Rabbit Stifado (Κουνέλι Στιφάδο)

 Here’s a cozy and hearty recipe for Rabbit Stifado (Κουνέλι Στιφάδο), a classic Greek dish perfect for the colder months! The tender rabbit is simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce made with onions, garlic, and red wine. It’s the perfect comfort food to warm up your Sunday.

Ingredients:

• 1 rabbit, cut into pieces (ask your butcher to prepare it for stewing)
• 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large onions, peeled and halved (or 20-25 small pearl onions)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1/2 cup water or broth
• 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1-2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Crusty bread (for serving)

Instructions:

Brown the Rabbit:

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the rabbit pieces and brown them on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the rabbit from the pot and set it aside.

Cook the Onions and Garlic:

• In the same pot, add the onions (and pearl onions if using) and garlic, and sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the Tomatoes and Wine:

• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
• Add water (or broth) and the bay leaves, thyme, cinnamon, and allspice. Stir well to combine.

Simmer the Rabbit:

• Return the rabbit pieces to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, and the sugar (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for 1.5-2 hours, or until the rabbit is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Finishing Touches:

• Once the rabbit is cooked and tender, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Serve:

• Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve your Rabbit Stifado hot, with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Enjoy Your Rabbit Stifado!

This dish is perfect for a chilly day, and the combination of spices gives it a comforting, aromatic flavor that’s hard to resist. Enjoy your Sunday meal with a glass of red wine!