Rabbit Ragù

1/4 cup plus 1 T. extra-virgin olive oil

2 T. unsalted butter

1 (1/4-lb) piece pancetta (Italian unsmoked cured bacon), cut into 1/4-inch dice

1 T. finely chopped fresh sage

1 1/2 tsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary

1 (3-lb) rabbit, boned by butcher and meat cut into 1-inch pieces (1 1/2 lb boned)

1 medium onion, chopped

1 medium carrot, chopped

1 celery rib, chopped

1 cup light dry red wine such as Pinot Noir

1 (14-oz) can Italian plum tomatoes in juice, drained and chopped

1 1/4 tsp. coarse gray sea salt

1/2 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper

Accompaniment: buttered polenta

 

Heat oil and butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet (2 inches deep) over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then add pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes. Add sage and rosemary and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Add rabbit and cook, stirring occasionally, until rabbit is no longer pink on outside, 2 to 3 minutes. Add onion, carrot, and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add wine and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced to about 1 cup, 10 to 15 minutes. Add tomatoes, sea salt, and pepper and simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened, 5 to 10 minutes.