Coniglio Alla Molisana Stewed Rabbit with Sausages?

Coniglio Alla Molisana Stewed Rabbit with Sausages

This recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that brings together the rustic flavors of Molise, Italy. It combines tender rabbit, flavorful sausage, and a rich tomato sauce for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Yields: 4-6 servings

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients:

* 1 (3-4 pound) rabbit, cut into pieces

* 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed

* 1 large onion, chopped

* 2 cloves garlic, minced

* 1/2 cup dry white wine

* 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

* 1 teaspoon dried oregano

* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

* Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the rabbit: Pat the rabbit pieces dry and season generously with salt and pepper.

2. Brown the rabbit: In a large Dutch oven or pot with a lid, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the rabbit pieces and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove the rabbit from the pot and set aside.

3. Cook the sausage: Add the sausage to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.

4. Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.

5. Deglaze the pot: Pour the white wine into the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for a few minutes until the wine has reduced by half.

6. Add the tomatoes and spices: Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.

7. Return the meat: Return the browned rabbit and sausage to the pot. Stir to combine.

8. Simmer: Cover the pot and simmer over low heat for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the rabbit is tender.

9. Finish and serve: Stir in the chopped parsley and serve immediately over cooked pasta or polenta.

Tips:

* You can substitute chicken or pork for the rabbit.

* If you can’t find Italian sausage, try using chorizo, andouille, or another spicy sausage.

* Feel free to add other vegetables to the stew, such as carrots, celery, or potatoes.

* To make a richer sauce, add a tablespoon of tomato paste with the onions and garlic.

* For a thicker sauce, stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water at the end of the cooking time.

Enjoy this traditional Molise recipe with a hearty Italian bread and a glass of red wine!