Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Pyrenees with the Andorra Civet de Conill, a traditional rabbit stew that encapsulates the rich flavors and culinary heritage of the charming Principality of Andorra. Nestled between France and Spain, Andorra's cuisine is a delightful blend of mountain influences, and this rustic dish is a testament to the region's commitment to hearty, wholesome fare.

In this recipe, we'll explore the art of preparing Civet de Conill, a savory rabbit stew that has been passed down through generations. With its aromatic blend of spices, succulent rabbit meat, and a medley of fresh vegetables, this dish captures the essence of Andorran hospitality and provides a warm, comforting experience for your palate. Join us as we unravel the secrets of creating this delectable Andorran classic in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 kg rabbit, cleaned and cut into serving pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 200g mushrooms, sliced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 sprig of thyme
• 1 sprig of rosemary
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 250ml red wine
• 500ml chicken or rabbit broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Marinate the Rabbit:In a large bowl, season the rabbit pieces with salt and pepper. Allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Sear the Rabbit:In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the rabbit pieces and brown them on all sides. Remove the rabbit from the pot and set aside.

Saute Aromatics:In the same pot, add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent.

Add Vegetables:Incorporate carrots, celery, and mushrooms into the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Create a Flavor Base:Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well to create a roux. Cook for a few minutes to eliminate the raw taste of the flour.

Deglaze with Red Wine:Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits. Allow the wine to simmer for a couple of minutes, reducing slightly.

Return Rabbit to the Pot:Place the seared rabbit pieces back into the pot.

Add Broth and Herbs:Pour in the chicken or rabbit broth. Add the bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Simmer:Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours or until the rabbit is tender, stirring occasionally.

Adjust Seasoning:Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference.

Serve:Once the rabbit is tender, discard the bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary sprigs. Serve the Andorra Civet de Conill hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Enjoy this hearty Andorran rabbit stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice, embracing the flavors of the Pyrenees in every comforting bite.

Nutritional Values:

Nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods. However, here's a general estimate for the nutritional values of the main ingredients in the Andorra Civet de Conill recipe:

Rabbit (1.5 kg):

• Calories: Approximately 1,200 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 160g
• Fat: Approximately 60g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in high-quality protein, essential for muscle health.
• Low in fat and calories compared to some other meats.
• Good source of vitamins such as B12, niacin, and selenium.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: Approximately 240 kcal
• Fat: Approximately 28g
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Healthy monounsaturated fats may support heart health.
• Contains antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Provides vitamin E, important for skin health.

Onion (1 large):

• Calories: Approximately 60 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 14g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that may help combat inflammation.
• Good source of vitamin C, important for immune function.
• May have prebiotic properties, supporting gut health.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: Approximately 10 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 2g

benefits:

• Known for potential immune-boosting properties.
• Contains allicin, with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
• May contribute to heart health by supporting healthy cholesterol levels.

Carrots (2):

• Calories: Approximately 50 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 12g

benefits:

• Excellent source of beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A.
• Rich in antioxidants, which may promote eye health.
• Provides dietary fiber, beneficial for digestive health.

Celery (2 stalks):

• Calories: Approximately 20 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 4g

benefits:

• Low in calories and a good source of hydration.
• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Provides dietary fiber, supporting digestive health.

Mushrooms (200g):

• Calories: Approximately 40 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 5g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 6g

benefits:

• Good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
• Contains antioxidants that may help boost immune function.
• May have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: Approximately 60 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 12g

benefits:

• Adds thickness and richness to the stew.
• Contains some essential nutrients like iron and B-vitamins.
• Should be consumed in moderation due to its calorie content.

Red Wine (250ml):

• Calories: Approximately 200 kcal
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 6g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants like resveratrol, which may have heart benefits.
• May contribute to cardiovascular health in moderate amounts.
• Adds depth of flavor to the dish.

Chicken or Rabbit Broth (500ml):

• Calories: Approximately 20 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 2g

benefits:

• Provides essential nutrients and minerals.
• Supports hydration and adds savory flavor.
• May have gut-healing properties.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific brands, cooking methods, and ingredient sizes. Additionally, the nutritional content of rabbit meat can vary based on factors like the cut used (e.g., lean vs. fatty cuts).