Apple Cider Braised Rabbit with Root Vegetables A great way to enjoy rabbit (or a unique way to prepare chicken) the sweetness of the apples and parsnips complement the mild taste of the rabbit. Ask your local butcher to cut the rabbit for you. Preparation Time: 20 minutesCooking Time: 40 minutesBaking Time: 1 hourServes 4 2 tsp (10 mL) vegetable oil4 slices Ontario Bacon, cut into 1-1/2-inch (4 cm) pieces2 Ontario Apples, such as Cortland, Idared or Crispin Apples, peeled, cored and cut into 8 wedges each2 Ontario Parsnips, cut into 1-inch (2 cm) pieces2 Ontario Turnips, peeled and cut into 6 wedges each4 cloves Ontario Garlic, peeled and smashed1 small Ontario Onion, peeled and thinly sliced1-1/2 kg Ontario Rabbit, cut into 8 pieces or 8 bone-in skin on Chicken ThighsSalt and pepper1/2 cup (125 mL) all-purpose flour2 cups (500 mL) sweet Ontario Apple Cider2 cups (500 mL) chicken brothPinch ground nutmeg In large heavy-bottomed skillet, heat oil over medium-low heat. Add bacon; cook until crisp. Remove bacon from skillet; place in 13- x 9-inch (3 L) baking dish. Reserving fat in skillet, heat over medium heat. In batches, add apples, parsnips and turnips, cook stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove; add to baking dish. To same skillet add garlic and onion. Cook until softened and lightly brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from skillet; add to baking dish. Season rabbit with salt and pepper; dust with flour, shaking off excess. Add rabbit to same skillet; brown on both sides over medium-high heat. Arrange in baking dish. Add apple cider to skillet; using wooden spoon, scrape up any brown bits stuck to the skillet. Add broth, nutmeg and pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to boil over high heat. Pour over rabbit in baking dish. Cover with foil leaving small 1-inch (2.5 cm) openings in the foil in two corners. Bake in 325°F (160°C) oven for 50 to 60 minutes until rabbit is tender. Serve with roasted or mashed potatoes. Nutritional information:1 ServingPROTEIN: 41 gramsFAT: 13 gramsCARBOHYDRATE: 56 gramsCALORIES: 508FIBRE: 6 gramsSODIUM: 560 mg – Printed with permission from Foodland Ontario
Apple Cider Braised Rabbit with Root Vegetables
