Sarawakian-style Chocolate Rabbit

Ingredients

In this Sarawakian adaptation, we incorporate local spices and cooking techniques to infuse the dish with the flavors of Sarawakian cuisine. The original Mexican Conejo con chocolate typically uses chili peppers and Mexican spices, whereas our Sarawakian-style recipe incorporates ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, and turmeric to create a distinct flavor profile. Additionally, we slow-cook the rabbit in a chocolate-infused sauce to enhance the richness and depth of the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Conejo con chocolate, so you can check it out.

• 1 rabbit, cut into pieces (1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs) 1 rabbit, cut into pieces (1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (30ml) 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (30ml)
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
• 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal, sliced 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal, sliced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric, sliced 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric, sliced
• 2 cups (470ml) chicken broth 2 cups (470ml) chicken broth
• 200g (7 oz) dark chocolate, chopped 200g (7 oz) dark chocolate, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (30ml) 2 tablespoons soy sauce (30ml)
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste (15ml) 1 tablespoon tamarind paste (15ml)
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
2. 2.
   Add the lemongrass, galangal, and turmeric to the pot, and cook for a few minutes to release their flavors.
3. 3.
   Add the rabbit pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides.
4. 4.
   Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 1 hour, or until the rabbit is tender.
5. 5.
   Remove the rabbit pieces from the pot and set aside. Discard the lemongrass, galangal, and turmeric.
6. 6.
   Return the pot to the heat and add the chopped dark chocolate, soy sauce, and tamarind paste. Stir until the chocolate has melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the rabbit pieces to the pot and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Serve the Sarawakian-style Chocolate Rabbit hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy with steamed rice or Sarawakian-style noodles.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — Bruise the lemongrass stalks by lightly pounding them with a rolling pin or the back of a knife. This helps release their aromatic oils during cooking.
• Galangal — If you can't find fresh galangal, you can substitute it with dried galangal powder. Use 1 teaspoon of powder for every thumb-sized piece.
• Turmeric — Fresh turmeric can stain your hands and clothes, so handle it with care. You can wear gloves or use a spoon to peel the skin off.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a chopped chili pepper to the pot along with the onion and garlic.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the cooked onion, garlic, lemongrass, galangal, and turmeric with a bit of the cooking liquid before adding the rabbit back to the pot.
• If rabbit is not available, you can substitute it with chicken thighs for a similar flavor profile.
• Adjust the sweetness of the dish by using a darker or lighter chocolate, according to your preference.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for a delicious meal later.

Serving advice

Serve the Sarawakian-style Chocolate Rabbit as a main course, accompanied by steamed rice or Sarawakian-style noodles. The tender meat and rich chocolate sauce pair perfectly with the fluffy rice or noodles, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. The vibrant green color of the cilantro adds a pop of freshness to the rich brown tones of the rabbit and chocolate sauce. Serve the dish in a shallow bowl or on a large plate to showcase the beautiful sauce.