To begin your culinary journey, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 whole ducks, cleaned and dried
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 tablespoons of olive oil
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 cup of red wine
– 2 cups of chicken broth
– 2 bay leaves
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
– 1 can of diced tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
– 1 tablespoon of flour
– Fresh parsley, for garnish
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you are ready to start the cooking process. Follow these steps to achieve a perfectly cooked hunter-style duck:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the ducks with salt and pepper, inside and out. Place them in a large roasting pan, breast-side up.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
4. Pour in the red wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping off any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Add the chicken broth, bay leaves, rosemary sprigs, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Sprinkle the flour over the duck in the roasting pan, ensuring an even coating on the skin. This will help create a crispy crust.
7. Pour the skillet mixture over the ducks, making sure to evenly distribute the vegetables and herbs.
8. Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil or a lid and place it in the preheated oven.
9. Allow the ducks to cook for approximately 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone. Every 30 minutes, baste the ducks with the cooking liquid to keep them moist and flavorful.
10. Once cooked, remove the ducks from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before carving.
11. To serve, arrange the duck pieces on a platter and garnish with fresh parsley. The cooking liquid can be strained and served as a delicious sauce on the side.
Now, sit back, relax, and savor the fruits of your labor. The tender and succulent hunter-style duck, with its robust flavor and aromatic herbs, is sure to impress your family and friends. Pair it with roasted potatoes and a side of steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking hunter-style duck requires time and patience, but the end result is well worth the effort. Embrace your inner chef, and add this recipe to your repertoire. Happy cooking!