A rich and flavorful rabbit stew braised with prunes, Armagnac brandy, onions, and aromatic herbs. Served with egg noodles or creamy polenta for a comforting and elegant meal.
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
Season the rabbit pieces generously with salt and pepper. Dredge lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the rabbit pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Remove the browned rabbit and set aside.
Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
Deglaze the pot with Armagnac brandy, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the brandy reduce slightly, about 1 minute.
Return the rabbit to the pot. Add the chicken broth, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
Add the prunes to the pot.
Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the rabbit is very tender.
Remove the pot from the oven. Discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaf.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve hot over egg noodles or creamy polenta. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Nutrition per serving (450g)
If you don't have Armagnac, you can substitute with Cognac, dry sherry, or even a dry red wine.
For a richer flavor, use rabbit broth instead of chicken broth.
You can add other vegetables to the stew, such as mushrooms or parsnips.
If the sauce is too thin after braising, you can thicken it by removing the rabbit pieces and simmering the sauce on the stovetop until it reaches the desired consistency. You can also whisk in a small amount of cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).
The stew can be made a day ahead and reheated. The flavors will meld and deepen overnight.
To make creamy polenta, follow package instructions. You can add butter, Parmesan cheese, and herbs to the polenta for extra flavor.
Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot
Cutting Board
Knife
Measuring Cups and Spoons
No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.