Duck breast with mashed potatoes

Duck breast with mashed potatoes – A refined recipe for special occasions

If you are looking for an elegant yet accessible recipe that will impress at any meal, then duck breast with mashed potatoes is the perfect choice. This dish combines the richness of duck meat with the smooth texture of mashed potatoes, and the addition of a berry sauce transforms this dish into an unforgettable culinary experience. Let's explore the necessary steps to achieve a perfect result!

Preparation time: 1 hour
Marinating time: 5 hours (ideally overnight)
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the duck breast:
- 1 duck breast
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- 100 ml dry red wine
- 200 ml water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon broth
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns

For the mashed potatoes:
- 1 kg potatoes
- 200 ml milk
- 50 g butter
- Salt, to taste

For the berry sauce (optional):
- 300 g berries (fresh or frozen)
- 50 g sugar

Preparing the marinade

1. Mix the marinade ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the red wine, water, honey, balsamic vinegar, broth, peppercorns, sliced onion, and sliced carrot. This marinade will add depth and flavor to the duck meat.

2. Marinating the meat: Wash the duck breast well under cold water. Then, place it in the marinade, ensuring it is completely covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or at least for 5 hours. Marinating is essential to achieve tender and flavorful meat.

Preparing the mashed potatoes

1. Boil the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into equal cubes for even cooking. Place them in a pot with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Let them boil for 15 minutes or until they become tender. Check them with a fork – if it goes in easily, they are ready.

2. Mashing the potatoes: After boiling, drain the water and mash them well. Add the butter and hot milk, mixing until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Adjust the salt to taste.

Preparing the duck breast

1. Removing from marinade: Take the duck breast out of the marinade and let it dry or pat it with a kitchen towel. This step is important for achieving a crispy crust.

2. Scoring the skin: Use a sharp knife to make cuts in the skin of the duck breast, at 1 cm intervals. This will help release fat during cooking and contribute to a crispy texture.

3. Cooking the breast: Heat a wok or a non-stick pan (without fat) over medium heat. Place the duck breast skin-side down. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the skin becomes golden and crispy. Flip it and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. Repeat this process until the meat is evenly browned.

4. Oven cooking (optional): If you prefer a more well-done meat, you can place the duck breast in the oven for another 30 minutes at 180°C. This way, it will be more cooked without losing its juiciness.

5. Resting the meat: After cooking, let the duck breast rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

Serving the dish

1. Slicing the meat: Cut the duck breast into thin slices for an elegant presentation.

2. Plating: Arrange the slices of duck breast on a plate, alongside generous portions of mashed potatoes.

3. Berry sauce: If you opt for the sauce, add the berries and sugar to a small saucepan. Cook over low heat until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly. You can pour the sauce over the duck or serve it separately to allow everyone to add as much as they wish.

Useful tips and variations

- Choosing the wine: Use a quality red wine, as it will influence the final taste of the dish. It adds complexity and depth to the marinade.

- Vary the flavors: You can add herbs to the marinade, such as rosemary or thyme, to add extra flavor notes.

- Side dish options: Besides mashed potatoes, you can serve the dish with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

- Calories and nutritional benefits: This recipe is rich in protein and essential nutrients. A duck breast has about 250 calories per 100 g, and the mashed potatoes add healthy carbohydrates.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use turkey breast instead of duck?
- Yes, but keep in mind that turkey breast is leaner and will require a different cooking time.

2. How can I make the berry sauce more interesting?
- By adding a splash of lemon juice or a bit of red wine to the sauce, you can enhance the flavors and add a note of acidity.

3. Is the recipe suitable for vegans?
- Unfortunately, no, but you can adapt the mashed potatoes using plant-based milk and vegan butter.

Conclusion

Now that you have gone through each step of the duck breast with mashed potatoes recipe, it's time to enjoy your culinary creation. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family, perhaps even host a special dinner. Bon appétit!