Duck Cake with Vegetables is a savory and rich dish that combines tender duck meat with a flavorful medley of vegetables, all baked together in a comforting “cake” form. This dish is a twist on traditional savory pies or terrines. Here’s a recipe to make a delicious Duck Cake with Vegetables:
Ingredients:
For the Duck Filling:
- 2 duck legs (confit or slow-cooked and shredded)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, diced
- 1 cup cooked peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cake Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup melted butter or olive oil
For Assembly:
- ½ cup grated cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Duck Filling:
- If using confit duck legs, remove the skin and bones and shred the meat. If using cooked duck meat, shred it similarly.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, diced carrot, celery, and mushrooms. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the shredded duck meat, cooked peas, thyme, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Cake Base:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter (or olive oil).
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
3. Assemble the Duck Cake:
- Grease an 8-inch round or square baking dish.
- Spread the duck and vegetable mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Pour the batter over the duck mixture, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- If using cheese, sprinkle it on top of the batter.
4. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Serve:
- Let the duck cake cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
- Serve warm as a hearty main dish.
Optional Variations:
- Additions: Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach into the filling.
- Spices: Enhance the flavor with additional spices such as paprika, cumin, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, or feta for varied flavors.
This Duck Cake with Vegetables is a comforting and unique dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or a cozy meal. Enjoy!
