Recipe: Rabbit or chicken with basil and parsley (New Zealand)

We know lots of people don't like the idea of eating rabbit, so don't worry – this dish works just as well with chicken (it just needs cooking a little longer).

So simple to make but requires some quick preparation the day before – well worth the effort though.

Try this with a bottle or two of Waipara Springs Pinot Gris – perfectly balanced acidity to complement the food.

TIP: Ask your butcher to joint the meat into eight pieces to save you the work and mess at home.

INGREDIENTS (Serves 8)

1 x rabbit or chicken (around 1.5kg), jointed into 8 pieces

4 x garlic cloves

1 x handful of fresh basil

1 x small bunch of fresh parsley

3 x tbsp olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

METHOD (prepare day before eating)

1. Wash and dry the meat, then add to a large casserole dish with a lid and cook dry over a medium heat for 10 minutes, turning once, until sealed.
2. Remove from heat, allow to cool and discard any liquid that comes out.
3. Finely chop garlic, basil and parsley and combine with salt, pepper and oil.
4. Mix and coat the cooled meat with the oil and herbs, then cover and refrigerate, ideally for 24 hours or overnight.
5. Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees and cook for around half an hour for rabbit (or until chicken is cooked through).
6. Serve with boiled new potatoes and green veg.

Enjoy with Waipara Springs Pinot Gris, a rich and complex bottle with vibrant floral undertones.