Conill amb Salsa de Pinyons i Peres
Rabbit with Pine Nut and Pear Sauce
A traditional Andorran dish featuring tender rabbit simmered in a rich sauce with the sweet notes of pears, the nutty crunch of pine nuts, and a hint of cream. This recipe balances savory and sweet flavors, showcasing the region's agricultural products.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Rabbit(cut into regular pieces)
- 6 medium Pears(Blanquilla type, peeled, cored, and quartered)
- 100 g Pine nuts
- 150 g Raisins(Corinth raisins)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves(peeled)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 1 pot Heavy cream
- 0.5 tsp Nutmeg(ground)
- 1 glass Dry white wine
- as needed Water
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper(ground)
- 1 pinch Sugar(for poaching pears)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Blanch the pine nuts and raisins in boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- 2
Peel the pears, remove the core, and cut them into four long pieces. Place them in a saucepan with water and a pinch of sugar. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- 3
Season the rabbit pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a terracotta pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the rabbit pieces along with the chopped onion and peeled garlic cloves.
- 4
Add the dry white wine and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until the rabbit is almost tender, about 30-35 minutes.
- 5
Remove the rabbit from the pot. Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan, discarding solids. Add the heavy cream and nutmeg to the liquid. Whisk over medium heat until a smooth, creamy sauce forms.
- 6
Return the rabbit to the pot with the sauce. Add the blanched pine nuts, raisins, and poached pears. Stir gently to combine.
- 7
Simmer gently for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, directly from the pot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the pears are ripe but still firm to hold their shape during poaching.
- ✓If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it slightly with a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp cold water).
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use a splash of brandy or cognac when adding the white wine.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a few dried apricots along with the prunes for extra sweetness and chewiness.
- Substitute chicken thighs for rabbit for a quicker cooking time.