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Conill Amb Xocolata is a unique and flavorful Catalan dish that combines slow-cooked rabbit with a rich, savory chocolate sauce. Originating from Catalonia, Spain, this traditional recipe reflects the region’s love for combining meat with sweet and bitter flavors. The chocolate enhances the depth of the sauce without making it overly sweet, resulting in a rich, earthy, and slightly smoky taste. Perfect for special occasions or a gourmet home-cooked meal, this dish is a must-try for adventurous food lovers.

Ingredients

1 whole rabbit (about 2.2 lbs / 1 kg), cut into pieces

2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup (120ml) red wine

1 cup (240ml) chicken broth

1 tbsp (15g) unsweetened dark chocolate (70% or higher), grated

1 tbsp (15g) tomato paste

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 bay leaf

1/4 cup (30g) toasted almonds, finely chopped

Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Brown the Rabbit Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Season the rabbit pieces with salt and pepper, then sear them until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Deglaze with Wine Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced.

Slow Cook the Rabbit Return the rabbit to the pan and add the chicken broth, tomato paste, cinnamon, and bay leaf. Cover and simmer over low heat for 45-50 minutes, until the rabbit is tender.

Add the Chocolate and Almonds Stir in the grated dark chocolate and chopped almonds. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring well until the sauce thickens.

Serve Remove the bay leaf and serve hot.

Serving Conill Amb Xocolata pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes, crusty bread, or creamy polenta. A glass of bold red wine, such as a Priorat or Tempranillo, enhances the dish’s deep flavors.

This traditional Catalan rabbit stew offers a perfect balance of savory and bitter-sweet flavors, making it a refined yet rustic dish. Whether for a festive occasion or a gourmet dinner, Conill Amb Xocolata is a testament to Catalonia’s rich culinary heritage.