed gizzards and Chicken Hearts that have been cooked slowly (confit) until they reach a buttery tenderness. The liquid gold of the dish is a rich chicken stock made from roasted carcasses, providing a gelatinous mouthfeel that binds the offal together. Before layering, incorporate roasted Chicken Oysters—the succulent bits found on the back of the thigh—seared until the skin is remarkably crispy. These small morsels offer a textural contrast to the soft braised meats. Preparing and stuffing the centerpiece The most controversial element is the head, which requires precise butchery. You must peel away the esophagus, windpipe, and feed sack, leaving the neck meat intact. This neck meat is remarkably sweet and prized by those who understand traditional French technique. To prepare the head for the pie, use a piping bag to fill the cavity with a delicate Chicken Mousse. Wrap the head in a napkin, truss it tightly, and steam it to set the mousse. Once cooled, sear the skin in a pan to achieve a golden, caramelized finish before inserting it through the pastry lid. Final assembly and baking Layer your meat and stock mixture into the pie dish, being careful not to overfill, which prevents the sauce from bubbling over and ruining the pastry seal. Drape the pastry over the filling, apply an egg wash for a glossy sheen, and create a small incision. This is where the steamed head is positioned, standing upright in a style reminiscent of a traditional Stargazy Pie. Bake the assembly for 25 minutes at 180°C. The result is a celebration of Pierre Koffmann's influence: a dish that is technically perfect, waste-free, and unapologetically bold.