Entree: Greece – Cyclades – Κουνέλι στιφάδο ➤ Kouneli stifado (Rabbit stew braised with pearl onions, tomato, red wine, and warm spices)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 25 min

Cook 1 hr 15 min

Additional 10 min

Total 1 hr 50 min

Ingredients

- 1 whole rabbit, cut into 8 pieces, approx. 2.5 lb (1.1 kg)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) pearl onions, peeled
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced, about 6 oz (170 g)
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed (about 9 g)
- 2 tbsp (16 g) all-purpose flour for dredging
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) tomato paste
- 1 cup (240 ml) dry red wine
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) red wine vinegar
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken stock or water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 tsp (4 g) sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Pat rabbit pieces dry, season with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
2. Heat the olive oil in a heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown rabbit pieces in batches until nicely colored, about 4–5 minutes per side. Transfer browned pieces to a plate.
3. Reduce heat to medium, add the sliced onion and pearl onions and sauté until beginning to soften and just starting to brown, 6–8 minutes. Add crushed garlic and cook 1 minute more.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Add the red wine and simmer 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly, scraping up any browned bits.
5. Return rabbit to the pot. Add red wine vinegar, chicken stock (or water), cinnamon stick, bay leaves, cloves, and sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
6. Cover and braise gently for 1 to 1¼ hours, or until rabbit is tender and the sauce has thickened; stir occasionally and adjust liquid if needed.
7. Remove cinnamon stick and bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a little additional sugar or vinegar if a sweeter or tangier balance is desired.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.