Braised Rabbit With Prunes Lapin Aux Pruneaux Recipes

LAPIN SAUTE AUX PRUNEAUX (SAUTEED RABBIT WITH PRUNES)

Steps:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the rabbit pieces, carrots, onions, celery, vinegar, wine, parsley, thyme, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate. Let stand overnight or up to 24 hours, turning the pieces occasionally.
• Drain and reserve the strained liquid. Reserve the rabbit pieces and vegetables, but discard the parsley, thyme and bay leaf.
• Heat the oil and butter in a heavy casserole and add the rabbit pieces. Cook until nicely browned on one side, about four or five minutes. Turn the pieces and cook until browned on the second side.
• Scatter the reserved vegetables in the casserole and stir. Cook briefly and pour off all fat.
• Sprinkle the rabbit pieces with flour and stir. Add the reserved marinating liquid and stir. Add the broth. Bring to the boil and cover. Cook about 20 minutes and add the prunes. Cover and cook 20 minutes. Serve.

BRAISED RABBIT WITH PRUNES (LAPIN AUX PRUNEAUX)

Steps:

• Make sure you read the cooking notes before you start.
• Step 1 - At least 2 hours before you start cooking, pat dry the rabbit (with paper towel) and season the rabbit pieces with salt and pepper on both sides. Be generous and make sure to get inside all the nooks and crannies. Set aside to "warm" to near room temperature. You can do your prep work (shallots, garlic, bacon) in the meantime.
• Step 2 - In a large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or casserole, heat up the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Place the rabbit pieces in (work in batches) and cook for 5 minutes on each side, until the outside is golden. Set aside on a plate.
• Step 3 - Add the bacon strips and cook for about 5-6 minutes, until crisp. Remove the bacon from the Dutch oven with a spatula, so the drippings remain at the bottom, and set the bacon aside.
• Step 4 - Add the shallots and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes, until slightly caramelized.
• Step 5 - Add the flour and stir with a wooden spoon until fully combined. Add the rabbit pieces back in. Pour in the white wine and chicken stock. Add the bacon, 2/3 of the prunes (200g), juniper berries and bay leaves. Cover with a lid, lower the temperature to medium low and cook for 45 minutes.
• Step 6 - After the 45 minutes, ensure the rabbit is cooked through by poking a pointy knife in it. It should insert fairly easily. Add the rest of the prunes (100G) and cook for an extra 10 minutes.
• Optional: When adding the last of the prunes, you can add the rabbit liver. Mash up the rabbit liver in a small bowl with a fork, add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and whisk until creamy. Pour in the mixture into the sauce, mix to combine.
• After the 10 more minutes of cooking, serve over rice.