Hasenpfeffer facts for kids

Hasenpfeffer is a yummy traditional stew from the Netherlands and Germany. It's made with rabbit or hare meat. The meat is first marinated, which means it soaks in a special liquid. Then, it's cooked slowly with onions and a sauce made from wine and vinegar. This makes the meat very tender and flavorful.

What is Hasenpfeffer?

The name "Hasenpfeffer" comes from German words. "Hase" means "hare," which is like a large rabbit. "Pfeffer" means "pepper." But in cooking, "pfeffer" often means all the different spices and seasonings in a dish. Think of it like "gingerbread" cookies, which are called "pfeffernüsse" in German.

This stew uses many tasty spices. These often include fresh black pepper or whole peppercorns, and salt. Onions, garlic, and lemon are also common. Herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary add flavor. Other spices can be allspice, juniper berries, cloves, and bay leaf. All these ingredients give Hasenpfeffer its unique taste.

A Bit of History

People have been eating Hazenpeper (the Dutch name) for a long time. The first time this dish was written about in Dutch was in 1599. It was described as a meal made with hare meat.

Regional Flavors

In places like Bavaria (a part of Germany) and Austria, Hasenpfeffer can have a different twist. Because these areas are close to Hungarian and Czech cooking traditions, the stew might include sweet or hot paprika.

In the Netherlands, people often add some "ontbijtkoek" to the stew. This is a type of spiced cake, also called "peperkoek." It gives the stew extra flavor and a thicker texture. In Germany, ginger cookies called "pfeffernüsse" are usually used instead.

Hasenpfeffer in Pop Culture

This traditional dish has appeared in many cartoons, TV shows, and movies!

• In a 1932 cartoon called Minnie the Moocher, Betty Boop argues with her parents. She doesn't want to eat the Hasenpfeffer, so she runs away from home.
• The 1962 Looney Tunes cartoon Shishkabugs features Yosemite Sam. He is a cook who needs to make Hasenpfeffer for the king. When he learns it needs rabbit, he tries to catch Bugs Bunny! Hasenpfeffer is also mentioned in Big House Bunny.
• In the opening of the American TV show Laverne & Shirley, the main characters say a fun chant: "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Schlemiel! Schlimazel! Hasenpfeffer Incorporated."
• In the movie D2: The Mighty Ducks, one character named Jan makes Hasenpfeffer and eggs for breakfast.
• In an episode of The Office called "Dwight Christmas", Dwight suggests a special Christmas meal. It includes gluhwein and Hasenpfeffer.
• In the 1961 song "G.I. Blues" by Elvis Presley, he sings about American soldiers in Germany eating Hasenpfeffer.

See also

In Spanish: Hasenpfeffer para niños