Red Wine Braised Rabbit Delight

This delectable dish combines the robust flavors of slow-cooked rabbit with the rich notes of red wine and an aromatic blend of spices. It's a comforting and sophisticated meal, perfect for special occasions or cozy evenings at home. The tender rabbit pieces are first browned to enhance their flavor, then they are gently simmered with a medley of vegetables and a splash of red wine, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The addition of peas, tomatoes, and herbs ensures a delightful harmony of tastes and textures. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe offers a rewarding challenge with delicious results. Pair it with a glass of red wine for a perfect dinner. It's a versatile recipe that can easily adapt to personal tastes and dietary preferences. Embrace the culinary traditions with this timeless dish, and you'll likely find it becomes a firm favorite.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

1 rabbit carcass
Olive oil for frying
Flour for coating rabbit
1 large onion
4 or more garlic cloves
200-300 ml dry red wine
2-4 chopped tomatoes or a few tablespoons of tomato paste
2 large carrots
At least 100 g frozen green peas
At least 4 large potatoes

Spices and Seasonings:

Teaspoon of sugar (preferably brown sugar)
Bay leaves
Ground nutmeg
Basil
Salt
Pepper
Other spices to taste, such as star anise or chicken stock

Preparation Time

Total Time: 90 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare Ingredients: Start by dividing the rabbit into pieces. Chop the onion, garlic, and carrots. Slice the potatoes into even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
Coat and Brown: Dredge the rabbit pieces in flour to create a light coating. Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the rabbit pieces until golden on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes per side. Transfer the browned pieces into a large pot.
Aromatic Base: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, around 3-4 minutes.
Add Wine: Slowly pour the red wine into the skillet, stirring to scrape up any browned bits for extra flavor. Let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly reduced.
Combine and Layer: Pour the wine mixture over the rabbit in the pot. Add the carrots, tomatoes (or tomato paste), and peas to the pot.
Season: Sprinkle in the sugar, bay leaves, nutmeg, basil, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning at this stage based on personal preference.
Add Liquids: Pour enough water into the pot to cover all ingredients. This ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
Simmer: Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent any sticking, especially towards the end of cooking.
Prepare Potatoes: Boil or roast the potatoes separately. If desired, they can be incorporated directly into the stew in the final 30 minutes of cooking to absorb the flavors.
Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
Serve: Dish up portions of the rabbit stew with potatoes as a side. A glass of red wine complements this meal beautifully.
Enjoy: Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Tips

Substitutions: If rabbit is unavailable, chicken thighs or legs make an excellent substitute.
Wine Selection: Choose a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot for the best flavor.
Thickening: For a thicker stew, create a slurry of flour and water, adding it to the pot during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
Herbs: Fresh herbs can replace dried ones for a fresher aroma.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per serving
Protein: 35g
Fats: 15g
Carbs: 30g

Variations

For Low Carb: Skip the potatoes and serve with cauliflower mash.
For a Spicy Kick: Add a dash of chili flakes or cayenne pepper.

Serving Suggestions

Sides: Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Garnish: Top with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Best Places

Le Pigeon - A cozy dining setting that celebrates unique flavors and innovative dishes, including rabbit. Location: 738 E Burnside St, Portland, USA.
La Petite Maison - Known for its authentic French cuisine and intimate atmosphere. Location: 651 DuPont St, Toronto, Canada.
Osteria Francescana - A three-Michelin-star establishment offering a unique take on Italian classics. Location: Via Stella, 22, Modena, Italy.
Quay Restaurant - Offers stunning views and an extensive menu that includes locally sourced ingredients. Location: Upper Circular Quay, Sydney, Australia.
Blue Hill at Stone Barns - Famous for farm-to-table dining experiences and exquisite preparations. Location: 630 Bedford Rd, Pocantico Hills, USA.
The Clove Club - A modern British restaurant renowned for its creative approach and fine dining. Location: Shoreditch Town Hall, London, England.
Ristorante Aroma at Palazzo Manfredi - Elegant dining with breathtaking views of the Colosseum. Location: Via Labicana, 125, Rome, Italy.
Central Restaurant - Celebrated for its elevation-themed dishes and culinary innovation. Location: Calle Santa Isabel 376, Lima, Peru.
Narisawa - Combines French and Japanese techniques for an exquisite dining experience. Location: 2 Chome-6-15 Minamiaoyama, Minato City, Tokyo, Japan.
De Wulf - Immerse into a farm-like atmosphere with an inspired and rustic menu. Location: Wulvestraat 1, Dranouter, Belgium.