Cretan Rabbit Stew Recipes

CRETAN RABBIT STEW

Steps:

• Heat half the oil in a skillet or wok, add the rabbit, and saute over high heat until browned. Drain and place in a 5-to-6-quart heat-proof casserole. Season the rabbit with salt and pepper.
• Add the onions to the skillet, and saute over medium high heat until they start to brown. Add the garlic, and continue to saute until the onions and garlic are well browned. Add the skillet's contents to the casserole.
• Scatter the peppercorns, allspice, bay leaves and cumin in the casserole. Pour in the wine and the vinegar. Place the tomatoes on top, then the orange wedges. Pour remaining olive oil over the oranges. Cover, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer slowly about 45 minutes, until the rabbit and onions are tender.
• Transfer to a serving platter, arranging the rabbit in the middle and surrounding it with onions. Reheat the sauce in the casserole and check seasonings. Add the parsley. Cook for a few minutes to reduce the sauce slightly, remove bay leaves and spoon some of the sauce over the rabbit and onions.

GREEK RABBIT STEW RECIPE (IN RED WINE SAUCE)

Steps:

• Bring a deep pot over high heat and when it's hot, add the olive oil and the rabbit in one layer (if it doesn't fit in one layer, you will do it in batches). Let the meat brown well from one side, then flip it to brown from the other.
• Remove the meat from the pan, add the onion, the allspice, the bay leaves, and some freshly grated black pepper. Stir until the onion is translucent, then return the meat to the pot and add the wine and the pureed tomatoes. When the pot starts to boil again reduce heat to a slow simmer, cover and cook for 30 minutes.
• After 30 minutes, add the potatoes and the salt. Stir gently and shake the pan to distribute the ingredients evenly. Add enough boiling water (if needed) to almost cover the food, but not completely. Cook for about 1 hour or until the meat and the potatoes are fork tender.

RABBIT STEW

Steps:

• Using half the flour (3/4 cup) coat the pieces of rabbit, shaking off any excess. Heat the oil and butter in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, and brown the floured rabbit on all sides. Add the celery, carrots, onions, salt, pepper, bay leaves, 6 cups water and red wine, and stew for about 2 hours. Add the potatoes 45 minutes into the stewing process. Once the rabbit and all the vegetables are cooked, use some water to form a paste with the remaining 3/4 cup flour. Stir the flour mixture into the pot as a thickener. Add the already sauteed mushrooms to the stew and allow to simmer for about 10 minutes. Adjust seasonings, if necessary, and serve.