Ingredients
- 2 lbs duck legs
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup red wine (preferably a full-bodied variety)
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 can crushed tomatoes, 14 oz
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb pasta of choice (such as tagliatelle or pappardelle)
Instructions
6 steps
Prepare the Duck
Season duck legs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the duck legs on all sides.
Ensure the pot is hot enough to achieve a good sear.Sauté Vegetables
Remove duck legs and set aside. In the same pot, add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened.
Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor.Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the red wine, bringing it to a boil. Reduce by half, stirring occasionally.
Use a full-bodied wine for the best flavor.Add Duck and Stock
Return the duck legs to the pot. Add chicken stock and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
Cover partially and let simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours.Cook Pasta
In the last 15 minutes of cooking the ragu, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.Serve
Remove duck legs, shred the meat, and return to the sauce. Toss the pasta with the ragu and serve hot.
Garnish with fresh thyme if using.
💡 Tips & Tricks
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 italian meal with these perfect pairings:
About This Dish
Authentic Venetian Duck Ragu Recipe - Italian Pasta Delight is a beloved dish from Italian cuisine.
Italian cuisine is renowned worldwide for its emphasis on simple, quality ingredients and time-honored techniques. Each region of Italy has its own distinct culinary traditions, passed down through generations.
This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 13 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can substitute with chicken or even beef for different flavor profiles.
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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.
