Ingredients
- 4 duck legs (about 1.2 kg / 2.5 lbs)
- 30g (2 tbsp) kosher salt
- 5g (1 tsp) ground black pepper
- 8 cloves of garlic, peeled
- 4 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 1 liter (4 cups) duck fat or olive oil, for cooking
- 1 kg (2 lbs) Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces
- 2 tbsp duck fat (reserved from the cooking)
- 30g (2 tbsp) chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Duck
Pat the duck legs dry with paper towels. Generously season all sides with kosher salt and black pepper. Place them in a large mixing bowl along with 4 garlic cloves and the thyme sprigs. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to cure.
Step 2: Cook the Duck
Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Rinse the duck legs under cold water to remove excess salt and pat dry. Arrange the legs in a single layer, skin side down, in a Dutch oven. Add remaining garlic cloves and the duck fat, ensuring the duck is submerged. Cover with a lid and bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is velvety tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Potatoes
While the duck is cooking, place the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Cook for about 10 minutes or until just tender. Drain and let them steam dry for a few minutes in the colander.
Step 4: Crisp the Duck
Once the duck is cooked, increase the oven temperature to 200°C (400°F). Carefully remove the duck legs from the fat and place on a baking sheet, skin side up. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the skin is golden and crispy.
Step 5: Finish Garlic Potatoes
In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of the reserved duck fat over medium-high heat. Add the cooked potatoes and remaining garlic cloves, sautéing until the potatoes are golden and crispy on all sides, about 10 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Arrange the crispy duck legs on a serving platter alongside the garlic potatoes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a touch of freshness and color. Serve warm and enjoy every bite of this luxurious meal.
Conclusion
Congratulations on creating an authentic Duck Confit with Garlic Potatoes, a dish that brings the rustic charm and rich flavors of French countryside into your kitchen. The slow-cooked duck offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience, while the garlic potatoes provide a savory contrast with their crispy texture. This recipe celebrates a balance of simplicity and indulgence, inviting you to appreciate traditional cooking methods with a refined palette. Keep exploring different ways to refine your skill, and who knows—the next culinary masterpiece may just be on your plate.
