Pappardelle alla Lepre alla Toscana: A Traditional Tuscan Pasta Dish
“Pappardelle alla Lepre” is a classic Tuscan dish featuring wide ribbon-like pasta (pappardelle) served with a rich and flavorful hare (lepre) sauce. This dish is a perfect example of Tuscan cuisine, which often highlights game meats and robust flavors. It’s traditionally enjoyed during the hunting season and is a favorite at family gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
For a traditional Pappardelle alla Lepre, you will need:
Pappardelle Pasta: 400 grams (about 14 oz)
Hare (Lepre): 1 kg (about 2.2 lbs) of hare meat, cut into pieces
Red Wine: 1 cup
Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
Carrot: 1, finely chopped
Celery: 1 stalk, finely chopped
Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced
Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
Canned Tomatoes: 400 grams (14 oz) of crushed tomatoes
Olive Oil: 4 tablespoons
Bay Leaves: 2
Fresh Rosemary: 1 sprig
Fresh Thyme: 1 sprig
Juniper Berries: 4-5, crushed (optional)
Salt and Pepper: To taste
Grated Parmesan Cheese: For serving (optional)
Preparation
Marinate the Hare:
Place the hare pieces in a large bowl. Add the red wine, bay leaves, rosemary, thyme, and crushed juniper berries (if using). Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to marinate.
Prepare the Hare:
Remove the hare pieces from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels. Reserve the marinade for later use.
Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent, about 10 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Brown the Hare:
Add the hare pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Deglaze and Add Tomatoes:
Pour the reserved marinade into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Mix well to combine.
Simmer:
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the hare simmer gently for about 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone. Stir occasionally and add a little water or broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
Shred the Meat:
Once the hare is tender, remove the pieces from the pot and let them cool slightly. Shred the meat, discarding any bones, and return the shredded meat to the pot. Stir to combine and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
Cook the Pappardelle:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pappardelle and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the pasta cooking water.
Combine and Serve:
Add the cooked pappardelle to the pot with the hare sauce. Toss to combine, adding a little of the reserved pasta cooking water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Serve the pappardelle alla lepre hot, with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Pappardelle alla Lepre
Marination: Marinating the hare overnight helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
Slow Cooking: Allow the hare to simmer gently to ensure it becomes tender and the flavors meld together.
Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality pasta and fresh herbs for the best flavor.
Cultural Significance
Tuscan Tradition: Pappardelle alla lepre is a traditional Tuscan dish that reflects the region’s love for game meats and hearty, flavorful food.
Seasonal Dish: This dish is often enjoyed during the hunting season when hare is readily available.
Family Gatherings: Pappardelle alla lepre is a favorite at family gatherings and special occasions, emphasizing the importance of sharing good food with loved ones.
Conclusion
Pappardelle alla Lepre alla Toscana is a delicious and comforting dish that captures the essence of Tuscan cuisine. Its combination of tender hare meat and rich tomato sauce served over wide pappardelle pasta makes it a satisfying meal that is both nutritious and flavorful. Whether enjoyed during a special occasion or as a hearty dinner, this traditional Tuscan dish is sure to delight your taste buds. Buon appetito!