Duck Confit Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing This Classic Dish

Duck confit is a classic French dish known for its rich flavour and tender meat. This recipe involves slow-cooking duck legs in their own fat, resulting in a succulent and flavourful dish. The process requires patience, but the outcome is worth the wait. Duck confit can be stored for up to a month, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.

• 4 duck leg portions with thighs attached (about 2 pounds), excess fat trimmed and reserved
• 1 tablespoon plus ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
• 10 garlic cloves
• 4 bay leaves
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1½ teaspoon black peppercorns
• ½ teaspoon table salt
• 4 cups olive oil

• Glass or plastic container
• Enameled cast-iron pot
• Paper towels

Procedure

1. Lay the duck leg portions on a platter, skin side down. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of salt and black pepper.
2. Place garlic cloves, bay leaves, and thyme on two leg portions. Lay the remaining two leg portions on top, flesh to flesh.
3. Put the duck fat in a container's bottom. Top with sandwiched leg portions and sprinkle with remaining salt.
4. Cover and refrigerate for 12 hours.
5. Preheat the oven to 200°F (95°C).
6. Remove duck from the fridge. Remove garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and duck fat; set aside.
7. Rinse duck with cool water, rubbing off some salt and pepper. Pat dry with paper towels.
8. Place garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and duck fat in an enameled cast-iron pot's bottom. Sprinkle with peppercorns and table salt.
9. Lay duck on top, skin side down. Add olive oil.
10. Cover and bake for 12 to 14 hours until meat pulls away from bone.
11. Remove duck from fat. Strain fat and set aside.
12. To store, place duck leg portions in a container, cover with cooking fat, and refrigerate. Alternatively, pick meat from bones, place in stoneware container, cover with strained fat layer.
13. Store in refrigerator for up to one month. Excess oil can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for cooking use.

Nutritional Values

This dish is perfect for those who enjoy rich flavours and tender meat. Duck confit can be served as a main course or used in various recipes. Enjoy this classic French delicacy at home with this simple recipe!