Oven-roasted rabbit with sage and thyme

Delicious Oven-Baked Rabbit Recipe with Sage and Thyme

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 1-2 hours (or overnight, if you have time)
Baking time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Oven-baked rabbit with sage and thyme is a recipe that needs no elaborate presentation, considering how flavorful and aromatic it is. This dish reminds us of traditional meals, where tender meat and fresh herbs blend perfectly to create an unforgettable culinary experience. Additionally, this recipe is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a family Sunday meal.

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 rabbit (approximately 1.5-2 kg)
- 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon of chopped rosemary (if unavailable, it can be replaced with oregano)
- 1 tablespoon of chopped thyme
- 8 fresh sage leaves
- 100 g butter
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 large glass of white wine (a dry wine, preferably)
- Olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground pepper

Useful tips about ingredients:

- Rabbit: Choose a young rabbit for more tender meat. If you don't have access to fresh rabbit, chicken can be an alternative, though it won't provide the same flavor.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs are essential for this dish. If you don't have fresh thyme and rosemary, you can use dried versions, but reduce the quantity by half.
- White wine: Choose a quality wine, as its flavor will influence the final taste of the dish. A Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc are excellent choices.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the rabbit: Cut the rabbit into portions, keeping the breast for a vegetable soup or other uses. If you prefer, you can leave the meat whole, but cutting it into portions will facilitate even cooking.

2. Marinating: In a large bowl, mix the rabbit pieces with salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, sage, lemon juice, and zest cut into strips. Add the garlic clove sliced thinly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours or, ideally, overnight. Marinating helps to intensify the flavors and tenderize the meat.

3. Browning: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the rabbit pieces and brown them on all sides for 5-10 minutes until golden. It is recommended to do this in two batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet and to achieve even browning.

4. Adding the marinade: Once the rabbit is browned, add the remaining marinade and a small cube of butter. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, just soften. This will give a more delicate flavor to the final sauce.

5. Deglazing: Add the white wine to the skillet. At this point, you should hear a pleasant sizzling sound. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to evaporate the alcohol and concentrate the flavors.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Transfer the rabbit to a greased baking dish with olive oil and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 1 hour. After this time, remove the foil to allow the meat to brown nicely for 15-20 minutes.

7. Finishing the sauce: Once the rabbit is ready, add the remaining butter in small pieces. It will melt and form a rich and aromatic sauce.

Serving suggestions:

This oven-baked rabbit pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables. A seasonal salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette will complement the meal excellently. Additionally, a glass of chilled white wine would be the ideal accompaniment.

Possible variations:

If you want to add a touch of sweetness, you can include a few slices of apple or pear in the marinade. These will caramelize in the oven, adding a surprising flavor.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use chicken instead of rabbit?: Yes, but the cooking time will change. Chicken cooks faster, so check the meat after 30-40 minutes.
- How can I store leftovers?: Cooked rabbit can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?: Absolutely! It is an elegant recipe, perfect for a festive dinner.

Nutritional benefits:

Rabbit meat is an excellent source of protein, containing less fat compared to other types of meat. It is also rich in B vitamins and minerals such as iron and zinc, contributing to a balanced and healthy diet.

Now that you have all this information, all that's left is to put on your apron and enjoy cooking! This oven-baked rabbit recipe with sage and thyme will surely become a favorite for both you and your loved ones. Enjoy every moment of the culinary process and the final result!