Polish Zając Pieczony, Roast Hare

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Białowieża Forest

📍 Where this dish comes from: Polish–Belarusian border · Białowieża Forest
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Polish Zając Pieczony, Roast Hare, plated and ready to serve

Roast hare is a genuine, if less common, Polish game tradition, its lean meat typically marinated first to tenderize and mellow its stronger flavor before a slow roast. Bacon laid over the top during roasting keeps it from drying out.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients for Polish Zając Pieczony, Roast Hare

Polish Zając Pieczony, Roast Hare

A genuine hunting tradition — hare marinated in buttermilk, then roasted with bacon.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Polish
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 310kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 whole hare about 3 lbs, cleaned and jointed
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 onion sliced
  • 6 slices bacon
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1 cup beef or game broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Combine hare pieces, buttermilk, and sliced onion in a large bowl or bag. Marinate refrigerated at least 12 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  • Remove hare from the marinade, patting dry, and season with salt and pepper.
  • Heat oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat and brown the hare pieces on all sides.
  • Lay bacon slices over the top of the hare.
  • Add broth and bay leaves to the pot.
  • Cover and transfer to the oven. Roast 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes until tender.
  • Serve with the pan juices spooned over the top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 310kcal | Protein: 34g | Fat: 16g
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Cooking Polish Zając Pieczony, Roast Hare in the kitchen

Health Benefits

  • Hare is an exceptionally lean source of protein.
  • The buttermilk marinade tenderizes the meat while adding minimal fat.
  • A traditional dish that’s naturally low in carbohydrate as prepared.

Pairs Well With

  • Polish Cauliflower Kluski, Almond Flour Dumplings
  • Polish Buraki Zasmażane, Sautéed Beets
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