Rabbit soup with tarragon

Rabbit soup with tarragon – a traditional delicacy!

Rabbit soup with tarragon is a recipe that transports us to ancient times, when dishes were prepared with fresh and flavorful ingredients. This soup is not just a simple dish, but a true symphony of flavors that combines the delicate taste of rabbit meat with the freshness of vegetables and the unmistakable aroma of tarragon. Here’s how you can prepare this delicious soup, step by step.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 600 g rabbit meat (head, ribs, neck meat)
- 3 carrots
- 1/2 celery
- 1 parsnip
- 1 yellow onion
- iodized salt, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- fresh or dried tarragon, to taste
- 4 egg yolks
- 500 g sour cream
- finely chopped herbs (lovage, parsley) for serving

Preparing the rabbit soup:

Step 1: Preparing the meat
The first step in preparing this soup is to deal with the rabbit meat. Wash the meat well under cold running water and cut it into suitable pieces. Place the meat in a large pot, add enough water to cover it, and add a teaspoon of iodized salt. Boil over high heat, uncovered, for about 15 minutes. This process will help remove impurities and the foam that forms on the surface.

Step 2: Preparing the vegetables
Meanwhile, clean the vegetables. Grate the carrots, celery, and parsnip using a large grater. Finely chop the yellow onion. These vegetables will contribute to the rich flavors of the soup. In a skillet, add a little water and a tablespoon of rabbit fat (I recommend using the fat that forms during the boiling of the meat) and sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they become slightly translucent.

Step 3: Combining the ingredients
After the meat has boiled for 15 minutes, reduce the heat and skim the soup to remove any impurities. Add the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the meat and mix well. Season with salt and add the bay leaf. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes. The aroma it will release will be irresistible!

Step 4: Finalizing the soup
After the soup has boiled, it’s time to add a creamy and delicious element. In a bowl, beat the egg yolks well with the sour cream until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. When the soup is ready, turn off the heat and add the egg and sour cream mixture, stirring quickly to avoid curdling the yolks. This step will give the soup a velvety texture and a rich flavor.

Step 5: Serving
Rabbit soup is served hot, sprinkled with finely chopped fresh herbs (lovage or parsley), adding a touch of freshness. You can sour the soup to taste, using vinegar or lemon juice. This choice will intensify the flavors and add a pleasant contrast.

Useful tips:
- If you can’t find rabbit meat, you can substitute it with chicken, but the taste will be different.
- Fresh tarragon is ideal, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can use dried tarragon (about half the amount).
- Rabbit soup pairs perfectly with fresh homemade bread or polenta.

Nutritional information:
A serving of rabbit soup contains approximately 250 calories, being rich in proteins and vitamins. Rabbit meat is an excellent source of lean protein and contains less fat than pork or beef, while also being rich in vitamin B12 and essential minerals.

Possible variations:
- You can add diced potatoes to give it consistency.
- An interesting variation would be to add a few peppercorns or a pinch of hot pepper if you like a bit of spice.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen rabbit meat?
Yes, it is recommended to fully thaw the meat before using it to ensure even cooking.
2. How can I make the soup more sour?
Add more vinegar or lemon juice, but do this gradually, tasting along the way.

Delicious pairings:
This soup pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine or a light blonde beer. Additionally, a fresh green salad would perfectly complete the meal.

Rabbit soup with tarragon is not just a recipe, but a culinary experience that brings family and friends together around the table. So, put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and enjoy every step of this flavorful dish! Enjoy your meal!