Homesteaders' Rabbit Or Squirrel With Cream Gravy
A hearty, savory dish featuring tender rabbit or squirrel coated in seasoned flour and simmered in a rich cream gravy, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In large plastic food storage bag, combine flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Shake to mix.
- Add rabbit or squirrel pieces; shake to coat. Reserve any excess flour mixture.
- In a large skillet, melt butter or margarine with vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Add coated rabbit or squirrel pieces and brown on all sides.
- Pour in rabbit stock or chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze.
- Add bay leaf, cover, and simmer until the meat is tender, about 1 hour.
- Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve with gravy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade rabbit stock if available. If you don’t have rabbit, you can substitute with chicken or even a thick cut of pork. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra depth. If you prefer a lighter gravy, use less flour or substitute with cornstarch mixed with water.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a side of steamed green beans. For a complete meal, serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy. A fresh salad or sautéed vegetables can also complement the rich flavors of the rabbit or squirrel dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the gravy thickens too much. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homesteaders' Rabbit Or Squirrel With Cream Gravy contains roughly 661 calories, with 3g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2038mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen rabbit or squirrel for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen rabbit or squirrel. Just ensure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking for even cooking and better flavor absorption. Avoid cooking from frozen as it may lead to uneven cooking.
What can I serve alongside this dish?
Homesteaders' Rabbit or Squirrel with Cream Gravy goes well with sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. A crisp salad or even biscuits can enhance your meal, providing great texture and balance to the rich gravy.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add spice, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture. You could also serve it with a side of spicy pickles or hot sauce to elevate the flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).