Yields4 ServingsPrep Time30 minsCook Time2 hrsTotal Time2 hrs 30 mins
1Hare (or rabbit), jointed
3tbspOlive oil
100gPancetta, diced
2Carrots, finely chopped
2Celery stalks, finely chopped
1Onion, finely chopped
2Garlic cloves, minced
1cupRed wine
2tbspTomato paste
400gCanned chopped tomatoes
2cupsChicken or vegetable broth
1stickFresh rosemary
1stickFresh thyme
1Bay leaf
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Pappardelle:
400gPappardelle pasta
Salt for the pasta water
To Serve:
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino cheese for serving
1
Prepare the Hare: If not already done by your butcher, joint the hare into manageable pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
2
Brown the Hare: In a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the hare pieces and brown on all sides. Remove the hare and set aside.
3
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the pancetta and cook until it starts to render fat. Add the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
4
Deglaze: Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer until the wine has reduced by half.
5
Cook the Hare: Return the hare to the pan. Stir in the tomato paste and chopped tomatoes. Add the broth, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the hare is tender and the sauce has thickened.
6
Shred the Meat: Once the hare is cooked, remove it from the sauce. When cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bones and return it to the sauce. Discard the bones.
7
Cook the Pappardelle: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pappardelle until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
8
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the pappardelle with the hare sauce, adding a little pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
9
Serve: Plate the pappardelle and sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino cheese.
To Serve:
10
Pappardelle alla Lepre is best served immediately while hot. The dish pairs well with a full-bodied red wine, such as a Chianti or Barolo, which complements the rich flavors of the sauce. Enjoy a taste of the Italian countryside with this traditional and comforting meal.
Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino cheese for serving
Directions
1
Prepare the Hare: If not already done by your butcher, joint the hare into manageable pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
2
Brown the Hare: In a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the hare pieces and brown on all sides. Remove the hare and set aside.
3
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the pancetta and cook until it starts to render fat. Add the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
4
Deglaze: Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer until the wine has reduced by half.
5
Cook the Hare: Return the hare to the pan. Stir in the tomato paste and chopped tomatoes. Add the broth, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the hare is tender and the sauce has thickened.
6
Shred the Meat: Once the hare is cooked, remove it from the sauce. When cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bones and return it to the sauce. Discard the bones.
7
Cook the Pappardelle: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pappardelle until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
8
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the pappardelle with the hare sauce, adding a little pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
9
Serve: Plate the pappardelle and sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino cheese.
To Serve:
10
Pappardelle alla Lepre is best served immediately while hot. The dish pairs well with a full-bodied red wine, such as a Chianti or Barolo, which complements the rich flavors of the sauce. Enjoy a taste of the Italian countryside with this traditional and comforting meal.
Notes
Pappardelle alla Lepre. Pappardelle with Hare Sauce