If you're looking to impress your dinner guests with a dish that exudes rustic charm and gourmet flair, look no further than this Old Fashioned Rabbit Stew. Bursting with rich flavors and tender meat, this classic French recipe is a delightful way to elevate your culinary skills and transport your taste buds to the heart of France. With a perfect balance of aromatic herbs, hearty vegetables, and a luscious sauce, this stew is not just a meal; it's an experience. Ready to dive into the art of slow-cooking? Let’s uncover the secrets behind this mouthwatering dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Rabbit, cut into pieces
- Carrots, sliced
- Onions, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- White wine
- Chicken broth
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by patting the rabbit pieces dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Brown the rabbit pieces on all sides until they develop a rich, golden-brown crust, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Remove the browned rabbit and set aside. In the same pot, add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly caramelized.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to let it burn.
- Deglaze the pot with white wine, scraping up all the flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pan using a wooden spoon.
- Return the rabbit pieces to the pot and add sliced carrots, fresh thyme, and rosemary sprigs.
- Pour in enough chicken broth to almost cover the meat, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew slowly braise for approximately
- 5 to 2 hours, or until the rabbit meat becomes tender and easily falls off the bone.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove the herb sprigs before serving. Serve hot, ideally with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce.
Tips
- Choose Quality Rabbit: For the best flavor, select a high-quality rabbit from a trusted butcher or farmer's market. Fresh, organic rabbit will enhance the overall taste of your stew.
- Don’t Rush the Browning: Take your time when browning the rabbit pieces. This step builds a deep, rich flavor that will infuse the entire dish. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot; brown in batches if necessary.
- Embrace the Herbs: Fresh herbs make a significant difference in this recipe. If possible, use fresh thyme and rosemary instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor profile.
- Deglaze with Care: When deglazing the pot with white wine, be sure to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom. These bits are packed with flavor and will enhance the stew’s richness.
- Low and Slow: Allow the stew to simmer gently. This slow cooking process is key to achieving tender meat that falls off the bone. Check occasionally to ensure it’s not cooking too quickly.
- Perfect Pairings: Serve your stew with crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of seasonal vegetables or a simple green salad complements the dish beautifully.
- Leftovers are Gold: If you have any leftovers, they can be even more flavorful the next day! Store them in the refrigerator and enjoy the stew reheated for a quick and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
