Piedmontese cuisine is wellknown for its rich flavors, rustic ingredients, and hearty dishes that reflect the stunning landscape of the Piedmont region in Northern Italy. One standout dish that encapsulates the essence of this culinary tradition is Pasta with Rabbit, a comforting meal that celebrates local ingredients and timehonored preparation methods. Join us as we explore the elegant yet rustic world of Piedmontese cooking with a detailed tutorial on how to make this delightful dish from scratch.
The Beauty of Piedmontese Cuisine
Piedmont, surrounded by the majestic Alps, is rich in history, agriculture, and flavors. Its cuisine is influenced by both the mountains and the fertile plains, which yields an abundance of fresh produce, meats, and wines. Pasta with Rabbit (Pasta al Coniglio) is a classic dish that highlights the region’s rustic approach to cooking, where simple ingredients are transformed into something extraordinary.
Ingredients You Will Need
To prepare Pasta with Rabbit, gather the following ingredients:
For the Rabbit Stew:
1 whole rabbit, cut into pieces
3 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 carrot, diced
1 stick of celery, diced
1 cup dry red wine (preferably Barolo or another Piedmontese wine)
2 cups chicken or rabbit stock
1 bay leaf
Fresh rosemary and thyme (to taste)
Salt and pepper
For the Pasta:
2 cups allpurpose flour (or semolina flour for a firmer texture)
3 large eggs
1 pinch of salt
StepbyStep Tutorial
Step 1: Preparing the Rabbit Stew
1. Brown the Rabbit: In a large, heavybottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the rabbit pieces, season with salt and pepper, and brown them on all sides for about 10 minutes. Remove the rabbit from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Let the wine reduce by half.
4. Add Rabbit and Stock: Return the rabbit to the pot, add the stock, bay leaf, and herbs. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the rabbit is tender and fully cooked. Stir occasionally and add more stock if necessary.
5. Shred Rabbit: Once cooked, remove the rabbit from the pot, let it cool slightly, and then shred the meat, discarding the bones. Return the shredded rabbit to the sauce and keep warm.
Step 2: Making the Fresh Pasta
1. Make the Dough: On a clean surface, make a mound with the flour and create a well in the center. Add the eggs and a pinch of salt. Using a fork, beat the eggs lightly and gradually incorporate the flour until a dough begins to form.
2. Knead the Pasta: Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
3. Roll Out the Pasta: After resting, divide the dough into four pieces. Using a pasta machine or a rolling pin, roll out each piece into thin sheets (about 1/16 inch thick). Dust with flour to prevent sticking.
4. Cut the Pasta: Cut the pasta sheets into desired shapes – tagliatelle or pappardelle work beautifully with this dish. Dust the cut pasta with flour and set it aside.
Step 3: Cooking the Pasta
1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2. Cook the Pasta: Add the fresh pasta and cook for 24 minutes or until al dente. Fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried pasta, so keep an eye on it!
3. Combine with Rabbit Stew: Drain the pasta and gently toss it in the pot with the rabbit stew, allowing the flavors to meld together. Add a little pasta cooking water if needed to create a sauce consistency.
Step 4: Serving
Serve the pasta warm, drizzled with a touch of extra virgin olive oil, and garnish with freshly chopped herbs or grated ParmigianoReggiano. Pair the dish with a glass of the same red wine used in cooking to fully embrace the Piedmontese experience.
Conclusion
Pasta with Rabbit is more than just a meal; it’s a journey into the heart of Piedmontese culture. This dish showcases the region’s ability to transform humble ingredients into a feast fit for any table. By following this tutorial, you can recreate a taste of tradition in your kitchen, sharing not just food, but history and passion with your loved ones. Enjoy every bite of this comforting classic that is sure to warm your heart and soul!