Indulge in a comforting and flavorful dish that will transport you to the cozy countryside of France with our irresistible French Rabbit Stew, Lapin A La Cocotte. This classic French recipe combines tender rabbit meat with aromatic herbs and vegetables, creating a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings or special occasions. With the help of this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate the rustic charm and exquisite flavors of French cuisine right in your own kitchen.
French Rabbit Stew Lapin A La Cocotte
Ingredients:
– 1 whole rabbit, cut into pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 cup red wine
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
– 2 bay leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Start by seasoning the rabbit pieces with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven or cocotte, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned rabbit pieces and brown them on all sides, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot. Remove the browned rabbit pieces and set them aside.
2. In the same pot, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy and the fat has rendered. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Deglaze the pot by pouring in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce slightly, about 5 minutes.
4. Return the browned rabbit pieces to the pot. Add the chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, then cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the stew cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the rabbit is tender and the flavors have melded together.
5. Once the rabbit is fork-tender, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves.
6. To serve, ladle the French Rabbit Stew into shallow bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the rich and savory broth.
Enjoy this French Rabbit Stew Lapin A La Cocotte with a glass of red wine for a true taste of the French countryside. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply craving a comforting and delicious meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Bon appétit!
