Belgian Rabbit Stew with Prunes and Beer
A rich and flavorful Belgian stew featuring tender rabbit meat braised in dark beer with sweet prunes, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet notes. This hearty dish is a classic comfort food, often enjoyed during colder months.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 whole Whole rabbit(jointed into pieces)
- 125 g Bacon(diced small)
- 60 g Butter
- 3 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 125 ml Flour(for coating rabbit)
- 500 ml Dark Belgian beer(such as Leffe or Chimay)
- 250 ml Water
- 10 ml Red wine vinegar
- 10 ml Sugar
- 1 pinch Nutmeg
- 3 leaves Bay leaves
- 12 medium Prunes(pitted)
- 5 ml Salt(per kg of meat)
- Black pepper(freshly ground, to taste)
- 15 ml Cornstarch(optional, for thickening)
- 15 ml Water(optional, for thickening)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the rabbit pieces with salt and pepper, then lightly coat them in flour.
💡 Tip: Ensure rabbit pieces are evenly coated for browning. - 2
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- 3
Add the floured rabbit pieces to the hot fat and brown them on all sides until golden. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove rabbit and set aside.
- 4
Add the chopped onions to the same pan and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- 5
Pour in the dark Belgian beer and red wine vinegar, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and loosen any browned bits. Let the beer reduce slightly.
- 6
Return the rabbit pieces and the cooked bacon to the pan. Add the water, sugar, nutmeg, and bay leaves. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 2 hours, or until the rabbit is very tender.
- 7
Add the pitted prunes to the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- 8
If the sauce is too thin, mix the cornstarch with water to form a slurry, then stir it into the stew and simmer for a few more minutes until thickened.
💡 Tip: This step is optional, depending on desired sauce consistency. - 9
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, traditionally with mashed potatoes or croquettes.
💡 Tip: The stew can be made a day ahead and reheated; flavors often improve overnight.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using a dark, robust Belgian beer like a Dubbel or Tripel will add depth of flavor.
- ✓Soaking the prunes beforehand can help them plump up and soften more evenly.
- ✓Don't rush the braising process; low and slow cooking is key to tender rabbit.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a tablespoon of mustard to the sauce for a slight tang.
- Include other root vegetables like carrots or parsnips during the last hour of cooking.