Ingredients
- Handful Sea Salt
- 4 Bay Leaf
- 4 cloves Garlic
- Handful Thyme
- 4 Duck Legs
- 100 ml White Wine
Instructions
4 steps · ~100 minutes total
Step 1
The day before you want to make the dish, scatter half the salt, half the garlic and half of the herbs over the base of a small shallow dish. Lay the duck legs, skin-side up, on top, then scatter over the remaining salt, garlic and herbs. Cover the duck and refrigerate overnight. This can be done up to 2 days ahead.
10 minutesTaste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.Step 2
Pour the wine into a saucepan that will snugly fit the duck legs in a single layer. Brush the salt off the duck legs and place them, skin-side down, in the wine. Cover the pan with a lid and place over a medium heat. As soon as the wine starts to bubble, turn the heat down to the lowest setting and cook for 2 hours, checking occasionally that the liquid is just barely simmering. (If you own a heat diffuser, it would be good to use it here.) After 2 hours, the duck legs should be submerged in their own fat and the meat should feel incredibly tender when prodded. Leave to cool.
60 minutesKeep the heat low — gentle bubbles, not a rolling boil.Step 3
The duck legs are now cooked and can be eaten immediately – or you can follow the next step if you like them crisp. If you are preparing ahead, pack the duck legs tightly into a plastic container or jar and pour over the fat, but not the liquid at the bottom of the pan. Cover and leave in the fridge for up to a month, or freeze for up to 3 months. The liquid you are left with makes a tasty gravy, which can be chilled or frozen until needed.
5 minutesStep 4
To reheat and crisp up the duck legs, heat oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7. Remove the legs from the fat and place them, skin-side down, in an ovenproof frying pan. Roast for 30-40 mins, turning halfway through, until brown and crisp. Serve with the reheated gravy, a crisp salad and some crisp golden ptoatoes.
25 minutesTest the oil temperature with a small piece of food — it should sizzle immediately.
💡 Tips & Tricks
🔄 Variations
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days in an airtight container
Freezer
Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
What to Serve With
Complete your french meal with these perfect pairings:
About This Dish
Duck Confit is a beloved dish from French cuisine, originating in France. With a total preparation time of about 140 minutes, it is a rewarding project for when you have extra time in the kitchen.
French cuisine is considered one of the world's finest culinary traditions. Known for its refinement and attention to detail, it has influenced cooking around the globe for centuries.
This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 6 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best type of duck for Duck Confit is the Moulard or Muscovy duck, as they have a higher fat content, which is ideal for slow cooking.
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Nutrition Facts
4 serving(s) per recipe
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
