Rabbit Stew with Prunes and Belgian Beer
A rich and flavorful stew featuring tender rabbit meat braised in dark Belgian beer with sweet prunes, shallots, and aromatic herbs, creating a deeply satisfying dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 whole Rabbit(jointed into pieces)
- 2 Shallots(finely chopped)
- 200 g Prunes(pitted and soaked)
- 750 ml Dark Belgian beer(e.g., Chimay, Dubbel, or similar)
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Bay leaf
- 2 Thyme sprigs
- 1 Rosemary sprig
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the rabbit pieces dry and season with salt and pepper. Dredge lightly in flour.
- 2
Heat butter and olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the rabbit pieces on all sides. Remove the rabbit and set aside.
- 3
Add the chopped shallots to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- 4
Pour in the Belgian beer, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and loosen any browned bits. Bring to a simmer.
- 5
Return the rabbit pieces to the pot. Add the soaked prunes, bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary.
- 6
Bring the stew back to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the rabbit is very tender. Stir occasionally.
- 7
Remove the bay leaf and herb sprigs before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- 8
Serve hot, traditionally with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking the prunes helps them plump up and become tender during cooking.
- ✓Using a good quality dark Belgian beer will significantly enhance the flavor.
- ✓For a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of flour with a little water to form a slurry and stir it into the simmering stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add diced bacon for extra flavor.
- A splash of red wine vinegar can add a nice tanginess.
- Substitute dark beer with a robust red wine.