Fettuccine al Sugo di Lepre is a traditional Italian dish that embodies rustic sophistication and the rich flavors of the countryside. This dish features tender, homemade fettuccine pasta served with a hearty, slow-cooked hare (lepre) ragù, offering a deep, savory taste that is emblematic of Italy’s hunting and seasonal culinary traditions.


What Is Fettuccine al Sugo di Lepre?

Fettuccine: A type of flat, thick pasta, similar to ribbons, traditionally made with fresh egg pasta.

Sugo di Lepre: A rich sauce made from hare meat, slowly braised with red wine, tomatoes, herbs, and aromatic vegetables until tender and flavorful.

This dish is especially popular in central Italy, particularly in regions like Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio, where game meats are celebrated in local cuisine.


Ingredients and Preparation

Main ingredients include:

Fresh or dried fettuccine pasta
Hare meat (preferably deboned and cut into chunks)
Red wine (such as Chianti or Sangiovese)
Olive oil
Onion, carrot, and celery (soffritto)
Garlic
Tomatoes or tomato paste
Rosemary, bay leaf, or other herbs
Salt and pepper
Optional: pancetta or bacon for added flavor


Preparation steps:

Prepare the hare: Season and brown the hare pieces in olive oil. Remove and set aside.

Make the soffritto: Sauté chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic until soft.

Cook the hare: Add the hare back to the pot, deglaze with red wine, and let it reduce.

Simmer: Add tomatoes or tomato paste, herbs, and enough broth or water to cover. Cover and slow-cook for several hours until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.

Adjust the sauce: Uncover and simmer until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Cook the pasta: Boil fettuccine until al dente, then drain.

Combine and serve: Toss the pasta with the hare sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan if desired.


Cultural Significance and Traditions

Fettuccine al Sugo di Lepre is rooted in Italy’s hunting traditions and seasonal eating practices. It exemplifies slow cooking methods that develop complex flavors and tender meat, making it a favorite for special occasions or rustic family meals. Historically, game meats like hare were essential sources of protein in rural Italy, and dishes like this celebrate regional culinary heritage.


Why Try Fettuccine al Sugo di Lepre?

Rich, hearty flavor: Perfect for those who enjoy slow-cooked, meaty sauces.

Authentic regional dish: A taste of central Italy’s hunting and countryside traditions.

Perfect for special occasions: Its depth of flavor makes it ideal for festive or family gatherings.

Showcases classic Italian technique: Slow braising and pasta pairing at their best.


Conclusion

Fettuccine al Sugo di Lepre is a quintessential example of Italy’s rustic, flavorful cuisine. Its tender hare ragù, served with freshly made fettuccine, offers a delicious journey into Italy’s hunting traditions and slow-cooked culinary artistry. Enjoy this dish as a comforting, elegant taste of Italy’s countryside, rich in history and flavor.

Buon appetito! or as Italians say, Bona apetit! — savor the robust, satisfying flavors of this traditional Italian hunter’s pasta.