Rabbit with olives

Delicious Rabbit with Olives Recipe: A Culinary Journey Full of Flavors

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Servings: 4

Rabbit with olives is a traditional recipe that combines refined tastes and tender texture, with each bite being an explosion of flavors. This dish is not only an excellent choice for a family dinner but also a perfect option to impress guests. Let’s embark on this delightful preparation together!

Necessary ingredients:

To achieve tender and flavorful rabbit meat, we need:

- 200 ml vinegar (for marinating)
- 1 l water (for marinating)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for marinating)
- 1.5 kg rabbit meat (cut into pieces)
- 3-4 onions (finely chopped)
- Oil (for browning the meat)
- 2 bay leaves
- 10 black peppercorns
- 1/4 l tomato juice (or a heaping tablespoon of tomato paste, optional)
- 1 teaspoon flour (for thickening, optional)
- 4 tablespoons white wine
- 3-4 slices of lemon (peeled)
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard
- 150 g olives (preferably green)
- A bit of thyme (for flavor)
- A little crushed garlic (optional)
- 3-4 l water (enough to cover the meat)

The story behind the recipe:

The rabbit with olives dish has its origins in the culinary traditions of many cultures, where rabbit meat has always been appreciated for its delicate flavor and ease of cooking. This specific recipe shows us how marinating with vinegar helps tenderize the meat, while the combination of olives, lemon, and white wine brings a distinctive and fresh taste.

Step by step – Your culinary guide:

1. Marinating the meat:
In a large bowl, mix the vinegar, water, and salt. Add the rabbit meat pieces and let them marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This marinade will not only tenderize the meat but will also add a special flavor.

2. Preparing the onions:
Meanwhile, heat a little oil in a pan. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden. Once the onion is ready, remove it from the pan and set it aside.

3. Browning the meat:
In the same pan, add the drained rabbit meat from the marinade. Brown it on all sides until golden. This step is essential as it will add a pleasant texture and savory flavor to the dish.

4. Boiling the meat:
Transfer the browned meat to a pot and add enough cold water to just cover it. Let it simmer over medium heat for 30 minutes, covering the pot with a lid.

5. Adding aromatic ingredients:
After the meat has boiled, add the sautéed onion, pepper, salt, bay leaves, and mix well. Continue boiling for another 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.

6. Finalizing the dish:
Add the whole olives and tomato juice (or paste, if you prefer). Let it boil for another 30 minutes with the pot partially covered to allow the sauce to thicken.

7. Final seasoning:
Finally, add the white wine, thyme, mustard, lemon slices, and crushed garlic (if desired). Dissolve the flour in a little cold water and add it to the pot to thicken the sauce. Check if the meat is tender; if so, turn off the heat and let the dish rest for a few minutes.

Serving suggestions and combinations:

Rabbit with olives is best served with a side of mashed potatoes or rice, which will absorb the delicious sauce. A fresh green salad with tomatoes and cucumbers can perfectly complete the meal. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine or fresh lemonade will perfectly accompany this dish.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can replace rabbit meat with chicken or turkey, but the cooking time will vary.

- What kind of olives should I choose?
Green olives are the most suitable for this dish, but you can also experiment with black olives for a different flavor.

- Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Sure! Rabbit with olives can be prepared a day in advance and kept in the refrigerator. The flavor will intensify as it sits.

Nutritional benefits:

Rabbit meat is an excellent source of protein, containing low fat and being rich in B vitamins. This recipe, being rich in vegetables and spices, offers a healthy and nutritious meal.

Personalized version:

If you want to bring a touch of originality, you can add some stuffed olives with seasonings or even some capers to further enhance the flavor of the dish. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary or oregano.

I hope this rabbit with olives recipe inspires you to prepare a delicious and comforting meal, perfect for any occasion! Bon appétit!