Hasenpfeffer is a classic German dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It’s a savory, hearty rabbit stew braised in red wine and broth, creating a deliciously rich and tender meal. Whether you’re looking to try something new for dinner or exploring traditional recipes with historical roots, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Ideal for a cozy evening at home, Hasenpfeffer is the kind of meal that brings warmth and comfort. Its deep, savory flavors are perfect for cooler months, making it a fantastic option for a holiday gathering or a special occasion.

As a staple in German cuisine, Hasenpfeffer has a rich cultural history. The word “Hasenpfeffer” translates to “hare pepper,” referring to the seasoned marinade used in preparing the rabbit meat. This dish was once prepared during the fall and winter hunting season, when rabbit was abundant. In modern times, it’s often served with potatoes, bread, or spaetzle, allowing the savory sauce to shine.

In this blog post, we’ll show you how to recreate this comforting dish from scratch. With simple ingredients and a few steps, you can bring a taste of Germany right into your kitchen.

Ingredients for Hasenpfeffer

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make this mouthwatering rabbit stew:

1 lb (450 g) rabbit, cut into pieces
¼ cup (30 g) onions, chopped
½ cup (120 ml) red wine (for a rich, deep flavor)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
½ tsp thyme (for a hint of earthiness)
2 cups (500 ml) broth (you can use chicken or vegetable broth)

These simple, yet flavorful ingredients combine to create a dish that’s both comforting and full of character. The key to a great Hasenpfeffer is the balance between the rich rabbit meat, the acidity from the red wine, and the depth of the broth and seasonings.

Why Choose Rabbit for Hasenpfeffer?

You may be wondering, why rabbit? Rabbit meat is lean, tender, and has a delicate, slightly gamey flavor. It’s also a great source of protein and lower in fat compared to other meats like beef or pork, making it a fantastic choice for a more health-conscious meal without sacrificing flavor.

Additionally, rabbit has a long history in European cuisine, often associated with rustic, country-style dishes like Hasenpfeffer. The meat pairs wonderfully with the bold flavors of red wine, garlic, and herbs, which is why it’s become a classic in German cooking. If you’re new to cooking rabbit, don’t worry — it’s easier than you might think!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hasenpfeffer

Step 1: Sear the Rabbit Pieces

The first step in making Hasenpfeffer is to sear the rabbit pieces in a pan. Start by heating a bit of oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Once the oil is hot, add the rabbit pieces and cook them until they are browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Searing the meat helps to lock in the flavors and gives the rabbit a delicious, caramelized exterior. This process also adds a layer of depth to the stew, making it even more flavorful.

Step 2: Add Onions and Garlic

Once the rabbit is seared, add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan. Stir them around to coat in the leftover oil and meat juices, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened and the garlic becomes fragrant. This step helps to build the flavor base for your Hasenpfeffer, as both onions and garlic are essential to creating that savory, aromatic depth.

Step 3: Pour in the Red Wine and Broth

Now it’s time to deglaze the pan with red wine. Pour in ½ cup of red wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any delicious browned bits stuck to the surface. This adds even more flavor to the dish. After the wine has reduced slightly, add 2 cups of broth (chicken or vegetable broth works best).

The combination of red wine and broth is what gives Hasenpfeffer its signature rich and tangy flavor. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer.

Step 4: Season the Stew

Next, it’s time to add the seasonings! Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of black pepper, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of thyme. These spices bring out the natural flavors of the rabbit and create that comforting, hearty taste we all crave in a stew.

Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let the dish cook for 1-2 hours, or until the rabbit is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it for a shorter time, but longer cooking ensures that the rabbit absorbs the flavors of the broth and becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your Hasenpfeffer is ready, it’s time to serve it up! This dish pairs wonderfully with potatoes — roasted, mashed, or even boiled — as well as a slice of rustic bread to soak up the rich sauce. You can also serve it alongside spaetzle, a traditional German dumpling dish, for an even more authentic experience.

Garnish your stew with fresh herbs, such as parsley, if desired, for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Tips for Perfect Hasenpfeffer Every Time

Making Hasenpfeffer is straightforward, but here are a few tips to ensure your dish turns out perfect:

Marinate the Rabbit (Optional): While not necessary, marinating the rabbit in a mixture of red wine, herbs, and spices for a few hours (or overnight) can help tenderize the meat and add even more flavor to your stew.
Low and Slow: The key to a tender rabbit stew is cooking it low and slow. If you can, let the Hasenpfeffer simmer for longer than 1-2 hours. This will give the meat plenty of time to absorb all the flavors and become incredibly tender.
Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, or thyme to suit your personal taste. You can also add a little more red wine or broth to make the stew saucier if desired.
Serving Suggestions: Hasenpfeffer is traditionally served with hearty sides like boiled potatoes, crusty bread, or spaetzle. If you want to add a green vegetable, sautéed spinach or steamed green beans would be a lovely accompaniment.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Hasenpfeffer is more than just a meal; it’s a connection to a rich cultural tradition that has been enjoyed for centuries. This dish brings together the simple, humble ingredients of rabbit, wine, and broth, creating a meal that’s both rustic and refined.

If you love hearty, flavorful stews and are looking to expand your culinary horizons, this recipe is for you. Rabbit may be an unfamiliar protein for some, but once you try it in this recipe, you’ll be hooked. Plus, Hasenpfeffer is the perfect dish for impressing guests at your next dinner party or family gathering.

So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and soon you’ll have a steaming pot of Hasenpfeffer ready to serve and savor. It’s a dish that will leave everyone at the table talking about how delicious and unique it is — and you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you made it from scratch.

The Perfect Pairings for Hasenpfeffer

When it comes to pairing drinks with Hasenpfeffer, consider a nice red wine that complements the rich flavors of the stew. A dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, works wonderfully. Alternatively, you could opt for a German Riesling if you prefer white wine — the slight sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory dish.

For dessert, you could serve a traditional German treat like Black Forest Cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte) or Apfelstrudel for a sweet ending to your meal.

Conclusion: A Delicious Taste of Germany at Home

Hasenpfeffer is a flavorful and comforting stew that brings together centuries of tradition, rustic ingredients, and bold flavors. Whether you’re cooking it for a special occasion or simply seeking a new dish to try, this recipe will transport you straight to Germany with every bite.

With tender rabbit meat, a rich red wine sauce, and savory herbs, Hasenpfeffer is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy the heartwarming taste of this traditional German dish at home!

Hasenpfeffer

Author: lina
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Hasenpfeffer is a traditional German rabbit stew, braised in red wine and broth, creating a rich and tender meal. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy evening or a special gathering. With its deep flavors, it’s sure to bring comfort and warmth to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (450 g) rabbit, cut into pieces
¼ cup (30 g) onions, chopped
½ cup (120 ml) red wine
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
½ tsp thyme
2 cups (500 ml) broth

Instructions

In a pan, sear the rabbit pieces until browned on all sides.
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 3-4 minutes).
Pour in the red wine and broth, scraping any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a simmer.
Add the black pepper, salt, and thyme. Stir to combine.
Let the stew simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the rabbit is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Serve hot with potatoes, bread, or spaetzle.

Notes

For even more flavor, marinate the rabbit in red wine, herbs, and spices for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
Ensure the stew is simmered at a low heat to allow the rabbit to become tender and absorb the flavors.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it reduce for longer while simmering.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1-2 hours