Craving a comforting and hearty dish with a touch of rustic tradition? Cream of Rabbit Soup is a rich, velvety classic that brings together tender rabbit meat, aromatic herbs, and creamy broth for a soul-warming experience. Popular in European countryside kitchens and gaining popularity among gourmet food lovers, this soup is both nourishing and elegant. Whether you’re a seasoned wild game enthusiast or simply looking to try something new and wholesome, this recipe offers a delicious way to explore traditional flavors with a luxurious, creamy twist.
Why Rabbit Soup Deserves a Comeback
Rabbit meat has been a part of European and Mediterranean cuisines for centuries. It’s lean, high in protein, and deliciously tender when cooked properly. This Cream of Rabbit Soup recipe is inspired by rustic French kitchens — slow-simmered rabbit, aromatic herbs, and velvety cream brought together in a soul-satisfying bowl.
If you’re a fan of rich, homestyle meals like our kaju chicken recipe or prawn masala recipe, you’ll love this soup’s bold depth.
Ingredients
For the Rabbit:
- 1 whole rabbit (about 2–2.5 lbs), jointed
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme or fresh sprigs
- 4 cups chicken stock or bone broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Cream of Rabbit Soup
Step 1: Sear the Rabbit
- Season rabbit pieces with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven and sear rabbit until golden brown on both sides.
- Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Base
- In the same pot, melt butter.
- Add onions, garlic, mushrooms, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened.
Step 3: Simmer
- Return the rabbit to the pot.
- Add herbs, bay leaf, and stock.
- Simmer on low for 1.5 to 2 hours until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
Pro Tip: You can use a pressure cooker to cut down the cooking time to around 30 minutes!
Step 4: Shred and Thicken
- Remove rabbit pieces, discard bones, and shred the meat.
- Return the meat to the pot.
- (Optional) Mix 2 tbsp flour with water to form a slurry, add it to the soup, and simmer to thicken.
Step 5: Creamy Finish
- Lower heat and stir in the heavy cream.
- Simmer for another 5–10 minutes, then adjust seasoning.
How to Serve
Serve hot with:
- Crusty bread or garlic toast
- Jeera rice if you want a fusion twist
- Fresh parsley or thyme as garnish
- A drizzle of truffle oil for a gourmet upgrade
Pair this soup with our stuffed garlic naan for a comforting Indo-French fusion meal.
Why Rabbit?
Rabbit meat is:
- Low in fat and cholesterol
- High in easily digestible protein
- Rich in iron, selenium, and B vitamins
- Sustainable and eco-friendly compared to beef or pork
And yes, it tastes a lot like chicken — just more tender and flavorful!
Rabbit vs. Chicken Soup – What’s the Difference?
| Element | Rabbit Soup | Chicken Soup |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Earthy, gamey | Mild, neutral |
| Texture | Tender, lean | Juicier, more fat |
| Nutritional Value | Higher in protein, lower in fat | Balanced protein & fat |
| Cooking Time | Longer (for tenderness) | Shorter |
Variations You Can Try
- Rabbit & Leek Soup: Add chopped leeks for subtle onion flavor
- Spicy Rabbit Curry Soup: Add green chilies, cumin, and coriander
- Rabbit Chowder: Add corn, potatoes, and bacon for a chunky stew
- Cream-Free Version: Omit cream and go broth-only for a lighter taste
Want more rich, creamy recipes? Try our Rasta Pasta Recipe — healthier yet indulgent!
Storage & Freezing Tips
- Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 3 days
- Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months
- Reheat Gently: Always reheat over low heat to preserve creaminess
FAQs – Cream of Rabbit Soup
Check local butchers, specialty meat markets, or online organic suppliers.
Yes! Legs and thighs are most tender for soup.
Absolutely. Replace with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day after flavors deepen.
Nutrition Information (Per Bowl)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
Note: May vary slightly based on portion size and cream quantity.
Best Side Dishes with Rabbit Soup
| Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Masala Potato Wedges | Crunchy & spicy contrast |
| Fresh Garden Salad | Adds lightness and crunch |
| Rustic Garlic Bread | Dips well in creamy soup |
| Veg Grilled Sandwich | Makes it a complete meal |
Cream of Rabbit Soup is a luxurious dish that brings old-world charm into your modern kitchen. It’s hearty, nourishing, and surprisingly easy to make if you follow these steps.
So the next time you’re in the mood for a gourmet comfort dish, skip the usual chicken soup and try this instead. Your tastebuds will thank you.
And don’t forget — if you enjoyed this recipe, explore our full range of non-veg recipes like crispy fish fry or egg curry with potatoes.
