Hearty Oktoberfest Braised Rabbit
Experience the warmth of German comfort food with this hearty braised rabbit recipe, perfect for celebrating Oktoberfest at home. Infused with the rich flavors of bacon, red wine vinegar, and aromatic herbs, this dish transforms tender rabbit meat into a comforting stew worthy of any feast. Served with crispy potato pancakes, slices of rye bread, and a chilled beer, this dish embodies the essence of traditional hunter-style cooking. Whether you source wild rabbits from the field or choose domestic ones from the market, each bite promises satisfaction and delight, making it a cherished dish for gatherings with family and friends.
N/A
Servings
488
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
6-8 (finely chopped)
rabbit
2 (wild if possible, otherwise domestic, cut into serving pieces)
salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
black pepper
1/2 (teaspoon, freshly ground)
flour
1/2 (cup)
onion
1/2 (cup, finely chopped)
red wine vinegar
3/4 (cup)
chicken stock
1 (cup, preferably homemade)
bay leaf
1
Instructions
1
Begin by heating a 5-quart roaster or a Dutch oven over moderate heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring frequently, until it turns crispy and golden brown, about 10 minutes. Once done, drain the bacon on paper towels and set aside, keeping the rendered fat in the pan.
2
Prepare the rabbit by cutting it into serving pieces. Discard the belly meat to ensure a cleaner dish.
3
In a brown paper bag, combine the salt, pepper, and flour. Add a few pieces of rabbit to the bag at a time, shaking well to coat each piece evenly with the flour mixture. Repeat this process until all pieces are nicely coated.
4
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
5
Return the reserved bacon fat to the heat and let it get hot until it starts to sizzle. Carefully add the floured rabbit pieces in batches, ensuring they are browned on all sides, which should take about 10 minutes. Once browned, transfer the rabbit to a plate and set aside.
6
With the remaining fat in the pan, add the finely chopped onions and cook until they soften and become translucent. Pour in the red wine vinegar and chicken stock, making sure to scrape any tasty browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Add the bay leaf and bring to a boil.
7
Once boiling, return the browned rabbit pieces, along with any juices that have accumulated, back into the roaster. Stir in the reserved crispy bacon. Cover the pot tightly with its lid.
8
Reduce the heat and let the rabbit simmer gently in the oven for 1 1/2 hours, or until the meat is tender yet remains intact.
9
To serve, you can present the rabbit directly from the roaster or carefully arrange the pieces on a warmed platter for a more elegant display.
Nutrition Information
32g
Fat
10.5g
Carbs
43g
Protein
1.2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Oktoberfest Braised Rabbit?
It is a traditional German comfort food dish featuring rabbit braised with bacon, red wine vinegar, and aromatic herbs, ideal for Oktoberfest celebrations.
What kind of meat is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using two rabbits, preferably wild if possible, though domestic rabbit from a market is a suitable alternative.
How should the rabbit be prepared before cooking?
The rabbit should be cut into serving pieces, and the belly meat should be discarded for a cleaner dish.
What is the best way to coat the rabbit pieces?
Combine flour, salt, and pepper in a brown paper bag, then add the rabbit pieces a few at a time and shake to coat them evenly.
What oven temperature is required for braising?
The oven should be preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius).
How long does the rabbit need to cook in the oven?
The rabbit should simmer gently in the oven for approximately 1.5 hours until the meat is tender.
What type of fat is used to brown the rabbit?
The rabbit is browned in the fat rendered from cooking 6 to 8 pieces of finely chopped bacon.
What are the primary liquids used for the braising sauce?
The sauce is made using 3/4 cup of red wine vinegar and 1 cup of chicken stock, preferably homemade.
What aromatics are used in this dish?
The recipe calls for half a cup of finely chopped onions and one bay leaf.
How many calories are in a serving of this braised rabbit?
Each serving contains approximately 488 calories.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
This hearty dish provides about 43 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 32 grams of fat per serving.
Is this a high-carbohydrate meal?
No, the dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, containing about 10.5 grams per serving.
What size cooking vessel is recommended?
A 5-quart roaster or a Dutch oven is the ideal size for this recipe.
How long should I cook the bacon?
The bacon should be cooked for about 10 minutes over moderate heat until crispy and golden brown.
What should I do with the bacon after it is cooked?
Drain the crispy bacon on paper towels and set it aside, then stir it back into the roaster before putting it in the oven.
How do I handle the onions in this recipe?
Cook the finely chopped onions in the remaining fat until they soften and become translucent before adding the liquids.
What should I do after adding the vinegar and stock to the pan?
You should scrape any tasty browned bits off the bottom of the pan to incorporate them into the sauce.
How much flour is needed for the coating?
You will need half a cup of flour mixed with salt and pepper.
What seasonings are added to the flour?
Half a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper are mixed into the flour.
What side dishes pair well with Oktoberfest Braised Rabbit?
It is traditionally served with crispy potato pancakes and slices of rye bread.
What is the recommended beverage pairing?
A chilled beer is the perfect beverage to accompany this German-style feast.
How do I know when the rabbit is finished?
The meat should be tender enough to eat easily but should still remain intact on the bone.
Can I serve the rabbit directly from the pot?
Yes, you can serve it directly from the roaster or arrange it on a warmed platter for a more elegant look.
What style of cooking does this recipe represent?
It embodies the essence of traditional hunter-style cooking.
Should the pot be covered during the oven cooking process?
Yes, the roaster should be covered tightly with its lid while in the oven.
How much fiber is in the dish?
There is approximately 1.2 grams of fiber per serving.
What are the tag categories for this recipe?
Tags include Oktoberfest, German comfort food, hunter style, and rustic cooking.
Is it necessary to brown the rabbit before braising?
Yes, browning the floured pieces in hot bacon fat for about 10 minutes is essential for flavor.
How much onion is used?
The recipe requires half a cup of finely chopped onion.