Duck with Pickled Cucumbers

Duck with Pickled Cucumbers Recipe from Romania

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Duck with Pickled Cucumbers is a delicious and savory dish that combines the rich flavors of duck with the tangy crunch of pickled cucumbers. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.

History

This recipe has its roots in traditional Eastern European cuisine, where duck is a popular protein choice for hearty and flavorful dishes. The addition of pickled cucumbers adds a unique twist to this classic recipe, providing a burst of acidity and freshness to complement the rich duck meat.

Ingredients

1 small duck
8 medium pickles
2 tbsp lard
1 tbsp tomato sauce
1 onion
0.5 tsp flour
salt
chopped dill

How to prepare

Fry the duck pieces in lard until they start to brown.
Add the chopped onion and flour and let them fry a little longer.
Then add enough warm water to cover the duck pieces.
Cover and simmer for half an hour.
Prepare pickle pieces that are 2 inches / 5 – 6 cm long.
To the meat, add pickles, tomato sauce, sugar, and chopped dill. Simmer until the meat is cooked and the liquid is reduced.
You can also use raw onion instead of fried onion.
In this case, add it with the warm water.

Variations

Substitute the duck with chicken or pork for a different flavor profile.
Add a splash of white wine or vinegar for an extra layer of acidity.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the dish to your taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the duck pieces before adding the other ingredients to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Adjust the amount of sugar and salt to suit your taste preferences.

- For a more intense flavor, marinate the duck in a mixture of herbs and spices before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Duck with Pickled Cucumbers with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables would also make a great accompaniment.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the duck before simmering helps to develop a rich flavor in the dish.

- Simmering the meat slowly allows the flavors to meld together and creates a tender and juicy result.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken broth instead of water for added flavor.

- Replace the pickles with fresh cucumbers and vinegar for a different twist on the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Duck with Pickled Cucumbers with fresh dill or parsley for a pop of color. Serve it in a shallow bowl or on a platter to showcase the tender duck pieces and tangy cucumbers.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a full-bodied red wine, such as a Pinot Noir or Merlot, to complement the rich flavors of the duck. A crisp white wine, like a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, would also work well with the acidity of the pickled cucumbers.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent the dish from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 10g per serving

Fats

Fats: 15g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of Vitamin A, Iron, and Potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten (from the flour) and may contain traces of soy (from the tomato sauce).

Summary

This dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a satisfying meal.

Summary

Duck with Pickled Cucumbers is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the richness of duck with the tangy crunch of pickled cucumbers. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as a good dose of vitamins and minerals, this recipe is a nutritious and delicious choice for any meal. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Duck with Pickled Cucumbers. It was during a trip to a small village in France, where I had the pleasure of dining at a charming little bistro. The dish was a special on the menu that day, and the flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

The duck was perfectly cooked, with a crispy skin that gave way to tender, juicy meat. The pickled cucumbers added a tangy, refreshing contrast to the rich duck, creating a truly unforgettable combination of flavors. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

I approached the chef after the meal and asked him if he would be willing to share his recipe with me. To my surprise, he was more than happy to oblige. He took me back to his kitchen and walked me through the process, explaining each step in detail and answering all of my questions with patience and enthusiasm.

I watched intently as he seasoned the duck with a blend of herbs and spices, then seared it in a hot pan until the skin was crispy and golden brown. He then transferred the duck to the oven to finish cooking, while he prepared the pickled cucumbers.

The chef showed me how to slice the cucumbers thinly and sprinkle them with salt to draw out their moisture. He then rinsed the cucumbers and tossed them in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and spices, letting them marinate for a few hours to develop their flavor.

As the dish came together, I could hardly contain my excitement. The aroma of the duck roasting in the oven mingled with the tangy scent of the pickled cucumbers, creating a mouthwatering fragrance that filled the kitchen. When the dish was finally plated and presented to me, I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe.

I thanked the chef profusely for his generosity in sharing his recipe with me, and he smiled warmly and wished me luck in recreating it at home. I left the bistro that day feeling inspired and determined to master the art of making Duck with Pickled Cucumbers.

Back at home, I gathered the ingredients I needed and set to work in my own kitchen. I seasoned the duck just as the chef had shown me, searing it to perfection before transferring it to the oven to roast. In the meantime, I prepared the pickled cucumbers, slicing them thinly and marinating them in the tangy vinegar mixture.

As the dish cooked, the familiar aromas filled my kitchen, transporting me back to that charming little bistro in France. When the duck was finally done and the pickled cucumbers were ready, I plated the dish with care and took my first bite.

The flavors were just as I remembered – the duck was perfectly cooked, with a crispy skin that gave way to tender, juicy meat. The pickled cucumbers added a bright, tangy contrast that complemented the rich duck beautifully. I savored each bite, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over me.

From that day on, Duck with Pickled Cucumbers became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I shared the recipe with friends and family, who were equally impressed by the unique combination of flavors. It became a dish that I would make for special occasions and gatherings, always bringing back memories of that fateful day in France when I first learned how to make it.

As the years passed, I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it my own. But no matter how many times I made it, the dish always brought me back to that moment in the bistro, when I first saw the recipe for Duck with Pickled Cucumbers and knew that it would become a lifelong favorite.

And to this day, whenever I make Duck with Pickled Cucumbers, I can't help but smile and think back to that special memory – a reminder of the joy and excitement that cooking can bring, and the power of sharing recipes and traditions with others.