Oven-baked rabbit with valerian salad

Rabbit in the oven with valerian salad - a delicious and healthy recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total: 3 hours
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

Oven-baked rabbit is a traditional dish that adds a touch of elegance and authenticity to your table. Rabbit meat, known for its tender texture and slightly sweet taste, is an excellent choice for family dinners or special occasions. In this recipe, I will share with you how to prepare an oven-baked rabbit with a blend of ingredients that perfectly combine flavors to achieve a delicious result. You will discover preparation techniques, possible variations, and useful tips to achieve a perfect dish.

Ingredients

- 1 domestic rabbit (approximately 3 kg)
- 100 ml vinegar (white wine vinegar is ideal)
- 100 ml olive oil
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (optional, but not recommended)
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon capers in vinegar
- 1 tablespoon whole pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 6 cloves of garlic, peeled
- Fresh basil, to taste
- Himalayan salt, to taste

For the salad:

- Valerian leaves
- Red radishes
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice

Preparing the rabbit

1. Cleaning and preparing the rabbit
Start by washing and thoroughly cleaning the rabbit. Cut it into portions to make it easier to cook and serve. This step is essential to ensure that each piece will be cooked evenly.

2. Marinating the meat
Place the rabbit pieces in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Add the vinegar and let the meat marinate overnight, or at least for 6-8 hours. This marinating will help reduce the natural sweetness of the rabbit meat.

3. Preparing the cooking vessel
The next day, drain the rabbit pieces and pat them dry with a paper towel. Heat the olive oil in a clay pot (a Greek pot is ideal) and add the rabbit meat. Stir well so that each piece is coated with oil.

4. Adding the spices
Add the ketchup (if you choose to use it), mustard, capers, whole pepper, oregano, smoked paprika, garlic, and rosemary. Mix well to combine the flavors.

5. Adding the liquid
Pour a glass of water over the meat. This liquid will help maintain moisture during baking and enhance the flavors.

6. Baking
Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the preheated oven at 180°C (350°F). Let it bake for 2 hours. After this interval, remove the lid and continue baking for another 30 minutes, until the meat becomes golden and appetizing.

Finishing the dish

In the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, you can add diced tomatoes to bring a contrast of acidity and balance the sweet taste of the meat.

Preparing the salad

1. Washing the ingredients
Wash the valerian leaves and radishes well. Slice the radishes thinly.

2. Assembling the salad
In a large bowl, combine the valerian with the radishes. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, gently mixing to combine the ingredients.

Serving

When the rabbit is ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes, then serve it on a nice platter. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil to add a vibrant look. Alongside the rabbit, the serving of valerian salad will add a fresh and crunchy note.

Chef's tip

If you want to add a special touch to your recipe, you can experiment with various herbs or replace the capers with green olives. Also, if you prefer a less sweet taste, skip the ketchup and use fresh tomatoes or tomato juice instead.

Nutritional information

Rabbit meat is an excellent source of protein, being low in fat and rich in nutrients like B vitamins, which contribute to metabolic health. A serving of oven-baked rabbit (approximately 150-200 g) has about 250-300 calories, depending on how it is prepared.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen rabbit meat?
Yes, frozen rabbit meat is perfect, but make sure to completely thaw it before marinating.

2. What side dishes can I serve with rabbit?
Besides the valerian salad, oven-baked rabbit pairs excellently with mashed potatoes or grilled vegetables.

3. How can I adjust the recipe for a smaller meal?
You can reduce the proportions of the ingredients based on the desired number of servings, ensuring to maintain the same proportions between spices.

This oven-baked rabbit recipe is not only a culinary delight but also an opportunity to explore flavors and create memorable moments around the table. Enjoy your meal!