Braised Rabbit Brunswick Stew Recipe

* skinned, seeded, finely chopped tomato pulp

Remove hind legs from rabbit; remove thigh bones. Combine herbs; sprinkle in thigh cavity. Season with salt and pepper; reserve. Trim off belly and front legs; cold smoke using desired wood for about 1 hour.

Season rabbit loin; dice smoked pieces. Place butter in large pan; heat until hot. Add loin and smoked pieces; sear on all sides. Remove from pan; reserve.

Place onion, carrot and celery in pan; cook until onion is caramelized. Return rabbit loin, smoked pieces and thigh to pan; add potatoes, stock and lima beans. Heat to boiling; cover.

Place in 210 degree F oven; braise for 30 to 40 minutes. Remove rabbit loin, thighs, celery, carrot, onion and potatoes; reserve hot.

Strain stock; place lima beans and smoked pieces in saute pan. Add tomato concassee and pinch of herbs; saute lightly. Add herbs to stock; heat until hot. Adjust seasoning.

TO SERVE: Debone loin; reserve meat warm. Arrange celery and carrot batons on warm platter; lay thighs over. Arrange potatoes in two rows; place lima bean mixture in space between rows. Lay loins on beans. Pour stock over all. Serve with cornbread.