Rabbit in Orange Sauce

Rabbit in Orange Sauce Recipe from Chile | Ingredients and Steps

Region / culture: Chile | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Rabbit in Orange Sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender rabbit meat with a tangy and citrusy orange sauce. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner.

History

Rabbit in Orange Sauce is a traditional French dish that dates back to the Middle Ages. Rabbits were commonly raised for meat in France, and cooks would often prepare them in a variety of ways, including with citrus fruits like oranges. The combination of tender rabbit meat with the bright and zesty flavors of orange creates a unique and delicious dish that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

2 tbsp vegetable oil
2.5 lb (1.13 kg) rabbit, cut into serving pieces
2 medium onions, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1.5 cups dry white wine
1.5 cups orange juice
salt, freshly ground pepper
1 tbsp flour
1 tbsp butter
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 hard-boiled egg, finely chopped
1 tbsp chopped parsley

How to prepare

Heat the oil in a skillet and sauté the rabbit pieces until they are lightly browned.
Transfer them to a flameproof casserole.
In the remaining oil in the pan, add a little more if necessary, sauté the onions and garlic until the onions are softened.
Add them to the casserole.
Pour the wine into the skillet and scrape up all the brown bits.
Pour it into the casserole.
Add the orange juice to the casserole and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Cover and simmer until the rabbit is tender, about 1.5 hours.
Transfer the rabbit pieces to a serving dish and keep them warm.
Work the flour and butter into a paste.
Add it to the liquid in the casserole and cover over low heat, stirring, until it is lightly thickened.
Beat 0.5 cup of the sauce into the eggs, then pour the eggs into the casserole, stirring constantly.
Do not let the sauce come to a boil, as it will curdle.
Pour the sauce over the rabbit and sprinkle with the egg and parsley.
Serve with rice, potatoes or noodles, and a green vegetable.

Variations

For a twist on this classic recipe, try adding some herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sauce for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different citrus fruits like lemons or limes for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the rabbit pieces before simmering them in the sauce. This will help to seal in the juices and create a flavorful crust on the meat.

- Be careful not to let the sauce come to a boil after adding the eggs, as it may curdle. Keep the heat low and stir constantly to ensure a smooth and creamy sauce.

- Serve the rabbit with rice, potatoes, or noodles to soak up the delicious orange sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Rabbit in Orange Sauce with rice, potatoes, or noodles, and a side of green vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Rabbit in Orange Sauce is to simmer the rabbit pieces slowly in the sauce until they are tender and flavorful. Be patient and allow the flavors to meld together for the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find rabbit meat, you can substitute chicken or pork in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the meat is cooked through.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the rabbit in orange sauce ahead of time and reheat it gently before serving. The flavors will have a chance to develop even more, making it even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Rabbit in Orange Sauce with fresh parsley and a slice of orange for a beautiful and elegant presentation. Serve it on a platter with a side of rice or potatoes for a stunning meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Rabbit in Orange Sauce with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to complement the citrus flavors in the dish. A side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing would also be a great accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Rabbit in Orange Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300 per serving

Carbohydrates

15g per serving

Fats

12g per serving

Proteins

30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and butter.

Summary

Rabbit in Orange Sauce is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and delicious meal option.

Summary

Rabbit in Orange Sauce is a classic French dish that combines tender rabbit meat with a tangy and citrusy orange sauce. This dish is flavorful, nutritious, and perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner. Serve it with rice, potatoes, or noodles, and a side of green vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I discovered this recipe for Rabbit in Orange Sauce. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My grandmother, a renowned cook in the community, had invited me to help her prepare a special meal for a gathering of friends and family. It was during this time that she shared with me the secret to making this delicious dish.

As we gathered the ingredients together, my grandmother began to tell me the story behind the recipe. She explained that she had learned it from an old friend who had traveled to Spain and brought back the recipe as a souvenir. The combination of tender rabbit meat, tangy orange sauce, and aromatic herbs was a unique and delightful blend that had quickly become a favorite among our family and friends.

I watched in awe as my grandmother expertly prepared the rabbit, marinating it in a mixture of orange juice, garlic, and herbs before roasting it to perfection in the oven. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I could hardly wait to taste the finished dish.

When the rabbit was finally ready, my grandmother served it with a side of fluffy rice and a crisp green salad. The first bite was a revelation – the meat was succulent and flavorful, the sauce tangy and sweet. I knew then that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire.

Over the years, I have made Rabbit in Orange Sauce many times, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. Sometimes I like to add a touch of honey for extra sweetness, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky kick. No matter how I choose to prepare it, the dish always brings back memories of that day in the kitchen with my grandmother, learning the art of cooking and creating delicious meals to share with loved ones.

I have since passed on the recipe to my own children and grandchildren, hoping that they too will find joy in preparing this special dish. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my family, to create memories and traditions that will last for generations to come. And so, every time I make Rabbit in Orange Sauce, I am reminded of the love and warmth that my grandmother passed down to me through the simple act of sharing a meal. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to nourish both body and soul, and to create lasting bonds that endure through the passage of time.