Italian Recipes

Crispy Herb-Fried Rabbit with Lemon and Rosemary

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Crispy Herb-Fried Rabbit (Coniglio Fritto agli Aromi)

Category: Main Dishes

Serves: 4

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

If you’re looking for a flavorful and crispy dish with a touch of Italian tradition, Crispy Herb-Fried Rabbit (Coniglio Fritto agli Aromi) is the perfect choice. Tender pieces of rabbit are marinated with aromatic herbs and fresh lemon juice, then coated in a crispy mixture of breadcrumbs and flour, resulting in a golden-brown, crunchy exterior and juicy, savory meat inside. Served with fresh lemon slices and perhaps a dipping sauce, this dish is sure to delight your family or guests.

Ingredients:

Ingredient Quantity
Rabbit (cut into pieces) 700g
Eggs 3
Lemons 3
Sage (fresh, chopped) 2 sprigs
Rosemary (fresh, chopped) 2 sprigs
Oregano 1 tablespoon
Breadcrumbs 200g
All-purpose flour 200g
Fine salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Peanut oil (for frying) As needed

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Marinade:

    • Start by finely chopping the rosemary and sage. In a large bowl, combine the chopped herbs with the oregano.
    • Add the rabbit pieces to the bowl, followed by a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
    • Squeeze the juice of 3 fresh lemons over the rabbit and toss everything together. This citrusy marinade will infuse the meat with fresh, zesty flavors.
    • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the rabbit marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or longer if possible. The longer the marinade, the more the herbs will permeate the meat.
  2. Prepare the Breading:

    • In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and beat them with a fork. Add a pinch of salt to season the eggs.
    • In another shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
  3. Coat the Rabbit:

    • Once the rabbit has marinated, remove it from the fridge. Take each piece of rabbit and dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is well-coated. Then, transfer it to the breadcrumb and flour mixture, pressing gently to coat each piece evenly.
  4. Fry the Rabbit:

    • Heat a generous amount of peanut oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to sizzle when the rabbit pieces are added but not smoking.
    • Fry the rabbit pieces in batches, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not crowded in the pan. Fry each piece for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
    • Once cooked, remove the rabbit pieces from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
  5. Serve:

    • Serve the crispy, golden-brown rabbit hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired. For a fresh, zesty contrast, serve with lemon wedges or a dipping sauce of your choice.

Tips for Success:

  • If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the breaded rabbit pieces in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  • Try serving the rabbit with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the dish.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Nutrient Amount per serving
Calories 550 kcal
Protein 40g
Carbohydrates 45g
Fat 25g
Saturated Fat 5g
Cholesterol 180mg
Sodium 500mg
Fiber 4g
Sugars 2g

This Crispy Herb-Fried Rabbit recipe is a perfect example of rustic Italian cooking, combining the fresh flavors of rosemary, sage, and lemon to elevate the tender rabbit meat. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying rabbit for the first time, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

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