Malagasy-style Rabbit Stew

Ingredients

In this Malagasy adaptation of Coniglio all’ischitana, we incorporate the flavors and ingredients of Madagascar to create a unique twist on the Italian classic. The original dish typically uses white wine and herbs like rosemary and thyme, while our Malagasy-style Rabbit Stew features local spices such as ginger, garlic, and turmeric. Additionally, we include a variety of vegetables commonly found in Malagasy cuisine, such as tomatoes, onions, and other seasonal vegetables, to enhance the flavors and add a touch of freshness to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Coniglio all’ischitana, 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 ginger, grated (30g) 2 tablespoons ginger, grated (30g)
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (5g) 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (5g)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (30ml) 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (30ml)
• 2 onions, finely chopped 2 onions, finely chopped
• 4 tomatoes, diced 4 tomatoes, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, diced 2 bell peppers, diced
• 2 zucchinis, sliced 2 zucchinis, sliced
• 2 cups (470ml) chicken broth 2 cups (470ml) chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 8g
• Protein: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the grated ginger, minced garlic, and turmeric powder. Add the rabbit pieces to the bowl and toss them in the marinade until well coated. Let the rabbit marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the marinated rabbit pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides.
4. 4.
   Once the rabbit is browned, add the diced tomatoes, sliced carrots, diced bell peppers, and sliced zucchinis to the pot. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
6. 6.
   Simmer the stew for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the rabbit is tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Serve the Malagasy-style Rabbit Stew hot with fragrant rice or crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rabbit — If rabbit is not readily available, you can substitute it with chicken or pork for a similar taste and texture.
• Turmeric — Turmeric adds a vibrant yellow color to the stew. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of turmeric used.
• Ginger — Fresh ginger is recommended for its aromatic flavor, but you can use powdered ginger as a substitute if needed.
• Vegetables — Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on seasonal availability and personal preference.
• Chicken broth — You can use homemade chicken broth or store-bought. If using store-bought, choose a low-sodium option to control the saltiness of the stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the stew just before serving.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.
• Serve the stew with a side of pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast to the rich flavors.
• If you enjoy spicy food, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the stew for a hint of heat.

Serving advice

Serve the Malagasy-style Rabbit Stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro. Accompany it with a generous portion of fragrant rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. This dish is perfect for sharing with family and friends, and pairs well with a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation of the Malagasy-style Rabbit Stew, serve it in individual bowls or on a large platter. Arrange the tender rabbit pieces on top of the stew, surrounded by the colorful vegetables and aromatic sauce. Sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs over the dish for a pop of freshness and add a slice of lemon on the side for an inviting touch.