RomanItalian
Rabbit Alla Cacciatora
by Marco Rufini · 181K subscribers on YouTube
A traditional Italian hunter-style rabbit dish marinated overnight in wine and herbs, then slowly cooked with garlic, lard or guanciale, and olives. The chef explains the historical use of vinegar instead of wine for stronger game meat. This recipe is cooked 'in bianco' (without tomatoes) to let the flavors shine.
- Difficulty
- medium
Ingredients
11 items- RabbitWhole rabbit, cut into pieces
- SageFresh or dried sage leaves
- RosemaryDried rosemary (crushed) or fresh sprigs
- Garlic1 clove, crushed
- Extra Virgin Olive OilExtra virgin olive oil, for cooking
- Lardo o GuancialeLard or pork cheek, cut into small cubes
- Dry White WineDry white wine, such as Malvasia
- Olive ItranaItrana olives (or other varieties like Leccino)
- SaltTo taste
- Black PeppercornsBlack peppercorns
- Vinegar(optional) — Optional, for deglazing instead of wine for a more traditional hunter-style flavor
Method
- Marinate the rabbit overnight: place the rabbit pieces in a bowl, add sage, dried rosemary, salt, peppercorns, and a splash of dry white wine (e.g., Malvasia). Massage well, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
- Prepare the base: in a large pan, heat abundant olive oil. Add a crushed garlic clove and some strips of lard or guanciale cut into small cubes. Add fresh sage and rosemary leaves.
- Remove the rabbit from the marinade and place it in the pan. Sear the meat on all sides.
- Deglaze with white wine (or optionally, for a more traditional hunter-style, deglaze with a splash of vinegar instead). Add the olives (e.g., Itrana or Leccino).
- Add a little more wine, then add two more sprigs of aromatic herbs for extra fragrance.
- Cover the pan and cook slowly, checking the meat. Finish cooking uncovered on low heat to reduce the sauce. The dish should be 'in bianco' (white) – no tomatoes.
- Serve the rabbit with its sauce.
Marco Rufini
Professional chef181K subscribers on YouTube115.9M total channel views🧑🍳 Fidasse è bene, ma magnà... è mejo! 📍 Casale Rufini, Gallicano Nel Lazio (RM) 📩 rufini.info@gmail.com In elenco AGCOM Il mio nuovo libro 👇 https://amzn.eu/d/0hAuoE5k
