Lagos/kounelli stifado

Yield: 6 Servings K

Ingredients:

1 Rabbit or hare -- cut into serving pieces -- and marinated 1 or 2 days -See: Lagos/Kounelli Fournou
1/4 c Butter
2 lb Small white onions -equal weight of rabbit/hare
1 c Canned tomato sauce
3 Whole cloves
2 Garlic cloves
1 tb Raisins (optional)
1 Bay leaf
1 ts Granulated sugar
1/2 c Dry white wine
2 tb Wine vinegar

Instructions:

Fresh rosemary Remove the rabbit or hare from the marinade and wipe dry. In a large casserole heat the butter or oil and sear the rabbit or hare over high heat until reddened in color without browning the fat. Meanwhile peel the onions and cut a cross in the root end with a sharp pointed knife to keep them from falling apart during cooking. Arrange around the rabbit or hare then stir in the remaining ingredients add enough water to cover place an inverted plate over the meat and bring to a boil. Transfer to a very slow oven (225 F) and bake for 2 to 2-1/2 hours until the rabbit or hare and onions are tender. Remove from the oven and carefully pour off the sauce into a small saucepan. Boil down to 1-1/2 cups. Remove plate from casserole pour the sauce over and garnish with additional rosemary. Serve warm. NOTE: The flavor improves the second day. Source: The Food of Greece - by Vilma Liacouras Chantiles Avenel Books New York ISBN: 0-517-27888-X Typed for you by Karen Mintzias