Slow Cooker Rabbit with Black Olives and Rosemary Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve a more concentrated flavor in the sauce, you can remove the rabbit pieces once they are tender and simmer the remaining sauce on the stovetop for a few minutes until it reaches your preferred consistency. This also allows you to skim off any excess fat that may have rendered during the long cooking process, ensuring the final sauce is clean and perfectly balanced in flavor.

For a complete meal, serve the rabbit over a bed of creamy polenta or with a side of mashed potatoes, which are excellent at soaking up the rich tomato and olive sauce. A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the depth of the braised meat. Ensure you have plenty of crusty bread on hand to mop up every last drop of the delicious, savory sauce from the plate.

Variations

• Herbed Rabbit: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme to the slow cooker before covering. The woody herbs infuse the sauce with a fragrant, earthy aroma that pairs perfectly with the olives.
• Spicy Tomato Rabbit: Stir in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the tomato sauce for a subtle heat that cuts through the richness of the meat and complements the briny olives.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container once they have cooled to room temperature, which should take no longer than two hours. Place the container in the coldest part of the refrigerator, where it will maintain its quality for up to three days.

When storing, try to keep the meat submerged in the sauce to prevent it from drying out, which helps maintain the texture during the cooling and reheating process.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often deepen and improve after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. Prepare the recipe as directed, allow it to cool completely, and store it in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve, simply reheat the rabbit gently on the stovetop or in the oven until it is heated through. This makes it an ideal option for stress-free entertaining or busy weeknights.

Serving ideas

Serve the rabbit hot, directly from the slow cooker or plated individually with a generous ladle of the sauce, olives, and garlic over each piece.

Garnish with a small amount of fresh herbs if desired, though the dish is flavorful enough to stand on its own without additional adornments. The presentation should be rustic, emphasizing the tender, braised quality of the meat and the richness of the tomato-based sauce.

Because the sauce is the highlight of this dish, ensure that every serving has an ample amount of liquid. If the sauce has thickened too much during storage or reheating, add a small splash of water or broth to adjust the consistency.

Pairing this dish with a side that can handle a bold sauce is key; avoid delicate sides that might get lost, and instead opt for hearty starches that complement the robust flavors.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Rabbit with Black Olives and Rosemary

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lb rabbit pieces, cut into serving sizes
• 1 cup black olives, pitted
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 cups tomato sauce

Instructions

1. Place the raw rabbit pieces at the bottom of the slow cooker to ensure even heat distribution and contact with the heating base.
2. Scatter the black olives over the rabbit, distribute the minced garlic evenly on top, and pour the tomato sauce over all the ingredients.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until the rabbit reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow the meat to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving to ensure the juices redistribute properly.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

350

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

6 g

Sodium

750 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.