Stewed Rabbit with Prunes  HT  MC  Belgian  140mins plus soaking

Serves 4      Hot  Game  Pork  Fruit   Main Course   Eggless   Belgium  Europe

Ingredients
225g/8oz Pitted Prunes
240ml/8fl.oz. Hot Water
3 tbsp Plain Flour
Salt and Black Pepper
8 Rabbit Portions
2 tbsp Butter
2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
100g/4oz Streaky Bacon, cut into 2.5cm/1-inch pieces
2 Onions, coarsely chopped
360ml/12fl.oz.  Belgian Sour Beer (e.g Rodenbach)
1 tbsp Cider Vinegar 
2 Garlic Cloves, finely chopped
4 large sprigs fresh Thyme
2 Bay Leaves
1 whole Clove

Instructions

1. Place the prunes in a large mixing bowl, pour over the hot water and leave to soak for 1 hour.

2. Season half the flour with salt and pepper and use to coat the rabbit pieces on all sides, shaking off any excess.

3. Heat the butter and oil in a large saucepan, add the rabbit pieces and  brown on both sides. You may have to do this in batches. Remove the rabbit pieces and set aside.

4. Add the bacon to the pan  and fry for about  5 minutes.

5. Add the onions and cook for 5 minutes, stirring from time to time.

6. Return  the rabbit pieces to the pan, sprinkle the remaining flour over the meat and onions and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, turning the meat from time to time. 

7. Gradually add the beer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly between each addition then add the vinegar, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, and clove. Mix well, reduce the heat, cover  and simmer, covered, for 1 hour, stirring from time to time.

8. Add the prunes, together with the water they were soaking in, bring to the boil then reduce the heat, cover and simmer for a further 45 minutes until the meat is very tender. Serve hot.

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