Rabbit stew is a rustic, old-fashioned dish loved in many cuisines for its deep flavor and tender meat. Slow-cooked with vegetables and herbs, rabbit becomes incredibly soft and rich—perfect for cozy family meals or Sunday dinners.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1 whole rabbit, cleaned and cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, cubed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup water or dry white wine
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Optional: mushrooms, peas, or celery
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the Rabbit
Season rabbit pieces with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Brown rabbit on all sides until golden. Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Build the Flavor Base
In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and garlic.
Cook for 3–5 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute to deepen flavor.
3️⃣ Simmer Slowly
Return rabbit to the pot.
Add broth, water (or wine), bay leaf, and herbs.
Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low for 60–90 minutes, until rabbit is tender.
4️⃣ Add Potatoes
Add potatoes during the last 30 minutes of cooking so they don’t overcook.
5️⃣ Finish & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Remove bay leaf before serving.
⭐ Tips for Perfect Rabbit Stew
- Low and slow cooking is key
- Browning adds deep flavor—don’t skip it
- Rabbit is lean, so avoid high heat
- Stew tastes even better the next day
🔁 Variations
- Mediterranean: add olives and a splash of lemon
- Creamy: stir in a little cream at the end
- Spicy: add paprika or chili flakes
- Rustic: serve over mashed potatoes or polenta
🍽️ What to Serve With It
- Crusty bread
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice or couscous
- Simple green salad
🏁 Final Thoughts
Rabbit stew is humble, nourishing, and deeply satisfying—a dish that connects generations and traditions. Tender meat, rich broth, and simple ingredients make it unforgettable.