Rabbit soup

Rabbit soup - a comforting delicacy

Rabbit soup is a traditional recipe that evokes family memories and hearty meals, often prepared on cool days or special occasions. Rabbit meat is one of the finest, having a delicate texture and a subtle taste that blends perfectly with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices. In this recipe, I will show you how to prepare a flavorful rabbit soup that will not only delight your taste buds but also warm your soul.

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 (preferably the front part, more bony)
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- ½ celery, diced
- ¼ leek, sliced
- ½ large red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tomatoes, peeled and diced
- 4-5 potatoes, diced
- 1 sprig of fresh thyme
- 300 ml cooking cream
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- fresh lovage, finely chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the rabbit soup:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the rabbit meat well under cold running water. Then, dry it with an absorbent towel. This step is essential for achieving an even browning.

2. Preparing the vegetables: Clean and wash all the vegetables. Grate the carrot, finely chop the onion, and dice the celery, leek, and bell pepper. Peel and dice the tomatoes.

3. Sautéing the meat and vegetables: In a large pot or pressure cooker, add a tablespoon of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the pieces of rabbit meat and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they become lightly browned. Add the onion, carrot, celery, leek, and bell pepper, stirring occasionally for even sautéing.

4. Boiling the meat: After the vegetables have softened, add the spices, salt, and pepper. Pour in 4 liters of cold water and add the sprig of thyme. If using a pressure cooker, close the lid and let it boil for 40 minutes. This step will ensure tender and flavorful meat.

5. Adding the potatoes and tomatoes: Once the boiling time is up, carefully open the pot. Add the diced potatoes and peeled tomatoes, continuing to boil the soup over medium heat for another 15 minutes or until the potatoes are well cooked.

6. Blending the celery: Take the cooked celery pieces and puree them using a food processor or blender until you achieve a smooth paste. This will add a creamy texture and intense flavor to your soup.

7. Finalizing the soup: Add the celery paste to the pot and mix well. Then, pour in the cream and stir gently. The sourness can be adjusted with Magic Borscht or lemon juice, depending on your preference. Finally, add a handful of chopped lovage for an extra freshness.

8. Serving: Rabbit soup is served hot, with a slice of fresh bread on the side or with crunchy croutons. You can add a bit of fresh lovage on top for a splash of color and flavor.

Useful tips:

- Choosing the meat: Rabbit meat is easier to digest and lower in fat than other types of meat. Choose fresh, quality meat for the best results.
- Vegetarian option: If you want a lighter or vegetarian version, you can replace the rabbit meat with mushrooms or tofu, and the meat broth with vegetable broth.
- Enhancing flavors: You can experiment by adding other spices like sweet paprika or garlic to give the soup an even more intense taste.

Nutritional information (per serving):

- Calories: approximately 250 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g

Rabbit soup is not just a comforting meal, but also an opportunity to bring the family together. While sharing this recipe, I recommend enjoying it with a glass of dry white wine or freshly squeezed lemonade, which will perfectly complement the soup's flavor.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen meat? - Yes, frozen rabbit meat can be used, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking.
2. How can I store the soup? - The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
3. Can the recipe be adapted for special diets? - Sure! The soup can be made without cream for a lighter version or you can use plant-based cream for a vegan option.

Making this rabbit soup is a satisfying experience, and the result will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. I wish you good appetite and joy in cooking!