Ingredients:

1 onion, chopped
1 rib celery, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 small bunch parsley leaves, chopped
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 ounces pancetta, cubed
Boned leg meat of 1 rabbit cut into strips
Leaves of 2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 tablespoon flour
1/2 cup red wine
1 cup hot chicken stock
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 1/4 pounds pappardelle
1 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated

Preparation:

Melt the chopped onion, celery, garlic, and parsley in the olive oil, add the pancetta, and cook for a few minutes. Add the rabbit pieces and the thyme and cook until the rabbit is browned on all sides.

Sprinkle the flour over the rabbit, mix well, cook for another minute, and add the wine, mixing well. Allow the wine to evaporate and add the chicken stock.

Cover and cook over a low flame for about an hour, until the meat is cooked throughout, and the sauce is a nice thick consistency. Add salt and lots of freshly ground pepper.

Cook the pappardelle in a big pan of boiling salted water. Drain, pour the sauce over the pasta and mix in half of the Parmesan. Serve with the remaining cheese at the table.

Serves 6.

From La Taverna Del Pittore, Bolgheri

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Photography by stu spivack