Fricassée de Lapin aux Pruneaux
A comforting and traditional French stew featuring rabbit braised with prunes in a rich, savory sauce, often enhanced with wine and aromatics. This dish embodies rustic French home cooking.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Rabbit(cut into serving pieces)
- 500 g Prunes(pitted)
- 2 tbsp Duck fat or olive oil
- 200 g Lardons(smoked)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tbsp Flour
- 350 ml Dry white wine
- 500 ml Vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 Bouquet garni((thyme, bay leaf, parsley))
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the rabbit pieces dry and season with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the duck fat or olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the rabbit pieces on all sides. Remove the rabbit and set aside.
💡 Tip: Don't overcrowd the pot; brown the rabbit in batches if necessary. - 2
Add the lardons to the pot and cook until crispy. Remove the lardons and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- 3
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the flour.
- 5
Gradually whisk in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate.
- 6
Pour in the stock and add the bouquet garni. Return the rabbit pieces and the cooked lardons to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 1 hour.
- 7
Add the pitted prunes to the pot. Cover and continue to simmer for another 30-45 minutes, or until the rabbit is very tender and the prunes are soft and have released their flavor into the sauce.
💡 Tip: The sauce should be rich and slightly thickened. If it's too thin, you can remove the rabbit and prunes and simmer the sauce uncovered for a few minutes to reduce. - 8
Remove the bouquet garni. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, traditionally with fresh pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
💡 Tip: This dish benefits from being made a day in advance, as the flavors meld beautifully overnight.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using rabbit from a reputable butcher ensures good quality meat.
- ✓The sweetness of the prunes balances the savory flavors of the rabbit and lardons.
- ✓A splash of brandy can be added with the wine for extra depth.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some recipes include a tablespoon of Dijon mustard in the sauce for a slight tang.
- Adding a few dried apricots along with the prunes can add another layer of sweetness and flavor.