Civet de Lapin (Rabbit Stew with Red Wine)

Civet de Lapin (Rabbit Stew with Red Wine)Credit: Christopher HirsheimerSERVES 6INGREDIENTS4 tbsp. butter3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil2 2½-lb. rabbits, each cut into 6 pieces; hearts, kidneys, and livers reservedSalt and freshly ground black pepper1 medium yellow onion, peeled and finely chopped4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced1 leek (white part only), washed and trimmed2 carrots, peeled1 turnip, peeled2 celery stalks3 sprigs fresh rosemary6 sprigs fresh thyme1 bay leaf3⅓ cups dry red wine, such as cahors4 cups Chicken Stock1 lb. pearl onions, peeled1 tbsp. sugar¼ lb. pancetta, julienned1 lb. small white mushroomsINSTRUCTIONS1. Melt 2 tbsp. butter and 2 tbsp. oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season rabbit with salt and pepper, then brown in batches, turning once, about 3 minutes per side. Remove rabbit with a slotted spoon and set aside. Reduce heat to medium, add onions and garlic, and cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.2. Chop leek, carrots, turnip, and celery, and add to pan. Add rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf, and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to brown, 7–10 minutes. Add wine and cook until reduced by two-thirds, about 15 minutes. Add stock and rabbit, cover, and cook for 25 minutes.3. Remove the rabbit with a slotted spoon and set aside. Increase heat to medium-high and simmer, skimming occasionally, until liquid is reduced by half, about 15 minutes. Add hearts, kidneys, and livers. Simmer until firm to the touch, about 5 minutes, then, using a slotted spoon, transfer to a food processor. Strain cooking liquid into the food processor (discarding vegetables and herbs) and purée until smooth. Season sauce with salt and pepper and set aside.4. Wipe out the skillet, then add pearl onions, sugar, remaining butter, and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce heat to medium, and simmer until most of the water evaporates about 15 minutes. Stir to coat onions in syrup, and cook, stirring, until onions begin to caramelize, 2–5 minutes. Heat remaining oil in a skillet over medium heat, add pancetta, and cook until crisp, about 8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Increase heat to medium-high, add mushrooms, and sauté until golden, about 5 minutes.5. To assemble, strain sauce through a fine sieve into a large skillet. Add rabbit and warm over medium heat. Add pearl onions, pancetta, and mushrooms and heat through. Serve warm.