Back to Foodies Corner Fri 29 Jan
Sage & Thyme Stuffed Rabbit, Baked Polenta and Cauliflower
Ingredients
Stuffed rabbit loin
- 400g Pork mince·
- 2 X boned rabbit saddle
- 25g sage
- 25g thyme
- 40g pancetta
- 1 shallot
- 50g butter
- Lightly butter a sheet of foil and then roll your rabbit loin up 3 times, twisting the ends to make something akin to a Christmas cracker
- Preheat your over to 175 degrees
Baked polenta
- 500ml milk·
- 250g polenta
- 500ml veg/chicken stock
- 125g butter
- 125g parmesan
- Bring the milk, stock and butter to the boil with a tablespoon of salt and a generous 10 cracks of pepper
- Finely grate the parmesan and mix through the dry polenta
- Using a stiff whisk, shower the polenta and parmesan mix into the milk mix – beat well
- Switch to a strong wooden spoon and continue to beat over a low heat for 12-15 minutes
- Check the seasoning then transfer to a baking tray lined with greaseproof. Place another sheet on top then weigh down with a large Tupperware box filled with water (or similar)
- Chill for 8 hours before turning out and portioning into bars roughly measuring 12x4x2.5cm.
Roasted cauliflower
- ½ cauliflower
- ½ Romanesco cauliflower
- 100g butter
- 1 sprig thyme
- Prep your florets for roasting. Pare down the cauliflower into its stem then shave off either side where the cauliflower curves to leave approx. 7mm thick slices
- Pare the Romanesco cauliflower into small florets.
Cauliflower puree
- ½ cauliflower
- 200g butter
- 150ml milk
- 150ml double cream
- To make the puree, finely chop the cauliflower trim from cutting the florets. Take care not to use too much stem (no more than 25%) as this can result in a bitter puree
- Over a medium heat, sweat off the cauliflower with a good pinch of salt for 2-3 minutes
- Meanwhile heat up the milk and cream gently in another pan
- Once the cauliflower begins to soften, gradually add the milk and cream, adding in 3 stages over a further 3 minutes
- Transfer to a blender and blend thoroughly until smooth and glossy.
Red wine sauce
- 6 X shallots
- Rabbit Bones
- 1 whole garlic
- 350ml red wine
- 500ml veal stock
- 500ml chicken stock
- 6 sprigs thyme
- Preheat a heavy based casserole dish over a medium heat then add a splash of oil
- Roast off your rabbit bones, stirring regularly for 10-12 minutes until golden brown
- Meanwhile, coarsely shop your shallots, mushrooms and garlic, then add these to the pan with the thyme and continue to roast for 5-7 minutes
- Pour in the wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze
- Add the stocks, bring to the boil and skin off any scum that rises
- Turn to a simmer and cook for 1 ½ hours, skimming regularly
- Pass off the sauce, discarding the bones and then reduce to a glossy sauce
To Cook and Serve:
- Place the Rabbit parcels in the oven for 12-15 minutes then rest for 6-7 minutes
- Dust the polenta with some dry polenta, then place it in an iron pan with a dash of oil along with the cauliflower florets
- Bake for 5 minutes in the oven before removing, turning over the polenta and cauliflower then adding a few knobs of butter and sprigs of thyme
- Transfer to a tray and keep warm
- Heat up the cauliflower puree and red wine sauce
- Remove the foil from the rabbit and carve into generous slices – finish with a tiny pinch of sea salt directly on the rabbit meat
- Arrange all ingredients on the plate as you see fit and enjoy!
Source: The Unruly Pig