While we are proud to claim it as part of Maltese cuisine, rabbit is a delicacy that is enjoyed in other countries as well, so why not try out some new rabbit dishes? After all, variety is the spice of life!

This list of eclectic rabbit dishes will have you tasting all corners of the globe from the comfort of your own kitchen. Our butchers can also guide you on the best ways to season and cook your rabbit dish.

1. Conejo Al Ajillo – Spain

The Spaniards’ take on a traditional rabbit dish is ‘Conejo al Ajillo’, which translates to ‘rabbit cooked in garlic’. This dish is believed to originate from a group of farmers who would cook this dish in their cabins, out in the countryside.

The whole rabbit is cut into smaller pieces and fried in olive oil until browned, then cooked in a pan with crushed garlic, vinegar, and salt. A generous portion of fried potatoes is placed in the pan with the rabbit and cooked until the vinegar evaporates. Now that’s what we call a mouth-watering Spanish dish.

2. Kouneli Stifado – Greece

A Greek take on a rabbit dish comes in the form of a stew, consisting of pieces of browned rabbit meat.

To capture the true spirit of this dish, the rabbit is cooked in a delicious blend of onions, tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, red wine, chicken or rabbit stock and olive oil.

For extra flavour, one could also opt to use herbs and spices such as cinnamon, bay leaves, rosemary and cumin. Pair this dish with a gorgeous bottle of red wine and enjoy the taste of Greece like never before.

3. Honey-Glazed Rabbit – America

This tender honey-glazed rabbit will have you impressing your dinner guests in no time. A staple in New York diners, albeit simplistic, this dish encapsulates the softness of this lean meat and evokes the perfect balance of sweet and savoury.

In a pre-heated oven, braise browned rabbit together with honey, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar and ground cinnamon, then reduce the liquid to a glaze. To complete your dish, serve your beautifully glazed rabbit alongside a roasted asparagus or carrots and you can just about smell the air over on Fifth Avenue.

4. Rabbit Soup – Bulgaria

An Eastern European rabbit dish that is sure to keep you warm on those cold winter nights is rabbit soup. Simply soak the rabbit in equal parts water and vinegar for 6-12 hours, then boil it in salted water.

As the meat becomes tender, you can debone the rabbit and add finely chopped carrots, onions and tomatoes. Next, pour broth into the pot and boil until everything is cooked. A few minutes before removing your soup from the heat, add in some vermicelli and butter. For added thickness, mix in an egg. Serve with parsley and dig in.

5. Rabbit Burgers – England

We all love a juicy beef burger, but have you tried a succulent rabbit burger? Whether cooking it in a frying pan or putting your BBQ game to good use, these burgers will surely become a family favourite in no time.

At La Boucherie, we have our very own in-house rabbit burgers, ready to be cooked and served, so you can skip straight to the cooking part. Simply fry or barbecue your patties with a drizzle of oil, then stack your burger with your desired ingredients. You can’t go wrong with the classic combination of crispy lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Finish it off with your preferred condiments and enjoy.

Let us know if you can’t wait to explore the different tastes and wonders that rabbit has to offer!