Savory Rabbit

Savory Rabbit Recipe from Malta with Bacon, Garlic, and White Wine

Region / culture: Malta | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 1.5 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Savory Rabbit is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a special dinner or a cozy family meal. This recipe combines tender rabbit meat with savory bacon, aromatic herbs, and a rich tomato sauce. It is a comforting and satisfying dish that is sure to impress your guests.

History

Rabbit has been a popular meat choice for centuries, especially in European cuisine. It is lean, flavorful, and versatile, making it a great option for a variety of dishes. This savory rabbit recipe has been passed down through generations and is a favorite in many households.

Ingredients

1 rabbit, cut into portions
3 medium slices of streaky bacon, chopped
2 tbsp of olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, chopped
large sprig of fresh rosemary and sage, chopped
2 glasses of white wine
400 g / 14 oz of canned plum tomatoes, chopped or sieved
1 tsp of sugar
salt and black pepper

How to prepare

Soak the rabbit in cold, slightly salted water for a couple of hours.
Drain the rabbit and pat it dry with kitchen towel.
In a thick-bottom saucepan, brown the bacon in the olive oil.
Add the rabbit pieces and brown them all over before adding the garlic and herbs.
Sauté for a few more minutes, then add the wine and let it bubble for a few minutes.
Add the tomatoes and sugar, season with salt and black pepper, and simmer with the lid slightly askew for about 1.5 hours.
If the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, add a little more wine.
Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and a green salad.

Variations

Add mushrooms or olives to the sauce for extra flavor.
Use red wine instead of white wine for a richer sauce.
Substitute chicken or pork for the rabbit if desired.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the rabbit in salted water helps to tenderize the meat and remove any gamey flavor.

- Browning the rabbit and bacon before adding the other ingredients helps to develop rich flavors.

- Simmering the rabbit in the tomato sauce for a long period of time allows the meat to become tender and flavorful.

- Adding a splash of wine to the sauce adds depth and complexity to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

This savory rabbit dish pairs well with creamy mashed potatoes and a fresh green salad. It can also be served with crusty bread or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the rabbit and bacon before adding the other ingredients helps to develop rich flavors.

- Simmering the rabbit in the tomato sauce for a long period of time allows the meat to become tender and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

If rabbit is not available, you can use chicken or pork as a substitute.

- You can use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

This savory rabbit dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the oven.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this savory rabbit dish in a shallow bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. Garnish with a sprig of fresh sage for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This savory rabbit dish pairs well with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. You can also serve it with a light red wine, such as Pinot Noir.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this savory rabbit dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this savory rabbit dish contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Carbohydrates

This savory rabbit recipe is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet.

Fats

The bacon and olive oil in this recipe provide healthy fats that are essential for a balanced diet.

Proteins

Rabbit is a lean source of protein, making this dish a great option for those looking to increase their protein intake.

Vitamins and minerals

Rabbit is rich in vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, iron, and zinc. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains bacon, which may be a potential allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving this dish.

Summary

Overall, this savory rabbit recipe is a nutritious and delicious option for a special meal. It is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a well-rounded dish for any occasion.

Summary

Savory Rabbit is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a special meal. This recipe combines tender rabbit meat with savory bacon, aromatic herbs, and a rich tomato sauce. It is a satisfying and nutritious option that is sure to impress your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Savory Rabbit. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in the countryside. Margaret was a fantastic cook, and I always looked forward to our time together in the kitchen.

On this particular day, Margaret had a surprise for me. She had caught a rabbit in her backyard that morning and wanted to show me how to make a delicious dish with it. I had never cooked rabbit before, but I was eager to learn. Margaret handed me a piece of paper with her handwritten recipe on it, and I knew this was going to be a special meal.

As we worked together in the kitchen, Margaret shared the story behind the recipe. She had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. The flavors and techniques in the recipe were traditional and time-honored, and I felt honored to be learning it from Margaret.

We started by marinating the rabbit in a mixture of herbs and spices. Margaret explained that this step was essential to infuse the meat with flavor and tenderize it. While the rabbit rested in the marinade, we prepared the other ingredients – onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes. Margaret showed me how to chop everything just right, so it would cook evenly and blend together beautifully.

Once everything was ready, we began cooking the rabbit. Margaret had a large cast-iron skillet that she used for all her savory dishes, and she showed me how to sear the meat until it was golden brown on all sides. The sizzle of the rabbit in the hot pan was music to my ears, and the aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating.

Next, we added the vegetables to the skillet and let them cook down until they were soft and fragrant. Margaret had a way of coaxing out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, so they complemented the savory rabbit perfectly. We seasoned everything with a dash of salt and pepper, just as her grandmother had done, and let the flavors meld together.

As the dish simmered on the stove, Margaret regaled me with stories of her grandmother and the meals they had shared together. She spoke with such love and reverence for the woman who had taught her everything she knew about cooking. I could see why Margaret was such a talented cook – she had learned from the best.

Finally, it was time to plate up our Savory Rabbit. Margaret arranged the meat and vegetables on a large serving platter, garnishing it with fresh herbs from her garden. The colors and textures of the dish were stunning, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

As we sat down to eat, Margaret raised her glass in a toast to her grandmother and all the wonderful recipes she had passed down. I could taste the love and history in every bite of the Savory Rabbit, and I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart.

Since that day with Margaret, I have made Savory Rabbit many times for my own family and friends. Each time I cook it, I think of her and her grandmother and the tradition of sharing recipes and stories. Cooking is more than just preparing food – it's a way to connect with the past and create memories that will last a lifetime.

I am grateful for the day I stumbled upon this recipe for Savory Rabbit, and for the chance to learn it from someone as talented and generous as Margaret. It has become a staple in my own cooking repertoire, and I know that I will pass it down to future generations, just as Margaret did for me. Cooking is a gift that keeps on giving, and I am so thankful for all the delicious recipes and wonderful memories that have come from it.