Kouneli sto Fourno me Manitaria
Kouneli sto Fourno me Manitaria Recipe - Traditional Greek Rabbit and Mushroom Dish
Introduction
Kouneli sto Fourno me Manitaria, or Baked Rabbit with Mushrooms, is a traditional Greek dish that is both hearty and flavorful. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner.
History
This recipe has been passed down through generations in Greek households, with each family adding their own twist to it. Rabbit meat has been a staple in Greek cuisine for centuries, and when paired with mushrooms and a creamy sauce, it creates a delicious and comforting meal.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Marinate the rabbit pieces and mushrooms in olive oil.
- Add salt and pepper, then refrigerate for an hour.
- Place them in a baking pan and bake at 180°C for 40 – 50 minutes.
- Prepare the sauce as follows: heat olive oil and add flour.
- Gradually pour in the milk while stirring constantly until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Do not let the sauce become too thick.
- Once it starts to thicken, remove from heat and add salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg.
- When the rabbit is ready, serve on plates with mushrooms and drizzle with spoonfuls of sauce.
Variations
- Substitute chicken or pork for the rabbit.
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Marinating the rabbit and mushrooms in olive oil helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
- Baking the dish at a lower temperature for a longer period of time ensures that the rabbit is cooked through and tender.
- Be sure to constantly stir the sauce while adding the milk to prevent lumps from forming.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a Greek salad.
Cooking Techniques
Marinating the rabbit and mushrooms
- Baking in the oven
Ingredient Substitutions
Use any type of mushrooms you prefer.
- Substitute Parmesan cheese with another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano.
Make Ahead Tips
You can marinate the rabbit and mushrooms ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the dish on a platter garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair with a glass of red wine, such as a Greek Xinomavro or a Pinot Noir.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories per serving: 520
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 12g per serving
Fats
Fats: 32g per serving
Proteins
Proteins: 45g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This dish is a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (Parmesan cheese) and wheat (flour).
Summary
Kouneli sto Fourno me Manitaria is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein and essential nutrients.
Summary
Kouneli sto Fourno me Manitaria is a delicious and comforting Greek dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner. With tender rabbit meat, flavorful mushrooms, and a creamy sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a beautiful spring day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, a recipe for Kouneli sto Fourno me Manitaria caught my eye. I had never heard of this dish before, but the combination of tender rabbit meat and savory mushrooms sounded absolutely delicious.
I immediately set out to gather the ingredients I would need to make this dish. I went to the local market and picked out a plump rabbit, some fresh mushrooms, onions, garlic, and a bottle of red wine. I could already imagine the wonderful aromas that would fill my kitchen as the dish cooked in the oven.
As I began preparing the dish, memories of my grandmother flooded back to me. She was the one who had first sparked my love for cooking, teaching me the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients and taking the time to cook with love and care. I could almost hear her voice guiding me as I seasoned the rabbit meat and sautéed the mushrooms in a rich red wine sauce.
As the dish baked in the oven, the tantalizing smells wafted through the house, drawing my family into the kitchen. My husband peeked over my shoulder, his mouth watering in anticipation. "What are you making, dear?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with excitement. I smiled and told him about the new recipe I was trying, and how I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.
When the timer chimed, signaling that the Kouneli sto Fourno me Manitaria was ready, I carefully removed the dish from the oven. The rabbit meat was tender and juicy, the mushrooms cooked to perfection in the savory wine sauce. I scooped some onto each plate and garnished it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
As we sat down to eat, the silence was broken by the sound of forks clinking against plates and satisfied sighs of contentment. My family couldn't stop raving about how delicious the dish was, how the flavors melded together perfectly, creating a harmonious symphony of taste.
From that day on, Kouneli sto Fourno me Manitaria became a staple in our household. It was a dish that brought us together, a dish that reminded us of the importance of tradition and family. I couldn't help but think of my grandmother, and how she would have been proud to see me carrying on her legacy of cooking with love and passion.
And so, as I sit here now, recounting the story of how I learned to make this wonderful recipe, I can't help but feel grateful for the lessons passed down to me through generations. Cooking is not just about following a set of instructions – it's about creating something special, something that nourishes not just the body, but the soul as well. And in that sense, Kouneli sto Fourno me Manitaria will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and love that can be found in a simple meal shared with family and loved ones.
Categories
| Greek Meat Dishes | Greek Recipes | Mushroom Recipes | Parmesan Cheese Recipes | Rabbit Recipes |