Duck Stew

When choosing duck meat for this stew, you can use boneless duck breasts or duck legs/thighs. Cut the duck meat into 1/2-inch wide pieces to ensure even cooking and tender results. The combination of chopped carrots, celery, onions, and garlic provides a flavorful base for the stew. These vegetables add sweetness, aroma, and texture to the dish.

Serves: 8

ALLERGIES:

• SF (Shellfish)
• GF (Gluten)
• DF (Dairy)
• EF (Egg)
• NF (Nuts)

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 pounds chopped duck meat (1/2 inch wide)
• 1/2 pound duck liver, sliced
• 1 cup chopped carrot
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
• 1/2 cup cilantro

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped duck meat and cook until browned on all sides. This helps to seal in the juices and adds flavor to the stew.
2. Transfer the browned duck meat to the slow cooker. Add the sliced duck liver, chopped carrot, chopped celery, chopped onions, and chopped garlic cloves.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and add the sliced shiitake mushrooms. Stir everything together to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
4. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and the duck meat to become tender and succulent.
5. After 4 hours, remove the lid and stir in the cilantro. The fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness and complements the rich flavors of the duck.
6. Continue cooking the stew for an additional 15 minutes to allow the cilantro to infuse its aroma into the dish.
7. Once the cooking time is complete, the Slow Cooker Duck Stew is ready to be served. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with additional cilantro, if desired.
8. Enjoy the Slow Cooker Duck Stew as a flavorful and hearty main dish. The tender duck meat, rich broth, and aromatic vegetables create a comforting and delicious meal.

NOTE:

• Cooking Variation: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can whisk together 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with some cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the broth.
• Flavor Enhancements: For added depth of flavor, you can incorporate some additional ingredients such as a splash of soy sauce, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, or a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.
• Serving Suggestions: This flavorful duck stew pairs well with various accompaniments. Consider serving it over cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal. Crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up the delicious broth. You can also serve a side salad or steamed vegetables to add a fresh and vibrant element to the meal.
• Make-Ahead and Freezing: This stew can be prepared in advance and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Additionally, this stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Recipe Adjustments: Feel free to customize the stew based on your preferences. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of garlic or omit the shiitake mushrooms. For a heartier stew, you can add additional vegetables like potatoes or parsnips. Adjust the cooking time accordingly if adding more vegetables or if using bone-in duck meat.
• Leftover Ideas: If you have any leftover duck stew, it can be repurposed into other delicious meals. Use it as a filling for savory pies or pastries, or as a topping for baked potatoes. You can also shred the leftover duck meat and use it to make sandwiches or wraps.

Remember to adjust the recipe and ingredients based on your specific dietary needs and preferences. Enjoy the rich flavors and tender texture of this Slow Cooker Duck Stew as a comforting and satisfying dish for your family and friends to enjoy!