Gather the Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have the following ingredients:
- 1 fresh hare (around 3-5 pounds)
- 4 slices of bacon
- 2 medium onions, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup of red wine
- 2 cups of beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Preparing the Hare
Start by preparing the hare. Rinse it thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Cut it into manageable pieces, such as legs and loin.
Step 2: Marinating the Hare
Place the hare pieces in a bowl and season them with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme leaves. Add the red wine and let it marinate for at least two hours. This step will enhance the flavors and help tenderize the meat.
Step 3: Sautéing the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the bacon slices and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon, leaving the fat in the pot. Next, add the diced onions, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and fragrant.
Step 4: Browning the Hare
Once the vegetables are cooked, remove them from the pot and set them aside. Drain the hare pieces from the marinade and pat them dry. In the same pot, sear the hare on all sides until it develops a rich golden-brown color. This will enhance the flavor and add depth to the dish.
Step 5: Braising the Hare
Return the cooked vegetables to the pot with the hare. Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, ensuring the hare is partially submerged. If needed, add more broth or water. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about two hours or until the hare becomes tender.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Remove the hare pieces from the pot and strain the cooking liquid to remove any solids. Return the liquid to the pot and simmer until it reduces and thickens into a flavorful sauce. Meanwhile, shred the hare meat from the bones and discard any unwanted parts.
Serving the Delicious Meal
Place the shredded hare meat on a serving platter and pour some of the sauce over it. Garnish it with crispy bacon and fresh thyme leaves. Serve this delightful meal with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Now that you have mastered the art of cooking a hare, impress your friends and family with this mouthwatering dish. Enjoy!