Penne with Tender White Rabbit Ragù

Penne with White Rabbit Ragù

Category: First Courses
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables and Meat
   Begin by preparing the vegetables. Cut the carrots into thin strips, finely chop the celery, and dice the onions. Next, in a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat and add the onions. Sauté them until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Build the Base for the Ragù
   Add the celery, carrots, garlic, and bay leaves to the skillet with the onions. Allow the mixture to cook for another 10 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally.

3. Deglaze and Simmer
   Once the vegetables have softened, pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, stirring to incorporate any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Season with a pinch of salt and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add two ladles of hot vegetable broth to the pan and cover with a lid. Let it cook on low heat.

4. Cook the Rabbit
   While the vegetables simmer, prepare the rabbit by cutting it into smaller pieces, removing any bones. Once the ragù base has simmered for a bit, carefully add the rabbit meat to the pan. Season with freshly ground black pepper and finely chopped fresh thyme. Stir the mixture, making sure the meat is coated with the flavorful base.

5. Final Cooking
   Cover the pan and let it simmer gently for about 40-45 minutes, or until the rabbit is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the vegetables and herbs. Once cooked, remove the garlic clove and bay leaves, and check the seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper if needed.

6. Cook the Penne
   Meanwhile, cook the penne rigate in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, following the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a bit of pasta water to help bind the sauce later.

7. Combine and Serve
   Toss the cooked penne with the rabbit ragù, ensuring the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Plate the dish, garnish with fresh rosemary, and serve hot.

Enjoy your Penne with White Rabbit Ragù, a comforting, rustic dish with delicate flavors that celebrate the tender rabbit meat paired perfectly with the aromatic vegetables and herbs. It’s a wonderful choice for a family dinner or a special occasion!