Gratinated Rabbit Roll with Grana Padano
Category: Main Dishes
Servings: 4
A delightful and elegant dish, the Gratinated Rabbit Roll with Grana Padano is a hearty combination of tender rabbit meat, a rich stuffing of seasoned pumpkin, herbs, and delicious Grana Padano cheese, all baked to golden perfection. This dish is perfect for a special family meal or a gathering with friends. The savory flavors, combined with the nutty Grana Padano, will surely impress anyone who tastes it.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rabbit (whole) | 650g |
| Grana Padano DOP (grated) | 50g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste |
| Rosemary (fresh) | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Beef (minced) | 350g |
| Delica pumpkin | 350g |
| Swiss chard or similar greens | 220g |
| Yellow onions (diced) | 1 |
| White wine | 100g |
Preparation Steps
-
Prepare the Pumpkin:
Begin by preparing the pumpkin. Cut it open, remove the seeds and any fibrous strands. Peel it and cut it into small cubes for easy cooking. Set it aside. -
Infuse with Rosemary:
Finely chop the fresh rosemary needles. If desired, you can add the rabbit’s offal (liver and kidneys), finely chopped, to enrich the filling. -
Cook the Vegetables:
Heat a small amount of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook them for about 5 minutes, until they soften and begin to turn golden. -
Add Pumpkin and Meat:
Add the pumpkin cubes to the skillet and cook for another 5-7 minutes. Next, incorporate the minced beef and rabbit offal (if used). Add the finely chopped rosemary and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together and cook until the meat is browned and the pumpkin has softened. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool. -
Cook the Greens:
While the mixture is cooling, heat another drizzle of olive oil in the same skillet. Add the washed and cleaned Swiss chard or other greens. Cover and let them cook for a few minutes, until wilted. Once cooked, drain the greens to remove any excess liquid, then set them aside to cool. -
Prepare the Rabbit:
Lay the rabbit on a clean surface and cover it with parchment paper. Gently pound the meat with a meat mallet to flatten it and make it more manageable for rolling. -
Assemble the Stuffing:
Once the pumpkin mixture has cooled, mix in the grated Grana Padano cheese. On the flattened rabbit meat, spread a layer of cooked greens, followed by the pumpkin and meat filling. Carefully roll the rabbit into a tight cylinder, ensuring the stuffing stays inside. Use kitchen twine or a needle and thread to seal the ends of the roll securely. -
Bake the Roll:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lay the stuffed rabbit roll onto a piece of parchment paper. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top, and season with salt, pepper, and a few sprigs of rosemary. Wrap the paper around the roll, folding the ends inward. Place the parcel into a baking dish. -
Gratin the Roll:
Sprinkle the remaining 50g of grated Grana Padano over the top of the roll. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the outside is golden brown and the meat is cooked through. -
Make the Sauce:
While the rabbit is baking, collect any juices or fat that have dripped into the parchment paper. Pour the fat into a small saucepan and add an equal amount of water. Simmer on low heat, stirring to create a smooth sauce. -
Serve:
Once the roll is cooked, remove it from the oven and carefully unwrap it. Slice the roll into thick pieces, and serve it with the sauce drizzled over the top. Enjoy your Gratinated Rabbit Roll with Grana Padano!
Tips for the Best Results:
- For Extra Flavor: If you like your meat to be extra tender, marinate the rabbit in olive oil, rosemary, and garlic for a few hours before cooking.
- Pumpkin Substitutes: You can substitute the Delica pumpkin with any type of soft, sweet pumpkin or butternut squash for a similar taste and texture.
- Customizing the Stuffing: Feel free to add other ingredients to the stuffing, such as cooked chestnuts or finely diced carrots, for more texture and flavor variations.
This Gratinated Rabbit Roll with Grana Padano is a comforting, yet sophisticated dish that combines rich flavors with an elegant presentation. The tender rabbit and creamy, cheesy stuffing are sure to be a hit at your next dinner. Enjoy the robust taste of Grana Padano in every bite!
