Ragu Duck Recipe With Zesty Breadcrumbs
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Jordon Ezra King
Jordon Ezra King is a chef and storyteller. Having cooked, temped, and staged his way through a host of kitchens around the world, Jordon has now set his sights on sharing his knowledge with the world, using his platform to teach people how to work their way around a kitchen and educate them about the provenance of the dishes they're cooking while he does it.
A duck ragu recipe is a versatile and delicious dish that can be paired with a variety of sides and garnishes to enhance its rich flavours. Traditionally served with wide pasta like pappardelle or bigoli, this hearty duck ragu also pairs beautifully with creamy polenta or a simple risotto, which can soak up the luscious sauce. For a lighter option, serve the ragu over roasted vegetables or even a bed of mashed potatoes.
To bring out the best in this dish, consider garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or sage. These additions add a burst of freshness that complements the savoury depth of the ragu. For a touch of brightness, a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can enhance the overall flavour profile.
A green side salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted asparagus can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the duck and pasta. A crusty loaf of Italian bread is also an excellent accompaniment, perfect for sopping up any remaining sauce on the plate.
If you want to add a bit more complexity to the sauce, consider incorporating a splash of red wine during the cooking process, which adds depth and sophistication to the dish. Additionally, a dollop of ricotta cheese on top of each serving can add a creamy texture that melds beautifully with the robust flavours of the duck and tomatoes.
Whether you’re preparing this dish for a special dinner or a cosy meal at home, this duck ragu recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.
Duck ragu is a hearty and flavourful Italian dish that combines tender duck meat with a rich, savoury sauce. This duck ragu recipe typically uses duck legs, which offer a perfect balance of meat and fat, contributing to the dish's depth of flavour. However, if duck legs are unavailable, chicken thighs can be a good substitute. Using chicken will result in a lighter sauce, but still quite tasty.
Cooking techniques for duck ragu can vary, but slow-cooking methods are ideal for achieving tender meat and a well-developed sauce. While a traditional stovetop pan works well, a slow cooker or crockpot can be particularly convenient. For stovetop preparation, sear the duck legs in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to render the fat and develop a rich brown crust. After searing, remove the duck and sauté your soffritto (a mix of finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery) in the rendered fat. This step is crucial for building the dish's base flavour.
If using a slow cooker, transfer the seared duck and sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients (such as tomatoes, stock, wine, and herbs), and set it to cook on low heat for several hours. This method allows the flavours to meld beautifully over time. A crockpot offers similar benefits, maintaining a consistent low heat that gently breaks down the meat and infuses the sauce with its rich flavour.
For those short on time, using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker can significantly reduce the cooking time while still achieving tender meat. After searing the duck and sautéing the vegetables in the pot, set the pressure cooker to high for about 45 minutes to an hour.
When it comes to ingredients, the type of tomatoes used can affect the sauce's flavour and texture. San Marzano tomatoes are highly recommended for their sweetness and low acidity, enhancing the ragu's richness. Adding a splash of red wine deepens the flavour profile, while a bit of chicken or duck stock ensures the sauce remains moist and flavourful.
The choice of pasta is also essential. Wide, flat noodles like pappardelle or bigoli are traditional and best for holding the thick, chunky sauce. Cooking the pasta until just al dente and then finishing it in the sauce for a couple of minutes allows the pasta to absorb the flavours.
Garnishing the duck ragu with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or sage can enhance the dish’s overall flavour. Serve it with a side of crusty Italian bread to mop up any leftover sauce, making for a truly satisfying meal.
In terms of cookware, a sturdy Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pan is ideal for stovetop cooking. For those using a slow cooker or crockpot, no additional cookware is needed after the initial searing. A quality knife for chopping vegetables and a wooden spoon for stirring are also essential tools in this recipe. In short: Duck ragu is a versatile dish that can be adapted to various cooking methods and ingredients, ensuring a delicious result every time.
