Duck confit parmentier is a classic French dish that combines the richness of duck confit with the sweetness of a creamy mashed potato. Easy to make and ideal for comforting your guests, this hearty dish is perfect for a dinner with family or friends. Discover our step-by-step recipe for a delicious and irresistible result.
The Ingredients
For 4 people, you will need:
- 400 g of duck confit or shredded duck for parmentier (boneless and shredded thighs or duck breasts)
- 1 kg of potatoes (Bintje type or other mashing variety)
- 30 g of butter
- 20 cl of milk
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 sprig of fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper from the mill
- A little breadcrumbs (optional, for gratin)
Preparation of the Puree
- Peel and cut the potatoes into regular cubes for even cooking.
- In a large saucepan, boil salted water and add the potatoes. Cook for about 20 minutes until tender.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pan. Add the butter and hot milk, then mash them with a potato masher or a fork until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
Preparation of Duck Confit
- While the potatoes are cooking, brown the shallot in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil and the thyme sprig for flavor.
- Add the shredded duck confit to the pan and heat gently until tender. Let it cook for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
- Remove the thyme sprig once the confit is well heated.
Assembling and Cooking the Parmentier
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (gas mark 6-7).
- In a gratin dish, first spread the duck confit mixture evenly.
- Then cover with the mashed potatoes, smoothing the surface well. For a gratin effect, sprinkle lightly with breadcrumbs and add a few knobs of butter.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Tips and Advice
- Gourmet variation : Add a few slices of cheese (like Comté or Gruyère) between the layer of duck and the mash for an even creamier touch.
- Accompaniment : This dish pairs perfectly with a green salad lightly dressed with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the duck.
- Presentation : For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle the parmentier with a few sprigs of chopped fresh parsley.
Conclusion
Duck confit parmentier is a recipe that honors French culinary tradition while bringing a modern and convivial touch to your meals. Its blend of textures and flavors makes it a comforting dish, perfect for fall or winter evenings. Feel free to share this recipe and adjust the quantities to suit your tastes!