Pigeons with Spiced Plums and Red Cabbage

The first dish I made without following someone else’s recipe was a pigeon casserole. I was a music student living in a damp basement flat and I bought pigeons because they were cheap. However, the dish really impressed my friends and I have enjoyed these humble birds ever since. In this casserole their full flavour goes well with both the spices and the sharp sweetness of plums. Serve with mashed potato and a green vegetable or leaf salad.