Classic smoked duck breast with orange sauce: a french delight

Smoked duck breast with orange sauce, also known as Duck à l'Orange, is a classic French dish that has stood the test of time. When prepared correctly, it offers a delightful combination of flavors, with the smoky richness of the duck breast perfectly complemented by the tangy sweetness of the orange sauce. In this article, we will explore the history and preparation of this iconic dish, as well as some variations that you can try at home.

The Origins of Duck à l'Orange

The origins of Duck à l'Orange can be traced back to early 19th-century France. Louis Eustache Ude, a renowned French chef, included a recipe for this dish in his cookbook. His version featured roasting a duck with a small bitter orange variety known as 'bigarade' or marmalade oranges, aiming to achieve a perfect sweet and sour balance in the sauce.

During the 1940s and 50s, Duck à l'Orange continued to be a popular dish in France. However, in the 1970s and 80s, it started to lose its charm as it became associated with overly sweet and sticky sauces. Thankfully, there has been a resurgence of interest in classic French cuisine, and Duck à l'Orange is once again being appreciated in its true form.

Preparing Smoked Duck Breast with Orange Sauce

Smoked duck breast with orange sauce is a dish that exudes elegance and sophistication. While it may seem intimidating to prepare, it can be easily mastered with the right technique. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you create a delicious Duck à l'Orange:

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 5-pound duck, thawed if necessary
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 orange
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup white wine
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/2 cup orange marmalade

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Arrange the onion and carrots over the bottom of a deep roasting pan.
2. Prick the duck skin all over with a fork to release the fat stored beneath the skin. Season the duck liberally with salt and pepper both inside and out. Stuff the cavity with the garlic, half an orange, and thyme.
3. Place the duck, breast-side down, in the roasting pan and roast for 1-1/2 hours. Transfer the duck to a baking sheet. Pour off as much duck fat as possible from the pan into a heatproof bowl or measuring cup.
4. Sprinkle the flour into the pan, then stir in the chicken stock and white wine. Return the duck to the pan, breast-side up, and continue to roast until golden brown, about 1 hour.
5. Transfer the duck back to the baking sheet. Place a fine-mesh strainer over a saucepan and strain the drippings and vegetables from the roasting pan into the saucepan. Discard the solids.
6. Add the orange juice and marmalade to the saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
7. Carve the duck into desired portions and divide the meat between warm dinner plates. Spoon the orange sauce over the duck and serve.

Variations to Explore

While the classic version of Duck à l'Orange is undoubtedly delicious, there are also a few variations that you can try to add a unique twist to this timeless dish:

Duck in Cider (Canard Rôti au Cidre):

Replace the orange juice with fresh apple cider and serve with sautéed apple slices.

Duck with Green Peas (Canard Rôti aux Petits Pois):

Substitute an equal amount of stock for both the orange juice and marmalade. Add cooked green peas to the final sauce for a burst of freshness.

Duck with Turnips (Canard Rôti aux Navets):

Substitute stock for both the orange juice and marmalade. Add small peeled turnips (or halved large turnips) and chopped turnip greens to the sauce for a delightful earthy flavor.

These variations offer exciting alternatives to the classic Duck à l'Orange, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to suit your preferences.

Smoked duck breast with orange sauce, or Duck à l'Orange, is a dish that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate food enthusiasts around the world. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home. Whether you choose to stick to the classic recipe or explore the variations, one thing is for sure – your taste buds will be in for a treat!

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