Description
Transport yourself to the European countryside with this incredibly hearty Wild Rabbit and Pearl Barley Stew that embodies rustic cooking at its absolute best! This soul-warming dish transforms tender wild rabbit into a rich, aromatic stew with crispy pancetta, aromatic vegetables, and nutty pearl barley that soaks up every drop of the wine-infused broth. Perfect for cold winter nights, special occasions, or when you want to create something truly memorable that connects you to traditional hunting and gathering traditions. This is comfort food with sophistication—rustic yet refined!
Ingredients
- 1 wild rabbit (about 2–3 lbs), cut into serving pieces
- Seasoned flour for dusting (mix flour with salt, pepper, and herbs)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 150g pancetta, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 fennel bulb, sliced (optional but recommended for aromatic depth)
- 150g pearl barley
- 150ml red wine (something you’d drink!)
- 1 tablespoon tomato purée
- 2–3 fresh rosemary sprigs
- Chicken or vegetable stock (or water), as needed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Game: Pat rabbit pieces dry and dust generously with seasoned flour, shaking off excess. This creates the perfect foundation for browning and helps thicken the stew naturally.
- Build the Flavor Base: Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add diced pancetta and fry 2-3 minutes until crispy and golden. The rendered fat will add incredible richness to your stew!
- Create Aromatic Magic: Add chopped onion, crushed garlic, and sliced fennel (if using) to the pancetta. Sauté 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent and vegetables are fragrant—this builds the aromatic foundation of your stew.
- Sear for Perfect Flavor: Add floured rabbit pieces to the pan and sear 3-4 minutes on each side until beautifully browned. This caramelization is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors throughout the dish.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this is liquid gold! Add tomato purée and fresh rosemary, then add enough stock to just cover the rabbit. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer slowly for 1-1.5 hours until rabbit is fork-tender. Low and slow is the secret to melt-in-your-mouth texture!
- Add the Barley Magic: Stir in pearl barley and continue simmering uncovered for 20-30 minutes until barley is tender and has absorbed the gorgeous flavors. Add more stock if needed.
- Season and Serve with Pride: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot in deep bowls with crusty bread for the ultimate rustic dining experience!
Notes
Wild rabbit can be found at specialty butchers or ordered online—it’s worth seeking out for this authentic experience! If unavailable, chicken thighs make a good substitute. The key to perfect stew is patience—let it simmer slowly for the most tender results. Pearl barley adds incredible heartiness and soaks up flavors beautifully. This stew actually improves overnight, so make it a day ahead if possible! Serve with crusty bread and a glass of the same red wine you used for cooking. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: European Country
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg