CURED DUCK POT-AU-FEU
Ingredients
DUCK CURE
3 litres of water
600g coarse sea salt
600g granulated sugar
1x 2.2kg duck or two small ducks to total weight of approx 2.5kg.
POT-AU-FEU
1 large carrot, peeled
4 medium leeks, use cleaned green ends save white parts for vegetable garnish
1 small celeriac, peeled and quartered optional, not readily available, or stick of celery
or 1 fennel bulb, outer leaves save rest for vegetable garnish
1 small onion or half a large one, peeled
1 clove
2 sprigs of fresh thyme optional
2 bay leaves
20 coriander seeds
10 peppercorns
VEGETABLE GARNISH
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
4 leeks, the white parts from above
12 pearl onions or small shallots, peeled
1 medium celeriac, peeled and cut into large pieces or 1 fennel bulb centre from above quartered.
4 salsify roots, peeled and cut into pieces if available
100g mushrooms, wild, chestnut or white, washed and sliced
4 small turnips, peeled and sliced
Broccoli florets or purple sprouting broccoli tips.
HERB DRESSING
If any of these herbs are not available choose a combination that you like.
I have used a mix of coriander, dill and a little parsley.
15g chives, finely chopped
15g chervil, finely chopped
15g tarragon, finely chopped
30ml shallots, finely chopped
Freshly ground black pepper
Olive oil
Red wine vinegar
Serves: 4 hungry people
Source: Cooking with Daniel Bouloud
Method
DUCK CURE:
Add the water to a large pan, bring to the boil
Add the sugar and salt, stir well to dissolve and remove from the heat and allow to cool.
Select a bowl or pot large enough to hold duck and brine, and that will fit into the fridge.
Add the brine and duck to the bowl, cover and place in the fridge for approx 24hrs, the duck can be left up to 48hrs.
Just before cooking the duck, drain and discard the brine.
TO COOK THE POT-AU-FEU:
Place the duck in a large pot and cover with water.
Bring to the boil over a high heat and skim off any foam and fat that rises to the surface.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the whole carrot, green ends of leeks, celery or alternative, thyme, bay leaves, coriander seeds, peppercorns.
Simmer gently for 11/2 hours. Skim any further foam that rises for a clean stock.
When done, carefully remove the duck into a large dish and set aside to cool
Strain the broth and discard the vegetables.
Reserve stock, cool and chill.
About 1 hour before you wish to serve the duck.
HERB DRESSING:
Combine the herbs and shallots add enough oil to make a thick paste, add a splash of red wine vinegar and ground black pepper.
Leave to stand so that the flavours develop.
Preheat over to 120C
Carefully remove the breast meat, leg and thighs from the duck, place in a large serving dish/bowl, cover with a little stock, cover with foil and place in a 120C oven to warm through.
VEGETABLE GARNISH:
Add approx 2 litres of the poaching stock into a large pan and bring to the boil
Keep the remaining stock for leftovers, soup etc
Add the sliced carrot, white leek and pearl onions or shallots. Boil gently for 5 mins.
Add celeriac or fennel, mushrooms, cook for 3 mins
Add turnips, cook a further 8 mins
Add broccoli pieces