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Ragu duck, also known as duck ragu, is a rich, savoury Italian sauce made with slow-cooked duck meat, tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables. The meat is braised until tender and infused with flavours from herbs, wine, and sometimes stock, resulting in a hearty sauce typically served over pasta. This dish is a variation of traditional ragu, which often uses beef or pork, but the use of duck adds a unique, gamey depth of flavour.
The best cut of duck to use for ragu is the duck leg. Duck legs, including the thighs, are ideal because they contain a good balance of meat and fat, which contributes to the richness of the sauce. The fat renders down during cooking, adding flavour and moisture to the dish. Additionally, duck legs become incredibly tender when braised slowly, making them perfect for this type of preparation.
The best cut of duck to use for ragu is the duck leg. Duck legs, including the thighs, are ideal because they contain a good balance of meat and fat, which contributes to the richness of the sauce. The fat renders down during cooking, adding flavour and moisture to the dish. Additionally, duck legs become incredibly tender when braised slowly, making them perfect for this type of preparation.
Yes, duck ragu can be made ahead of time and often tastes even better the next day as the flavours continue to meld. After cooking, allow the ragu to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It can also be frozen for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Yes, store-bought broth can be used for duck ragu. While homemade broth will add a deeper, more complex flavour, a good quality store-bought broth is a convenient alternative that still provides a rich base for the sauce. Opt for a low-sodium variety so you can control the seasoning more effectively as you cook.
A full-bodied red wine such as Chianti, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon works well in duck ragu. These wines add depth and complexity to the sauce, complementing the richness of the duck meat. If you prefer white wine, a dry variety like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc can also be used, but it will produce a lighter sauce.
Yes, duck ragu can be served with various accompaniments other than pasta. Polenta, mashed potatoes, or risotto are excellent alternatives that soak up the rich sauce beautifully. For a lighter option, try serving it over roasted vegetables or a bed of cooked grains such as farro or quinoa.
To thicken the ragu sauce, you can simmer it uncovered on the stove until it reaches the desired consistency. This reduction process allows excess liquid to evaporate, concentrating the flavours. Alternatively, you can mix a small amount of flour or cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce, cooking until it thickens. Another method is to add a small amount of tomato paste, which not only thickens but also enhances the tomato flavour.
To make duck ragu healthier without sacrificing flavour, consider using skinless duck legs to reduce fat content. Incorporate plenty of vegetables like carrots, celery, and tomatoes to add nutrients and fibre. Use whole grain pasta or serve the ragu over a bed of vegetables or grains. Additionally, reducing the amount of added oil and using low-sodium broth can help lower the overall calorie and sodium content while maintaining the dish's rich and satisfying taste.
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Step 1.
Place the duck legs skin side down into a large, cold pan, then place the pan over a medium heat (this will let the fat render as the legs come up to temperature) and cook for about 5 mins each side until golden and crispy.
Step 2.
Remove the duck from the pan and set aside.
Step 3.
Finely chop the onion and celery and add to the pan. Cook for about 10 mins until softened.
Step 4.
Peel the garlic and add along with the sage, bay leaves and cinnamon and cook for another 2 mins.
Step 5.
Pour in the wine and let it bubble away and reduce by three quarters.
Step 6.
Add the chopped tomatoes, the stock, and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Bring up to a simmer, return the duck to the pan (make sure it’s submerged) and cover with foil or parchment and a lid.
Step 7.
Simmer gently for about 2 hours until the duck is tender.
Step 8.
Remove the duck from the pan and discard the skin and bones. Shred the duck and return to the sauce.
Step 9.
Put the pasta onto cook in plenty of boiling salted water.
Step 10.
Meanwhile, heat a frying pan over a medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Add the breadcrumbs and cook until golden brown. Remove from the heat, grate in the orange zest, mix well and set aside.
Step 11.
Once the pasta is cooked, combine with the sauce and a splash of pasta water, mixing well to emulsify.
Step 12.
Plate up and top with the zesty breadcrumbs.
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