Sri Lankan Duck

Sri Lankan Duck Recipe - Delicious and Authentic

Region / culture: Sri Lanka | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sri Lankan Duck is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender duck meat with a blend of traditional Sri Lankan spices and coconut. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy rich and savory flavors.

History

Sri Lankan Duck has its roots in traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, where duck meat is a popular protein choice. The use of a variety of spices and coconut in this dish reflects the influence of Sri Lanka's diverse culinary heritage.

Ingredients

675 g duck breast, skinned and boned
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tsp garlic puree
2 tsp ginger puree
6 tbsp onion puree
100 g creamed coconut, chopped
1 tbsp vinegar (any type)
1 tbsp brown sugar
salt, to taste

spices (whole)

2 tsp coriander
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp fennel
0.5 tsp fenugreek seed
1.5 tsp cassia bark
0.5 tsp clove
0.5 tsp green cardamom

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 190°C/375°F/Gas 5.
Remove and discard the skin from the duck and dice it.
Place the duck in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, roast the spices on a separate baking tray in the oven for 5 minutes only.
Grind the spices and set them aside. Use the liquid from the duck for subsequent frying by adding it to the vegetable oil.
In a pan, fry the garlic for 1 minute, followed by the ginger for 1 minute, and the onion for 3 minutes. Add the spices and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Then, add the coconut vinegar, sugar, salt, the cooked duck, and a little water if needed to prevent sticking.
Transfer everything to a casserole dish and place it back in the oven at 190°C. Check after 20 minutes and add stock or more water if it appears dry.
Continue baking for another 10 to 20 minutes.
The dish will have a robustly aromatic taste and a dark brown color.
Serve hot. This recipe serves 4 people.

Variations

For a spicier version, add more chili powder or fresh chilies to the dish.
You can also add vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to remove the skin from the duck before cooking to ensure a tender and flavorful dish.

- Roasting the spices before grinding them will enhance their flavors and aromas.

- Adjust the amount of spices according to your personal preference for spiciness.

- Adding a little water while cooking the duck will help prevent it from sticking to the pan.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sri Lankan Duck with steamed rice or roti for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the spices before grinding them will enhance their flavors.

- Baking the dish in the oven allows the flavors to meld together and the duck to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find duck meat, you can use chicken or lamb as a substitute.

- If you don't have creamed coconut, you can use coconut milk instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the spice blend and marinate the duck in advance to save time on the day of cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro or mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Sri Lankan Duck with a refreshing cucumber salad or a tangy mango chutney for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

380 per serving

Carbohydrates

8g per serving

Fats

25g per serving

Proteins

30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains coconut and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and healthy fats, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Summary

Sri Lankan Duck is a delicious and aromatic dish that showcases the rich flavors of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. With a blend of spices, coconut, and tender duck meat, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds. Serve it with rice or roti for a complete meal that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Sri Lanka.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Sri Lankan Duck. It was a crisp autumn day, and I had decided to visit the local farmer's market to pick up some fresh produce for dinner. As I wandered through the bustling stalls, my eyes fell upon a display of vibrant spices and herbs that seemed to beckon me closer.

I struck up a conversation with the vendor, an elderly Sri Lankan woman with a twinkle in her eye and a warm smile on her face. She told me stories of her homeland, of the lush landscapes and bustling markets that filled the air with exotic aromas. I was captivated by her tales and the rich tapestry of flavors she described.

She then reached into a small wooden box and pulled out a handwritten recipe for Sri Lankan Duck. The paper was yellowed with age, and the ink was faded, but the words were still legible. I felt a rush of excitement as I read through the ingredients and instructions, imagining the fragrant spices and tender meat coming together in a symphony of flavors.

The vendor noticed my enthusiasm and offered to teach me how to make the dish. She invited me to her home the following weekend, promising to guide me through the process step by step. I eagerly accepted her invitation, feeling like a student about to embark on a culinary adventure.

When I arrived at her cozy little cottage, the air was filled with the mouthwatering scent of simmering spices. The vendor welcomed me warmly and ushered me into her kitchen, where she had already prepared all the necessary ingredients. She explained each component in detail, from the fiery red chili peppers to the earthy cumin seeds.

Together, we marinated the duck in a fragrant blend of spices, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat and infuse it with a tantalizing aroma. As we cooked, the vendor shared more stories of her homeland, painting a vivid picture of the bustling markets and colorful festivals that filled her memories.

I watched in awe as she expertly handled the ingredients, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that with the ease of someone who had been cooking for decades. Her hands moved with a grace born of experience, and I tried my best to follow her lead, absorbing every detail like a sponge.

As the duck simmered on the stove, the kitchen filled with a heady mix of spices that made my mouth water in anticipation. The vendor smiled at my eager expression, clearly pleased to see my enthusiasm for the dish. She told me about the importance of patience in cooking, of allowing the flavors to meld together over time.

Finally, after hours of simmering and stirring, the Sri Lankan Duck was ready. The rich, savory aroma wafted through the kitchen, making my stomach growl in anticipation. I couldn't wait to taste the fruits of our labor, to savor the exotic flavors that had been lovingly woven together in this dish.

As we sat down to eat, the vendor watched me with a knowing smile, her eyes twinkling with pride. I took a bite of the tender duck, and my taste buds exploded with the vibrant flavors of Sri Lanka. The spices danced on my tongue, each one playing its part in the symphony of tastes that filled my mouth.

I closed my eyes and savored each mouthful, feeling grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a skilled cook. The vendor beamed at me from across the table, her eyes sparkling with joy at my obvious delight. I knew in that moment that I had been given a precious gift, a recipe that would become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire.

And so, armed with the knowledge and experience passed down to me by the kind vendor, I continued to make Sri Lankan Duck for my friends and family. Each time I cooked the dish, I felt a connection to the distant land where the recipe originated, a bond forged through the love of food and the joy of sharing a meal with others.

To this day, whenever I make Sri Lankan Duck, I think back to that crisp autumn day at the farmer's market, to the warm kitchen of the vendor's cottage, and to the rich flavors that filled my senses. And I am grateful for the memories and the recipes that have been passed down to me, a legacy of love and tradition that will live on in my cooking for years to come.