Rabbit, Andouille Sausage and Wild Mushroom Gumbo

Ingredients

1 rabbit, about 3 pounds, dressed, cut into serving pieces
1 tablespoon Rustic Rub
1 cup Emeril's Rustic Brown Roux
2 cups chopped onions
2 cups chopped celery
1 cup chopped bell peppers
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 tablespoon chopped shallots
3 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 bay leaves
1/2 pound andouille sausage, cut into 1/2-inch links
2 cups sliced assorted wild mushrooms
3 quarts water
3 cups cooked long-grain rice, warm
2 tablespoon chopped parsley
Essence

Instructions

Season the rabbit with the Rustic Rub. In a large pot, heat the oil, over high heat. When the pan is smoking hot, brown the rabbit, about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Remove to a platter and set aside. Reduce heat to medium, add the brown roux. Add the onions, celery, bell peppers, shallots, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly until vegetables are wilted. Add the salt, cayenne, black pepper, and bay leaves. Add the rabbit, andouille sausage, and wild mushrooms, and cook for 2 minutes. Add the water, stirring to mix well. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 1 hour or until the rabbit is tender. To assemble, ladle the gumbo into an over-sized bowl and top with the rice. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Yield: 4 servings