Thousand layer of pumpkin puree and confit duck

Duck legs confit with pumpkin puree – A holiday delicacy

Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Join me on a unique culinary journey, where tradition and refinement intertwine perfectly on the plate. The duck legs confit are a true delicacy in gastronomy, and today I will show you how to prepare them at home, accompanied by a fine pumpkin puree. This recipe will not only impress your guests, but it will also take you back in time to the aromatic kitchens of our ancestors.

About confit meat

Confit is a method of preserving meat that has been used since ancient times. By cooking the meat in its own fat, it becomes extremely tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Duck legs confit are ideal for a festive meal, and their rich taste pairs perfectly with creamy pumpkin puree.

Ingredients

- 700 g pumpkin
- 3 medium potatoes
- 2 carrots
- 1 shallot
- 1-2 garlic cloves
- 2 duck legs confit
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 150 ml water
- Salt, pepper, nutmeg (to taste)
- Paprika (for decoration)
- Fresh parsley (for decoration)

Step by step

Step 1: Preparing the pumpkin puree

1. Start by peeling the pumpkin, potatoes, and carrots. Cut them into uniform cubes so they cook evenly.
2. Place the vegetables in a pot, cover them with water, and add salt. Boil for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
3. Drain the vegetables, reserving a little cooking water to adjust the puree's consistency.
4. Using a mixer or blender, turn the vegetables into a fine puree. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. If the puree is too thick, add a little of the reserved cooking water.

Step 2: Preparing the duck meat

1. Remove the duck legs from the fat in which they were preserved, removing as much fat as possible.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the duck legs. Sear for about 10 minutes until they are crispy and have a beautiful golden color.
3. Remove the legs from the skillet and, once they have cooled slightly, remove the skin and separate the meat from the bone. Cut the meat into small pieces.
4. Finely chop the shallot and garlic. In the same skillet where you browned the meat, add a tablespoon of duck fat and sauté the shallot and garlic until translucent.
5. Add the shredded duck meat and the diluted tomato paste. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Assembling the dish

1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C.
2. Prepare a baking tray and place 4 metal molds (round or square) in it.
3. In each mold, place a layer of pumpkin puree, followed by a layer of duck meat, and finish with another layer of puree. Make sure each layer is even.
4. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the surface is slightly golden.

Step 4: Serving

1. Carefully move the metal mold onto a plate using a spatula.
2. Remove the metal mold and decorate with paprika and chopped parsley.
3. Serve warm, alongside a green salad or pickles, for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Practical tips

- About the ingredients: Choose a fresh pumpkin with firm flesh and a consistent texture. Butternut squash is an excellent choice due to its sweetness.
- Duck fat: If you do not have duck fat, you can substitute it with butter or olive oil, but the flavor will be different.
- For a vegetarian version: You can replace the duck legs with mushrooms or lentils for an equally delicious dish.

Frequently asked questions

1. How long can I keep the confit duck legs?
Confit legs can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks, covered with the fat in which they were cooked, ensuring they are well preserved.

2. Can I use other vegetables for the puree?
Of course! You can experiment with other vegetables, such as parsnip, celery, or even carrots, to vary the flavor of the puree.

Delicious combinations

This dish pairs wonderfully with a well-structured red wine or a craft beer. Additionally, a fresh arugula salad with lemon dressing will perfectly complement the meal, bringing a note of freshness.

Conclusion

Duck legs confit with pumpkin puree are not only a delicious recipe but also a way to celebrate culinary traditions. So, don’t hesitate to prepare this dish for special occasions or simply to treat yourself. Enjoy your meal!