Best 6 Hassenpfeffer Pickled Rabbit Recipes

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Hassenpfeffer is a traditional German dish made with rabbit or hare meat, marinated in vinegar and spices, then braised in a flavorful broth. The result is a tender and succulent meat with a rich and tangy sauce. This article provides two variations of Hassenpfeffer recipes: a classic version and a modern twist with the addition of beer. Both recipes offer a detailed step-by-step guide to ensure a successful and delicious outcome. Whether you're a seasoned cook or new to German cuisine, these recipes will guide you through the process of creating an authentic and delectable Hassenpfeffer dish.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

HASENPFEFFER WITH SEMOLINA DUMPLINGS



Hasenpfeffer with Semolina Dumplings image

While hasenpfeffer should properly be made with hare (snowshoe or jackrabbit in the United States), hares are notoriously hard to find if you are not a hunter. So do what everyone else does and make it with rabbit. The actual making of the dish is pretty easy, but it will be far better if you give it the 2 to 3 days' worth of marinating time. Marinades take a long time to penetrate meat, and the flavorful marinade is the heart of hasenpfeffer.

Provided by Hank Shaw

Categories     Main Course

Time 2h45m

Number Of Ingredients 22

1 cup water
1 cup red wine
1 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons chopped rosemary
1 tablespoon juniper berries, (crushed)
1 tablespoon crack black peppercorns
3 bay leaves
4 cloves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 green onions, (chopped)
1 jackrabbit, (snowshoe hare or domestic rabbit, or 2 cottontails or squirrels)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Flour for dredging
2 to 3 cups chopped onion
1/4 cup sour cream
1 cup milk, (whole or 2%)
1 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons semolina flour, (or use farina or Cream of Wheat)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 egg, (lightly beaten)
1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Steps:

  • Marinate the rabbit. Bring all the ingredients for the marinade to a boil, then let cool to room temperature. While the marinade is cooling, cut up a hare into serving pieces. Find a covered container (plastic, ceramic, glass) just about large enough to hold the cut-up hare and put the meat inside. Cover with the cooled marinade. If you have leftover marinade, put that into a different container. Put everything in the refrigerator and let it sit at least 8 hours, but 2 days is better.
  • Remove the hare from the marinade and pat it dry. Save the marinade. Heat the butter in a large, heavy pot with a lid. Dredge the hare in the flour and brown well on all sides. Do this over medium to medium-high heat so the butter does not burn. Remove the hare pieces as they brown and set aside.
  • As the hare is browning, preheat your oven to 325°F and strain the marinade into a bowl.
  • Once you've browned the hare, add the onion and stir to coat with the butter. If there is not much butter left, add another tablespoon or so. Cook the onions over medium-high heat until they are soft and a little brown on the edges. Sprinkle salt over them as they cook.
  • Return the hare to the pot and add the strained marinade. Bring to a simmer, cover and put into the oven. Cook until the meat wants to fall off the bones: This will take 2 to 4 hours for a wild hare, or between 90 minutes and 2 hours for a store-bought rabbit. To finish the hasenpfeffer, remove it from the oven and uncover the pot. Spoon off about a cup of the sauce and put it into a bowl. Add the sour cream to the bowl and mix to combine. Return the mixture to the pot and swirl it around to combine. Serve at once with the dumplings.
  • Make the dumplings. Once the hasenpfeffer has cooked for an hour or so, make the dumpling dough. Heat the milk to the steaming point and add the butter and salt. Start stirring the milk with one hand while you sprinkle in the semolina with the other. Stir well until the semolina absorbs the milk and forms a stiff dough. Take the pot off the heat and let the dough cool. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stove. once it boils, turn off the heat until the hare is done.
  • When the hasenpfeffer is ready, turn the heat off the oven but leave everything inside. Mix the egg and nutmeg into the semolina dough. Let the dough stand while you bring your pot of salty water back to a boil, which won't take long because you preheated it. Get a bowl of water ready to wet your hands, so the dumpling dough doesn't stick to them.
  • Roll the dough into balls. I like to make dumplings the size of a walnut. As you make them, drop each one into the boiling water. Do not crowd the pot. Once the dumplings start bobbing on the surface, let them cook another 2 to 5 minutes, depending on how soft you like them. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1106 kcal, Carbohydrate 15 g, Protein 44 g, Fat 18 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, Cholesterol 162 mg, Sodium 1342 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 3 g, ServingSize 1 serving

