Coniglio con Finocchio
A traditional San Marinese dish featuring rabbit braised with aromatic fennel, creating a tender and flavorful meal often served with a side of polenta or crusty bread.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 whole Rabbit(cut into 8 pieces)
- 2 large Fennel bulbs(trimmed, cored, and cut into wedges)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 0.5 cup White wine
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 sprig Fresh rosemary
- 1 sprig Fresh thyme
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the rabbit pieces generously with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the rabbit pieces on all sides until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove rabbit from the pot and set aside.
- 3
Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Pour in the white wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Let the wine simmer and reduce by half.
- 5
Return the rabbit pieces to the pot. Add the fennel wedges, chicken broth, rosemary sprig, and thyme sprig. Bring to a simmer.
- 6
Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the rabbit is very tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally.
- 7
Remove the rosemary and thyme sprigs before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, with the braising liquid spooned over the rabbit and fennel.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can brown the rabbit in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- ✓If the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, add a little more chicken broth or water.
- ✓This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy polenta or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a splash of tomato paste along with the onions for a deeper flavor.
- Include other root vegetables like carrots or potatoes for a heartier stew.