Nigella Duck Legs And Potatoes Recipe

This delicious duck legs and potatoes dish by Nigella is an easy, comforting meal perfect for dinner. The crispy skin of the duck, combined with creamy, roasted potatoes infused with rich duck fat, makes it incredibly satisfying. Feel free to use any herbs you have on hand for added flavor!

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 duck legs
• 500g / 1 lb baking potatoes (or 2 baking potatoes)
• 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme
• Maldon sea salt flakes, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How To Make Duck Legs And Potatoes Recipe?

1. Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 180°C / 160°C Fan / 350°F.
2. Sear the Duck: In a small roasting tin that can go on the stove, sear the duck legs skin-side down over medium heat until the skin turns golden and releases some oil.
3. Prepare the Potatoes: While the duck is searing, cut the potatoes into approx. 3 cm / 1½-inch cubes. (You don’t need to peel them.)
4. Flip the Duck: Carefully turn the duck legs over using a thin spatula. If they stick, they haven’t crisped up enough yet.
5. Arrange and Season: Place the potatoes around the duck legs. Scatter the thyme sprigs over the duck and potatoes, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
6. Roast: Place the roasting tin in the oven and cook for 2 hours. For the best results, both duck and potatoes should be crisp-skinned and tender, with the potatoes crunchy on the outside and infused with duck fat inside. They will be ready to eat after 1½ hours, but cooking for the full 2 hours is ideal.

Recipe Tips:

• Pick Good Duck: Choose duck legs that are plump and have some fat under the skin for the best taste and crispy skin.
• Sear Well: Make sure to sear the duck skin until it’s really crispy before flipping. This is important for getting that tasty crunch.
• Cut Potatoes Evenly: Cut potatoes into similar sizes so they cook evenly. This way, they will be crunchy outside and soft inside.
• Use Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme gives great flavor to the duck and potatoes. Don’t leave it out for the best results.
• Let It Rest: After cooking, let the duck sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps make the meat tender and juicy.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers?

• Refrigerate: First, let the leftover duck legs and potatoes cool down to room temperature. Then, put them in a sealed container and store them in the fridge. They will stay good for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: To freeze, let the duck legs and potatoes cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, put them in the fridge for a few hours or overnight before serving.
• Reheat: Heat a skillet on medium heat. Add a little duck fat or oil, then place the duck legs and potatoes in the skillet. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, turning them until they are hot.

Nutrition Facts :

Serving Size: 1 serving

• Calories: 644 kcal
• Total Fat: 46g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 139mg
• Sodium: 383mg
• Potassium: 965mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 38g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 27g

Try More Nigella  Lawson Recipes:

• Nigella Salt And Vinegar Potatoes
• Nigella Quick Chilli
• Nigella Chicken And Chorizo Tray Bake