HASENPFEFFER



Hasenpfeffer image

My husband is an avid hunter. Almost 55 years ago, his aunt gave us this hasenpfeffer recipe. The tender, flavorful meat combined with the sour cream and seasonings makes a wonderful dish. -Mary Calendine, Hiddenite, North Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 large onion, sliced
3 cups white vinegar
3 cups water
1 tablespoon pickling spice
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 bay leaves
8 whole cloves
1 rabbit (2-1/2 pound), skinned, cut into serving-size pieces
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 to 3 tablespoons butter
1 cup sour cream

Steps:

  • In a large nonmetallic bowl, combine onion, vinegar, water and seasonings. Add rabbit pieces; cover and refrigerate for 48 hours, turning occasionally. , Remove meat; strain and reserve marinade. Dry meat well; coat lightly with flour. In a large skillet, melt butter; brown meat well. Gradually add 2 to 2-1/2 cups reserved marinade. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 30 minutes. , Remove meat to a warm platter. Add sour cream to pan juices; stir just until heated through. Spoon over rabbit.

Nutrition Facts :

HASENPFEFFER (RABBIT STEW)



Hasenpfeffer (Rabbit Stew) image

Rabbit stew made with bacon, wine, garlic, shallots, other herbs and spices.

Provided by Lovesmurfs

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Stews

Time 2h

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 pounds rabbit meat, cleaned and cut into pieces
½ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
½ pound bacon, diced
½ cup finely chopped shallots
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 cup dry red wine
1 cup water
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules
1 tablespoon currant jelly
10 black peppercorns, crushed
1 bay leaf
¼ teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
2 teaspoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
⅛ teaspoon dried thyme, crushed

Steps:

  • Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain on paper towels and set aside. Sprinkle rabbit with salt and coat with 1/3 cup flour, shaking off excess. Brown rabbit in remaining bacon fat. Remove from skillet, along with all but 2 tablespoons of the fat, and reserve.
  • Saute shallots and garlic in skillet for about 4 minutes, until tender. Stir in wine, 1 cup water and bouillon. Heat to boiling, then stir in jelly, peppercorns, bay leaf, and rosemary. Return rabbit and bacon to skillet. Heat to boiling, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer about 1 1/2 hours or until rabbit is tender.
  • Remove bay leaf and discard. Place rabbit on a warm platter and keep warm while preparing gravy.
  • To Make Gravy: Stir lemon juice into skillet with cooking liquid. Combine 3 tablespoons water with 2 tablespoons flour and mix together; stir mixture into skillet over low heat. Finally, stir in thyme. Pour gravy over stew and serve, or pour into a gravy boat and serve on the side.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 767.3 calories, Carbohydrate 21.9 g, Cholesterol 300 mg, Fat 33.3 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 79.1 g, SaturatedFat 10.8 g, Sodium 893.9 mg, Sugar 3.7 g

HASSENPFEFFER (MARINATED RABBIT STEW)



Hassenpfeffer (Marinated Rabbit Stew) image

My grandpa came to this country from a little town in Bavaria, Germany in the 1920's. He brought so many custom's with him and I cherish them all. He was an avid hunter and this was one of his recipes. Growing up this was one of those annual meals with the whole family. Wild rabbit is the best, but it can be made with tame....

Provided by Cheryl Starker

Categories     Wild Game

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 (2 to 3 lb.) rabbit
3 c red wine vinegar
3 c water
1 medium onion sliced
2 carrots, peeled and cut into pieces
1 Tbsp salt
1 tsp pickling spices
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 c sugar
1/3 c all purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
3 Tbsp shortening
1/4 c all purpose flour

Steps:

  • 1. Cut rabbit into serving size pieces. Put into deep bowl and cover with a mixture of red wine vinegar, water, sugar, onion, carrots, 1 tablespoon salt, pickling spices and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cover and put into the refrigerator for 2-3 days to marinate. Turn the rabbit often.
  • 2. Drain rabbit pieces, reserving marinade. Dry on absorbent paper. Strain the marinade. Toss out the contents left in the strainer.
  • 3. Coat the rabbit pieces evenly by shaking 2 or 3 at a time in a paper or plastic bag containing a mixture of 1/3 cup flour, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  • 4. Heat 3 tablespoons of shortening in a Dutch oven or heavy sauce pot.
  • 5. Add the rabbit pieces and brown slowly. Remove from heat. Gradually add 2 cups of the reserved marinade. Cover and simmer 45 minutes to an hour until the meat is tender.
  • 6. Add 1/4 cup of flour to 1/2 cup of the reserved marinade. Blend well. Pour 1/2 of this flour mixture into cooking liquid, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil. Gradually add only what is needed of the remaining flour mixture for desired consistency. Bring to a boil after each addition. After the final addition, reduce to medium heat and cook 3 to 5 minutes.
  • 7. Serve rabbit with the gravy. This is good with oven roasted potatoes and onions and cooked cabbage.

