Honey and Mustard Roasted Rabbit

A Journey to Enjoying Rabbit

My mother loves to remind me of the year I declared I’d become a vegetarian. “Now look at you,” she chuckled as I listed the animals we were preparing to process. I’ll admit, the idea of eating rabbit took some adjustment. The first time, I couldn’t fully enjoy it because of a mental block. But the second time? I turned to Bodhi and said, “Now this, this is better than chicken!”

Rabbit meat is delicate, lean, and high in protein. It’s also versatile, making it a fantastic alternative to chicken for a variety of recipes.

Raising Rabbits Sustainably in Hawaii

Rabbits cannot be raised on the ground in Hawaii due to concerns about invasive species. At Sugar Hill Farmstead, we’ve designed an eco-friendly system for raising rabbits. Our process includes:

• Daily pasture grass harvest: We cut and provide fresh grass, weeds, and organic vegetables to fill their raised hutches.

• Organic feed: Rabbits always have access to organic alfalfa, ensuring high-quality nutrition.

• Humane care: Does (female rabbits) stay with their kits (babies) longer for natural self-weaning. We also give our does a recovery period between litters to maintain their health and well-being.

This sustainable approach produces tender, flavorful rabbit meat that we’re proud to share.

History of Rabbit as a Local Meat in Hawaii

In Hawaii’s past, meat rabbits were a household staple. Their rapid reproduction, minimal space requirements, and high protein content made them an ideal source of local, homegrown meat. Today, they’re gaining popularity again as more people recognize their sustainable benefits and delicious flavor.

Honey and Mustard Roasted Rabbit Recipe

If you love quick and easy meals, this Honey and Mustard Roasted Rabbit recipe is a must-try. It’s perfect for busy households, requiring minimal prep time while delivering big flavor.

Ingredients

Method

Preheat oven to 350F. Place rabbit in oven safe dish. Sprinkle rosemary, thyme, generous pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper over the rabbit. Then generously coat the rabbit with mustard. You may need more than 2 TBS. Drizzle honey over the mustard coated rabbit. Place in the center of the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until internal meat temperature reaches 160F. Remove from oven and serve. Goes great with ghee carrots, wilted kale, and crispy skillet potatoes.

 

Why Rabbit Meat Is Worth a Try

• High Protein, Low Fat: Rabbit meat is leaner than chicken or pork, making it a healthy choice.

• Sustainably Raised: At Sugar Hill Farmstead, our humane practices ensure top-quality meat.

• Deliciously Versatile: From roasts to stews, rabbit shines in any recipe.