Roast Wild Duck with Cranberry Sauce

Elevate your dinner table with the rustic elegance of Roast Wild Duck with Cranberry Sauce, a dish that combines rich, savory flavors with a festive, tangy twist. This recipe highlights the tender, gamey taste of wild duck, which is roasted to perfection, infused with garlic, thyme, and a light olive oil rub for a fragrant, golden finish. Paired with a vibrant homemade cranberry sauce featuring fresh cranberries, zesty orange juice, red wine, and a touch of sweetness, this dish strikes the ideal balance between hearty and refreshing. Perfect for special occasions or a holiday feast, this recipe is a showstopper that serves four. With just 30 minutes of prep and 90 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a mouthwatering centerpiece that’s sure to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:120 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 whole wild duck
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme sprigs
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 250 grams fresh cranberries
• 120 milliliters orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 100 grams granulated sugar
• 80 milliliters red wine
• 60 milliliters water

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Rinse the wild ducks under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat.

Step 3

Rub the ducks all over with olive oil, then season generously with salt and black pepper. Stuff each duck cavity with 2 thyme sprigs and 2 smashed garlic cloves.

Step 4

Place the ducks breast-side up on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for about 70–80 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the duck reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5

While the ducks roast, prepare the cranberry sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, granulated sugar, red wine, and water.

Step 6

Bring the cranberry mixture to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.

Step 7

Remove the cranberry sauce from heat and let it cool slightly. Transfer it to a serving bowl when ready to serve.

Step 8

Once the ducks are fully roasted, remove them from the oven and tent them with aluminum foil. Let them rest for about 10 minutes to redistribute the juices.

Step 9

Carve the ducks and serve with the fresh cranberry sauce on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3696.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	7435.6

Total Fat 397.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 123.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 2762mg	0%
Sodium 4090.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 151.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.2g	0%
Total Sugars 121.1g
Protein 768.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 427.8mg	0%
Iron 83.7mg	0%
Potassium 7235.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.3%

Protein: 42.3%

Carbs: 8.4%