Beer-brined Grilled Quail  - The Local Palate

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¾ onion, chopped
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
• 2 cups dark beer, such as a stout
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup malt vinegar
• 2 ounces tamarind paste
• 2 ounces figs, chopped
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• Pinch cayenne
• 16 quail eggs
• ½ cup kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 3 thyme sprigs
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 star anise
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 8 whole quail