Rabbit soup

Rabbit Soup – A Flavorful Delicacy for Any Occasion

Rabbit soup is a traditional recipe, full of taste and aromas, that adds a touch of elegance to any meal. This dish stands out with its slightly sour flavor, perfect for cool days or moments when you want to impress family and friends with something special. Not only is it delicious, but it is also a nutritious option, thanks to the fresh and healthy ingredients.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 kg rabbit meat (ideally from the front part, more bony, for a more intense flavor)
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 onion
- ½ celery
- ¼ leek
- ½ large red bell pepper, diced
- 2 peeled tomatoes
- 4-5 potatoes, diced
- 1 sprig of thyme
- 300 ml sour cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- A little Magic Bors (or lemon juice, to taste)
- Fresh lovage, chopped

Preparing the rabbit soup:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the rabbit meat well under cold running water. Make sure to dry it with a paper towel to remove excess water. Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces. This will help with even and quick cooking.

2. Vegetables: Peel and prepare the vegetables. Chop the onion finely, and grate the carrot. Cut the celery into cubes, and slice the leek into thin strips. Dice the red bell pepper. These vegetables will form the aromatic base of the soup.

3. Sauté the meat and vegetables: In a large pot, add a tablespoon of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the pieces of rabbit meat and sauté for a few minutes until they are lightly browned. Then, add the onion, carrot, celery, leek, and bell pepper. Continue to cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.

4. Season: After the vegetables have softened slightly, add salt, pepper, and the sprig of thyme. These seasonings will enhance the flavor of the soup.

5. Boiling: Add 4 liters of cold water to the pot. If using a pressure cooker, close the valve and let it boil for 40 minutes. If you don't have a pressure cooker, let it boil over medium heat, covering the pot, for about 1 hour.

6. Add the potatoes and tomatoes: After the boiling time has passed, open the pot and add the diced potatoes and peeled tomatoes. These will provide a pleasant texture and a hint of acidity to the soup. Boil over medium heat, uncovered, for 15 minutes.

7. Innovation with celery: While the soup is boiling, take a piece of boiled celery and use a food processor to turn it into a smooth paste. This is a secret that will add a creamy consistency and a unique flavor to your soup.

8. Finalizing the soup: After the potatoes are cooked, add the celery paste to the pot, along with the sour cream. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Then, add a little Magic Bors or lemon juice, depending on your preference, to achieve that sour note.

9. Serving: Finally, add the chopped fresh lovage, mixing well. Turn off the heat and let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving suggestions: Rabbit soup is served hot, ideally alongside a slice of homemade bread or fresh polenta. A glass of dry white wine perfectly complements this meal, making it a refined combination.

Nutritional benefits: Rabbit soup is an excellent source of protein and vitamins, thanks to the rabbit meat and fresh vegetables. It is a healthy option, with a relatively low calorie content (approximately 150-200 kcal per serving, depending on the amount of sour cream used).

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use chicken instead of rabbit?
Yes, you can substitute rabbit meat with chicken. The soup will have a different taste, but it will be just as delicious.

- How can I vary the recipe?
You can add other vegetables, such as zucchini or green beans, to diversify the recipe. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as parsley or basil.

- Can the soup be frozen?
Yes, rabbit soup can be frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in airtight containers.

Certainly, rabbit soup will bring traditional flavors to your table and will be a dish appreciated by all who taste it. By trying this recipe, you will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of culinary history to your kitchen. Enjoy your meal!