Soft Tacos With Chipotle Braised Rabbit Black Beans And Pickled Cabbage Recipes

EASY BLACK BEAN TACOS

Steps:

• To make the black beans: We're going to use the cooking liquid from one can of beans (or substitute 1/3 cup water for the cooking liquid). Rinse and drain the other can of beans. Once the beans are ready to go, warm the olive oil in small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the cumin, garlic and salt. Cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Pour in the can of beans with all of its liquid (or 1/3 cup water). Stir to combine. Mash up a portion of the beans with a potato masher or serving fork. Cook for a few minutes, stirring often, until the mixture reaches a simmer. Mash up the beans once more, then add the rinsed and drained beans.
• Stir to combine. Simmer for a few minutes, then reduce the heat to a bare minimum while we finish the remaining ingredients. Cover the pot, and stir it every few minutes so the beans don't stick to the bottom of the pan.
• To make the "crema": Combine the yogurt, lime juice and salt in a small bowl. Stir to combine. If desired, add hot sauce, to taste. Set aside.
• Warm the tortillas in a large skillet over medium heat in batches, flipping to warm each side. Alternatively, you can warm them directly over a low flame on a gas range. Stack the warmed tortillas on a plate and cover with a tea towel to keep warm.
• Soften the cabbage just a bit by sprinkling it with a couple dashes of salt. Then use your hands to "massage" it by scrunching up handfuls of cabbage until it is slightly wilted and fragrant.
• Finally, assemble your tacos: Spread a layer of beans down the center of each tortilla, followed by a small handful of cabbage, a generous drizzle of sauce, and sprinkles of cheese and cilantro and/or green onion. Serve immediately.

SOFT TACOS WITH CHIPOTLE-BRAISED RABBIT, BLACK BEANS, AND PICKLED CABBAGE

Steps:

• In a large pot, soak the black beans overnight in water to cover by 2 inches. The next day, add more water as needed to cover the beans by 2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat, then adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook until the beans are tender, about 1 hour. Add 2 teaspoons salt and let cool in the liquid.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Season the rabbit all over with salt and pepper. Heat a wide, deep ovenproof pot over high heat. Add the olive oil and sear the meat on all sides until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer the meat to a platter and set aside. Add the onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté briefly to release its fragrance.
• Add the tomatoes, wine, chipotle chiles, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer and return the meat to the pot. Cover tightly and place in the middle of the oven. Cook until the rabbit is fork-tender, about 1 1/2 hours, turning the pieces over halfway through. Remove the pot from the oven and let the meat cool to room temperature. Pull the meat from the bones and shred by hand. Return the meat to the pot and toss with the sauce. Taste for seasoning.
• For the pickled cabbage: Toss the cabbage, carrot, and red onion with 1 teaspoon salt in a colander; let drain for about 20 minutes to wilt slightly. Squeeze the vegetables to remove excess moisture, then transfer to a bowl and toss with the sugar and vinegar.
• Drain the beans, reserving the liquid. Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the serrano chile and sauté for about 1 minute to release its flavor. Set the chile aside if you prefer the beans relatively mild; leave it in if you prefer them spicy. Add the beans and 1 cup of the reserved cooking liquid. Bring to a simmer while mashing with a potato masher until the beans are nearly smooth. Simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors, thinning with reserved bean liquid if needed and stirring to prevent scorching. If the beans are too thin, simmer until they are as thick as you like. Taste for salt and keep warm.
• To serve, reheat the rabbit if necessary. Spread a large tablespoon of the refried beans on each tortilla. Top with a generous spoonful of the braised rabbit, some pickled cabbage, and chopped cilantro. Arrange the tacos on a platter or individual plates and accompany with lime wedges.
• Enjoy with Cakebread Cellars Rubaiyat or another young and fruity red wine.