Conejo al Ajillo
Cuisine: Spanish Type: Entree

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Rabbit
1 whole (1500)
Garlic Cloves
10 cloves (50)
Olive Oil
1 cup (240)
White Wine
1 cup (240)
Bay Leaves
2 leaves (2)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (2)
Parsley
1 tablespoon (8)
Totals
72 oz
(2,052 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Rabbit
250
Garlic
50
Olive Oil
120
White Wine
90
Paprika
10
Salt
5
Pepper
5
Totals
530 kcal
Steps
1. Clean and cut the rabbit into serving pieces, removing any excess fat or skin.
2. In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the rabbit pieces to the bowl and toss them well to coat them evenly with the garlic mixture.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the rabbit pieces to the skillet, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
6. Sear the rabbit pieces on all sides until golden brown, then remove them from the skillet and set aside.
7. In the same skillet, add sliced garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly browned.
8. Deglaze the skillet with white wine, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits.
9. Return the rabbit pieces to the skillet and add chicken or vegetable broth until they are partially submerged.
10. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet.
11. Cook the rabbit for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it is tender and cooked through.
12. Remove the rabbit from the skillet and transfer it to a serving platter.
13. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook the liquid in the skillet until it reduces and thickens slightly.
14. Pour the reduced sauce over the rabbit and garnish with fresh parsley.
15. Serve the Conejo al Ajillo hot with crusty bread or potatoes on the side. Enjoy!
Substitutions
Substitutions for Conejo al Ajillo (Spanish cuisine):
1. Rabbit (Conejo) - Substitute with chicken thighs or pork tenderloin. Adjust cooking time accordingly as these meats may require less cooking time compared to rabbit.
2. Garlic (Ajillo) - No direct substitute. However, you can use garlic powder or granulated garlic as an alternative. Use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic.
3. White wine - Substitute with chicken or vegetable broth. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
4. Olive oil - Substitute with vegetable oil or canola oil. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
5. Lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice or white wine vinegar. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
6. Smoked paprika - Substitute with regular paprika and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of smokiness.
7. Dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano or dried rosemary. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
8. Salt - No direct substitute. Adjust to taste with any preferred salt alternative.
9. Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper or red pepper flakes. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
10. Parsley (for garnish) - Substitute with cilantro or fresh basil leaves for a different flavor profile.
Note: Adjustments in cooking time and flavor may be required based on the substitute ingredients used.
Pairings
- Paella Valenciana
- Patatas Bravas
- Gazpacho
- Gambas al Ajillo
- Pan con Tomate
- Ensalada Mixta
- Sangria
- Rioja wine
- Tarta de Santiago
- Churros with chocolate sauce
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, to add a pop of color.
- Serve the Conejo al Ajillo on a bed of sautéed vegetables, such as zucchini ribbons or roasted bell peppers, for an elegant touch.
- Use a decorative plate or platter to showcase the dish.
2. Improve the texture/flavor profile:
- Marinate the rabbit meat in a mixture of white wine, lemon juice, and spices for a few hours before cooking to enhance its flavor.
- Add a touch of sweetness by incorporating a small amount of honey or brown sugar to the ajillo sauce.
- Finish the dish with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a smoky or spicy kick.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Replace regular olive oil with high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the overall taste and aroma.
- Include a splash of dry sherry or brandy during the cooking process to add depth and richness to the sauce.
- Incorporate exotic mushrooms, such as chanterelles or morel mushrooms, to add a luxurious earthy flavor to the dish.
Diet Restrictions
- Use lean cuts of rabbit meat or replace with skinless chicken breast for lower fat content.
- Reduce the amount of oil used for sautéing by using cooking spray or non-stick pans.
- Replace white flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative in the sauce.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth instead of regular broth to reduce sodium content.
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the dish to add more fiber and nutrients.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad instead of rice or bread for a lower carbohydrate option.
- For gluten-free diets, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickening agent.
- To make it dairy-free, omit any cheese or cream and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- For those following a low-sodium diet, reduce or omit the use of salt and use herbs and spices to enhance the flavor.
- To accommodate vegetarian preferences, replace the rabbit meat with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Healthy Choices
- Use lean cuts of rabbit meat instead of fatty cuts.
- Replace butter or lard with a heart-healthy oil like olive oil.
- Reduce the amount of oil used in the recipe.
- Increase the amount of garlic and other herbs and spices for flavor instead of relying on excessive salt.
- Add more vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes to increase the nutritional value.
- Serve with a side of whole grains like brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice.
- Opt for grilling or baking the rabbit instead of frying it to reduce the added fat.
- Use low-sodium broth or homemade broth instead of commercial bouillon cubes.
- Avoid using excessive amounts of salt and instead enhance the flavor with herbs, spices, and citrus juices.
- Limit the use of alcohol in the recipe or opt for non-alcoholic alternatives to reduce empty calories.
Shortcuts
1. Use pre-cut rabbit meat: Instead of butchering a whole rabbit, purchase pre-cut rabbit meat to save time and effort.
2. Substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder: While fresh garlic adds more flavor, using garlic powder can be a quicker and cheaper alternative without compromising taste too much.
3. Opt for frozen vegetables: Instead of using fresh vegetables, consider using frozen ones, as they are already cleaned, cut, and ready to use, saving you time on preparation.
4. Use a pressure cooker: Cooking the rabbit meat in a pressure cooker can significantly reduce cooking time compared to traditional methods, without sacrificing taste.
5. Skip marinating: Although marinating the rabbit meat enhances flavor, you can save time by skipping this step and seasoning it directly before cooking.
6. Utilize store-bought chicken broth: Instead of making homemade broth, use store-bought chicken broth as a quicker and cost-effective alternative.
7. Serve with simple side dishes: Instead of elaborate sides, pair the Conejo al Ajillo with simple and affordable options like rice, bread, or roasted potatoes.
8. Buy in bulk: If possible, purchase rabbit meat in bulk or during sales to save money in the long run.
9. Opt for dried herbs: Instead of using fresh herbs, consider using dried ones, as they are readily available, more affordable, and have a longer shelf life.
10. Plan ahead: Prepare a larger batch of Conejo al Ajillo and freeze individual portions for future quick and convenient meals.