Roasted Duck with Apples

Ingredients

• 1 whole duck (about 2.5 kg / 5.5 lbs) 1 whole duck (about 2.5 kg / 5.5 lbs)
• 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 apples, cored and sliced 2 apples, cored and sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons sugar

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 32g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 6g, 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Pat dry the duck with paper towels and season it with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika.
3. 3.
   Place the duck on a roasting rack in a roasting pan, breast side up.
4. 4.
   Roast the duck in the preheated oven for about 2 hours, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
5. 5.
   While the duck is roasting, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
6. 6.
   Add the sliced apples and sugar to the skillet and cook until the apples are caramelized and tender, about 10 minutes.
7. 7.
   Once the duck is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
8. 8.
   Serve the roasted duck with the caramelized apples on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Duck — Make sure to pat the duck dry before seasoning it to ensure a crispy skin.
• Apples — Choose firm and slightly tart apples such as Granny Smith or Braeburn for a perfect balance of flavors.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a crispy skin, you can increase the oven temperature to 200°C (400°F) for the last 10 minutes of roasting.
• Serve the duck with a side of roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can sprinkle some cinnamon over the caramelized apples.

Serving advice

Serve the Roasted Duck with Apples as the centerpiece of a festive dinner. Slice the duck and arrange it on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs. Place the caramelized apples in a separate bowl and serve alongside the duck.

Presentation advice

For an elegant presentation, place the sliced duck on a bed of sautéed spinach or kale. Drizzle the caramelized apples over the duck and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves. Serve with a side of roasted root vegetables for a visually stunning and delicious meal.