HASENPFEFFER



Hasenpfeffer image

Not sure if this is the traditional Hasenpfeffer but it is definitely delicious. I got this about 20 years ago from a small cookbook with recipes from inns around the US. No idea which inn this came from. Takes a long time but it is soooo worth it.

Provided by Mysterygirl

Categories     Rabbit

Time P2DT1h

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 19

5 -6 lbs rabbits, cut up or 5 -6 lbs may substitute chicken
1 1/2 cups diced onions
1 cup white mushrooms, quartered or 1 cup mushroom
4 slices bacon, cut up
3 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup sour cream
marinade
2 cups red wine
1 cup water
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
12 peppercorns
4 cloves garlic
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon rosemary
1/2 teaspoon marjoram leaves
1 cup celery leaves

Steps:

  • Mix marinade ingredients together.
  • Add rabbit pieces and store in refrigerator for 2 days.
  • After rabbit has marinated, in a large pot, cook onions, mushrooms and bacon until onions are soft.
  • Remove vegetables and bacon.
  • Add butter to pan.
  • Remove rabbit from marinade and pat dry.
  • Strain the marinade and save.
  • Sprinkle salt over rabbit, dip in flour and brown in the butter.
  • When all of the rabbit pieces are browned, return veggies and bacon to pan, pour strained marinade over rabbit and veggies.
  • Cover and simmer until tender, about 1 hour.
  • Remove rabbit from pan and place on a heated platter. Stir salt and flour into sour cream, add to sauce in pan and stir well.
  • Pour sauce over rabbit.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 823, Fat 35.6, SaturatedFat 13.2, Cholesterol 258.2, Sodium 867.9, Carbohydrate 22.1, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 2.5, Protein 87.7

BEST BRAISED RABBIT



Best Braised Rabbit image

This recipe comes up annually during Oktoberfest at our house. We love it. It is true German comfort food hunter style! Based on a recipe from Bernard Clayton's Cooking Across America. He says, "If wild rabbits are not at hand, try domestic ones. Either way, delicious, especially when served with potato pancakes, rye bread, and beer." It calls for a 5-quart roaster or flameproof casserole with tight-fitting lid; I use my Dutch oven.

Provided by mersaydees

Categories     Stew

Time 2h30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

6 -8 slices bacon, finely chopped
2 rabbits, wild if possible, otherwise domestic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 cup chicken stock, preferably homemade
1 bay leaf

Steps:

  • Heat the roaster or casserole over moderate heat and cook the bacon, stirring and turning it frequently, until crisp, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Set the pan with bacon fat aside for a few moments.
  • Cut the rabbit into serving pieces. Cut away and discard the belly meat.
  • Add the salt, pepper, and flour to a brown paper bag. Add a few rabbit pieces to the bag and shake to coat with flour mixture; repeat with remaining rabbit pieces.
  • Preheat the oven to 325°F.
  • Heat the reserved bacon fat in the pan over high heat until it sputters.
  • Brown the rabbit pieces on all sides, in batches; this should take about 10 minutes. Transfer them to a serving plate.
  • Pour off all but 2 tablespoon of fat and cook the onions in it until they are soft and translucent. Pour in the vinegar and chicken stock and add the bay leaf. Bring to a boil over high heat, scraping up any browned bits clinging to the bottom and sides of the pan.
  • Return the rabbit with juices to the roaster or casserole. Add the drained bacon. Cover the vessel tightly, and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, or until the rabbits are tender but not falling apart.
  • Serve the rabbit directly from the roaster or casserole, or arrange the pieces attractively on a heated platter.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 490.5, Fat 24.2, SaturatedFat 7.5, Cholesterol 153.3, Sodium 518.8, Carbohydrate 11, Fiber 0.5, Sugar 1.2, Protein 53.3

Tips:

  • Choose the right rabbit. Use a young rabbit, around 2-3 pounds, for the most tender meat.
  • Soak the rabbit in vinegar or buttermilk. This will help to tenderize the meat and remove any gamy flavor.
  • Use a variety of spices in the marinade. This will add flavor to the rabbit.
  • Cook the rabbit slowly over low heat. This will help to keep the meat moist and prevent it from becoming tough.
  • Serve the rabbit with a variety of sides. Some popular options include mashed potatoes, dumplings, and sauerkraut.

Conclusion:

Hassenpfeffer is a classic German dish that is made with pickled rabbit. It is a flavorful and hearty dish that is perfect for a special occasion. If you are looking for a new and exciting way to cook rabbit, then you should definitely try Hassenpfeffer. Just be sure to follow the tips above to ensure that your dish turns out perfectly.

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