Salsa Kiss Recipe of the Month

"Braised Rabbit"
This straightforward braising recipe would also work well with chicken, beef, or lamb. Note that unless you have a very large pan, it may be necessary to divide the vegetable, tomato, and wine mixture between two pans before adding the rabbit and the stock.

Serves 6.

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus additional for garnish
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 rabbits (separate front legs, loins, & back legs, leaving on the bone)
• 1 red onion, peeled and minced
• 1 celery stalk, minced
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and minced
• 2 cups dry white wine
• 10 whole, peeled plum tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 6 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 cup pitted Niçoise olives
• 6 cups brown chicken stock
• 3 tbsp finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• Minced zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Directions:

Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat a large, high-sided ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the oil. Salt and pepper the rabbit and add to fill but not crowd the pan. Brown on both sides, about 20 minutes in all, then transfer to a plate. Repeat until all the rabbit has been browned.

Add the onion, celery, carrot, and salt and pepper to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and nicely browned, about 30 minutes. Pour in the wine and reduce by about half. Add the tomatoes, breaking them up with your hands or a wooden spoon, then add the rosemary and olives. Cook for a minute or so, and then fit the rabbit snugly into the pan. Add enough stock to not quite cover the rabbit and bring to a simmer.

Transfer the pan to the oven and braise, uncovered, at a slow bubble. Cook the rabbit, turning it once or twice, until it is so tender it almost falls from the bone, about 1 1/2 hours. Degrease the braising liquid if necessary and serve the rabbit with the chopped parsley mixed with lemon zest and a little olive oil.