Duck Cassoulet
Mallard Duck Recipe
1Setup & Prepare
About This Recipe
This traditional French cassoulet features duck legs slow-braised with white beans, sausage, and aromatics until fork-tender. The long cooking process melds all flavors while creating the signature crispy crust that's broken and reformed multiple times during cooking.
Cultural Context
This classic French dish represents the pinnacle of peasant cooking elevated to haute cuisine status. Originating in Languedoc, cassoulet transforms humble beans and preserved meats into a magnificent feast that celebrates duck's role in traditional French cookery.
2Ingredients
Shopping List
3Cooking Instructions
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Bean Preparation: Drain soaked beans and simmer in fresh water with bay leaves until just tender, about 1 hour. Drain and reserve cooking liquid.
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Meat Preparation: If using fresh duck legs, season and brown in Dutch oven. Remove and set aside.
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Aromatics: Cook bacon until crispy. Add onion and carrots, cook until softened. Add garlic and tomato paste, cook 2 minutes.
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Assembly: Layer beans, duck legs, sausage, and vegetables in large casserole dish. Add stock to just cover ingredients.
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Initial Baking: Cover and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
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Crust Formation: Sprinkle breadcrumbs over surface and dot with duck fat. Bake uncovered 1 hour more.
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Crust Breaking: Break through crust and stir gently. Add more stock if needed. Repeat crust formation and breaking 2 more times.
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Final Baking: Final 30 minutes, let crust form and brown deeply.
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Service: Serve directly from casserole dish with crusty bread and simple green salad.
4Chef's Notes & Pairings
Chef's Notes
- The long, slow cooking melds all flavors together
- Breaking and reforming the crust is traditional and important
- This improves overnight - make ahead for best results
Wine Pairing
Rich red wine from Southern France like Cahors or CĂ´tes du RhĂ´ne - wines with enough body and tannins to match the rich cassoulet.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: 585 calories, 38g protein, 28g fat, 42g carbohydrates. Traditional French comfort food with complete nutrition.
