Rabbit with Mustard Sauce

Name: Rabbit with Mustard Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 110 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 whole rabbit (cut into pieces); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard; 1 cup white wine; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (chopped); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

110 min 4 servings Medium

All Recipes

A classic French dish featuring tender rabbit pieces cooked in a creamy mustard sauce, perfect for special occasions.

Prep

20 min

Cook

90 min

Total

110 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Rabbit with mustard sauce, or 'Lapin à la moutarde', is a quintessential dish from French cuisine that brings together the delicate taste of rabbit and the bold flavour of mustard. This dish is a delightful choice for those looking to explore traditional French cooking at home. Rabbit meat is lean and tender, making it a healthy alternative to more common proteins. This recipe combines the nuanced flavours of Dijon mustard, white wine, and fresh herbs to create a rich and savoury sauce that perfectly complements the rabbit.

Ingredients

Servings

Rabbit

Mustard Sauce

Instructions

Season the rabbit

Season the rabbit pieces with salt and pepper. Allow them to sit for at least 10 minutes.

Pro tip: For deeper flavour, season the rabbit and let it marinate in the fridge overnight.

Brown the rabbit

Heat olive oil and butter in a large heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add the rabbit pieces and brown on all sides, about 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Pro tip: Do not overcrowd the pan; brown in batches if necessary.

Make the sauce base

In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Pro tip: This step is crucial for building flavour in the sauce.

Simmer the rabbit

Return the rabbit to the pan. Add chicken broth and both mustards. Stir well, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 60 minutes, until the rabbit is tender.

Pro tip: Ensure the rabbit is submerged in the liquid for even cooking.

Finish the sauce

Stir in the heavy cream and fresh thyme. Simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes to thicken the sauce.

Pro tip: Adjust the consistency by simmering longer if necessary.

Garnish and serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the rabbit and serve warm with your choice of sides.

Pro tip: A fresh sprinkle of parsley adds a burst of colour and freshness.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use a heavy-bottomed pan to avoid burning the sauce.</li><li>Marinate the rabbit overnight for deeper flavour.</li><li>Pair with a dry white wine for an enhanced taste experience.</li><li>Adjust mustard to taste for a milder or stronger flavour.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve Rabbit with Mustard Sauce alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a crusty baguette to soak up the delicious sauce. Steamed vegetables or a simple green salad make excellent accompaniments, balancing the richness of the dish. This dish can be prepared a day in advance and gently reheated, allowing the flavours to meld beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.