No. 150. Lepre Agro-dolce (hare) Recipe

The Lepre Agro-dolce, also known as hare in sweet and sour sauce, is a traditional Roman dish that combines the rich flavors of game meat with the tangy sweetness of vinegar and sugar. This unique combination creates a delicious blend of savory and sweet that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Fun Fact: The Agro-dolce style of cooking, which utilizes the combination of vinegar and sugar, has its roots in ancient Roman cuisine. This style of cooking was popularized during the Renaissance period and has remained a staple in Italian cuisine ever since.

Now, let's move on to the recipe!

Lepre Agro-dolce Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 1 hare, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 100g ham, diced
- 1 cup stock
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated chocolate
- ¼ cup shredded almonds
- ¼ cup raisins, pitted

Instructions:

1. Start by washing the hare pieces in vinegar. This helps to remove any gamey flavors and tenderize the meat. Pat dry and set aside.

2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced ham, and cook until the onions are translucent and the ham is lightly browned.

3. Add the hare pieces to the skillet, along with the stock and salt. Stir well to combine, ensuring that the pieces are coated with the flavorful mixture.

4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the hare simmer for about 1 hour, or until it is browned all over and nearly cooked through.

5. While the hare is cooking, prepare the agro-dolce sauce. In a wine glass, mix together the sugar and vinegar until well combined. You can adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your liking by adding more sugar or vinegar as desired.

6. When the hare is almost cooked, pour the agro-dolce sauce over the meat, along with the grated chocolate, shredded almonds, and raisins. Stir well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

7. Continue cooking the hare for an additional few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

8. Once the hare is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove from heat.

9. Serve the Lepre Agro-dolce hot, accompanied by your choice of side dishes. This dish pairs well with creamy polenta or roasted potatoes.

Fun Fact: The addition of chocolate to the Agro-dolce sauce may be surprising, but it adds a subtle richness and depth of flavor to the dish. The use of chocolate in savory dishes is a common practice in Italian cooking, particularly in regions like Tuscany and Lazio.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
If you enjoyed the Lepre Agro-dolce, you might be interested in trying other traditional Italian dishes that feature the agro-dolce flavor profile. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Pollo Agro-dolce: Replace the hare with chicken pieces and follow the same cooking method. The sweet and sour flavors of the agro-dolce sauce work beautifully with tender chicken.

2. Maiale Agro-dolce: For a pork version, use cubed pork shoulder or tenderloin and cook it in the same manner as the hare. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors complements the rich and juicy pork.

3. Pesce Agro-dolce: Seafood lovers can try making an agro-dolce sauce for fish. Think delicate white fish fillets cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce made with vinegar, sugar, and a touch of lemon zest.

These and more variations of agro-dolce recipes can be found throughout Italy, each with its own regional twist. Keep exploring and experimenting with this unique flavor combination to discover your favorite! Enjoy your culinary adventure!

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