Rabbit Hunter Style Coniglio Alla Cacciatora Recipes

RABBIT CACCIATORA

Steps:

• Sprinkle the rabbit with salt and pepper. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and the rabbit pieces (except for the belly), and sear on both sides until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Remove to a plate.
• Chop the rabbit belly finely. Add to the same pot and saute the rabbit bellies with the anchovies and garlic. Use your wooden spoon to break up the anchovies, and saute until the garlic is fragrant and the anchovies are melted. Add the carrots, onions and celery and saute until tender and just beginning to turn golden. Stir in the wine and cook until the sharp wine smell cooks away, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and their juices along with the olives, and give a good stir.
• Add the rabbit to the pot, making sure the pieces are just covered by the tomatoes, and stir to coat with the sauce. Cover with a lid. Bring to a simmer and add the bay leaves. Simmer on low for 35 to 40 minutes. Serve sprinkled with chopped parsley.

POLLO ALLA CACCIATORA (ITALIAN HUNTER-STYLE CHICKEN)

Steps:

• Rinse the chicken pieces and pat them dry.
• Mix the flour, salt and pepper together in a large bowl. Toss the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess, and set aside.
• Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high flame. Add a few chicken pieces at a time and brown them on both sides. Remove the chicken to a plate.
• Add the onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
• Add the garlic and mushrooms and sauté for another 3-4 minutes, or until the mushrooms are wilted and cooked through.
• Stir in the wine and tomatoes and simmer for a few minutes until cooked down somewhat. Then stir in the water or stock, herbs and salt and pepper to taste.
• Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
• Adjust seasoning to taste and serve with polenta or roasted potatoes.
• *Variations.
• Coniglio alla Cacciatora: use rabbit instead of chicken.
• Other possible additions: chopped bell peppers, chopped carrots, chopped celery, chopped oregano, bay leaves, juniper berries, dried porcini mushrooms, black olives, capers, 3 or 4 chopped anchovies.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken breast for a lower fat version.