Rabbit casserole with apple, cider and tarragon

Soak the beans overnight in cold unsalted water. The next day, drain and rinse the beans. Place in a large saucepan with plenty of cold unsalted water and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beans are cooked through. Drain and transfer to a large flameproof casserole

Preheat the oven to 190°C/ gas mark 5

Add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil to a large frying pan and set over a medium heat. Fry the bacon for 5 minutes, until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to the casserole pan

Lower the heat and add a little more oil to the frying pan. Add the shallots, gently fry for 5 minutes, then add the diced apple. Cook for another 5 minutes then transfer to the casserole pan

Place the flour in a freezer bag and season well with salt and pepper. Add the rabbit pieces and shake the bag to coat the pieces evenly

Add another tablespoon of oil to the frying pan and fry the rabbit pieces in batches until browned on both sides. Add to the casserole pan

Deglaze the frying pan with 100ml of the cider, scraping any bits away from the base of the frying pan. Transfer to the casserole pan

Pour the remaining cider into the casserole pan and stir in half of the chopped tarragon, along with the bay leaf. Place the casserole over a medium heat and bring to a simmer

Cover the pan and place in the oven. Cook for 1 hour, or until the meat is tender. Check the seasoning, sprinkle with the rest of the tarragon and serve