Duck Breast with Sauerkraut and Gnocchi

duck breast with sauerkraut and gnocchi? This recipe combines the rich, savory flavors of duck breast, the balanced acidity of sauerkraut, and the pillowy softness of homemade gnocchi. Inspired by traditional Alsatian cuisine, this dish is perfect for a festive dinner or a comforting family meal.

With a moderate difficulty level, it requires about 1 hour and 55 minutes of preparation and cooking. This guide will take you through each step to ensure a perfectly cooked duck breast with flavorful sides.

Ingredients for Duck Breast with Sauerkraut and Gnocchi

Category	Ingredients
For the Duck Breast	4 duck breasts (about 180 g each), Salt and pepper
For the Sauerkraut	1 apple, 1 onion, 3 tbsp butter, 1 can sauerkraut (770 g drained), 5 juniper berries, 2 bay leaves, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp caraway seeds, 150 ml cider (or white wine or apple juice), 80 g clarified butter
For the Gnocchi	400 g starchy potatoes, 2 sprigs basil, 1 sprig thyme, 1 sprig parsley, 1 egg, 150 g pastry flour, Nutmeg, Extra flour for dusting
For Cooking	40 g butter

Preparing perfect Duck Breast with Sauerkraut and Gnocchi

1. Cooking the potatoes: Peel, rinse, and boil the potatoes in salted water for 25 to 30 minutes until tender.

2. Draining and mashing: Drain the potatoes, let excess water evaporate over low heat, then mash them while still warm. Allow to cool.

3. Making the gnocchi dough: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, finely chopped herbs, egg, and flour. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Knead gently until you get a smooth dough.

How to Cook Duck Breast for the Best Flavor

1. Prepping the duck: Pat the duck breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.

2. Searing the duck: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the duck breasts skin-side down and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another minute.

3. Oven roasting: Preheat the oven to 250°C (480°F). Transfer the duck to a baking tray lined with parchment paper and roast for 7 to 10 minutes for a medium-rare doneness.

Making the Perfect Sauerkraut Side Dish

1. Preparing ingredients: Peel and dice the apple. Finely slice the onion.

2. Sauting: In a large pan, melt the butter and saut the apple and onion until tender and slightly caramelized.

3. Cooking the sauerkraut: Add the drained sauerkraut, juniper berries, bay leaves, sugar, and caraway seeds. Deglaze with cider and a little water. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

How to Cook Homemade Gnocchi

1. Shaping the gnocchi: On a floured surface, roll the dough into 2 cm thick logs. Cut into 2 cm pieces and press each piece lightly with a fork to create ridges.

2. Boiling the gnocchi: Drop them into a large pot of salted boiling water. Once they float to the surface, remove them with a slotted spoon.

3. Pan-frying for texture: Sauté the cooked gnocchi in butter until lightly golden for extra flavor.

Final Assembly and Serving

1. Resting the duck: Remove the duck breasts from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

2. Plating: Arrange a portion of sauerkraut in the center of each warm plate, add the golden gnocchi, and place sliced duck breast on top.

3. Serving suggestion: Enjoy this gourmet meal with a glass of cider or white wine to complement the rich and tangy flavors.

Additional Information

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: 1226 kcal

• Protein: 57 g

• Fat: 83 g

• Carbohydrates: 59 g

Recipe Categories

• Fall Favorites

• Simple, But Good

• French Cuisine

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation: 1 hour

• Cooking: 55 minutes

Difficulty Level

Moderate perfect for home cooks looking to master duck breast with a balanced side dish.

This how to cook duck breast with sauerkraut and gnocchi guide will help you create a restaurant-quality dish at home. With a crispy duck skin, tangy sauerkraut, and soft, buttery gnocchi, every bite is a perfect blend of textures and flavors. Try this recipe for a memorable homemade gourmet meal!

I recommend reading the details of these classic recipes

Beef Pot Roast with Potatoes: A Classic Comfort Dish

Top Blade Steak Recipe: A Complete Guide to Preparation