Cretan Rabbit Stew Recipes

RABBIT STEW

Steps:

• Using half the flour (3/4 cup) coat the pieces of rabbit, shaking off any excess. Heat the oil and butter in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, and brown the floured rabbit on all sides. Add the celery, carrots, onions, salt, pepper, bay leaves, 6 cups water and red wine, and stew for about 2 hours. Add the potatoes 45 minutes into the stewing process. Once the rabbit and all the vegetables are cooked, use some water to form a paste with the remaining 3/4 cup flour. Stir the flour mixture into the pot as a thickener. Add the already sauteed mushrooms to the stew and allow to simmer for about 10 minutes. Adjust seasonings, if necessary, and serve.

CRETAN RABBIT STEW

Steps:

• Heat half the oil in a skillet or wok, add the rabbit, and saute over high heat until browned. Drain and place in a 5-to-6-quart heat-proof casserole. Season the rabbit with salt and pepper.
• Add the onions to the skillet, and saute over medium high heat until they start to brown. Add the garlic, and continue to saute until the onions and garlic are well browned. Add the skillet's contents to the casserole.
• Scatter the peppercorns, allspice, bay leaves and cumin in the casserole. Pour in the wine and the vinegar. Place the tomatoes on top, then the orange wedges. Pour remaining olive oil over the oranges. Cover, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer slowly about 45 minutes, until the rabbit and onions are tender.
• Transfer to a serving platter, arranging the rabbit in the middle and surrounding it with onions. Reheat the sauce in the casserole and check seasonings. Add the parsley. Cook for a few minutes to reduce the sauce slightly, remove bay leaves and spoon some of the sauce over the rabbit and onions.