What Are The Best Side Dishes To Serve With Duck Confit?
Duck Confit is no ordinary dish; it has won over the hearts (and taste buds) of food enthusiasts worldwide with its French charm. However, when it comes to selecting side dishes to accompany Duck Confit, the possibilities are infinite, with a plethora of delectable options to choose from. Which can make putting together a dinner a little tougher than it should be.
To assist you in creating a delightful meal that will leave your guests longing for more, we’ve compiled a list of our top ten side dishes. So, let’s begin!
10 side dishes to serve with Duck Confit
1. Crispy roasted potatoes
Crispy roasted potatoes and duck confit are the ultimate power couple – especially when you cook them just right. Duck confit is already full of flavour and juiciness, so you need something that can soak all of that up, and roasties are just what you’re looking for.
If you want to make the Roast Potatoes a little richer then you can fry them in duck fat until they are golden and crispy before cooking them through, making them packed full of flavour and soft on the inside.
2. Broccoli salad
A Broccoli salad is a simple and healthy side dish for your Duck Confit. The crisp texture and fresh flavour of the broccoli can help to cut through the rich flavours of the Confit, providing a refreshing contrast. Some popular broccoli salad variations include adding bacon, cranberries, or nuts for added flavour and texture.
3. Pea Puree
Pea Puree is a quick, easy and delicious side dish to serve with Duck Confit. The sweetness of the peas can help balance out the saltiness of the duck meat. The bright green colour of the puree will also add a vibrant and visually appealing element to the plate.
While a pea puree sounds fancy, you only need frozen peas, chicken stock, and butter to make it. So it’s also one of the easier sides to pull together.
4. Duck fat rice
Rice is a simple side dish that can act as the perfect sponge, absorbing any excess sauce or juices from the Duck Confit.
When you drizzle the duck fat over plain rice, the result is pure magic. What was once a humble side dish is elevated to new heights of nuttiness and richness. The fat can also add a slightly crispy texture to the rice, creating a delightful contrast to the soft grains.
For an extra burst of flavour, add some garlic to the dish, creating a savoury fried rice that offers a unique and herby twist.
5. Pasta
While pasta may not be the most traditional side dish to serve with your Duck Confit, it can certainly be a delicious option. Pasta provides a neutral base that can allow the rich flavours of the Confit to stand out.
To make pasta that pairs well with your Duck Confit, consider incorporating ingredients that add some brightness and freshness to the dish. For example, you could add some lemon zest or juice, chopped herbs, or roasted vegetables to the pasta. This can help balance out the richness of the Duck Confit and provide a complementary flavour and texture.
6. Mashed potatoes
The buttery taste of mashed potatoes helps balance out the saltiness of the Duck Confit, making for a well-rounded meal. You could also consider adding some herbs or other seasonings to the mashed potatoes to give them a bit more flavour, such as adding some fresh thyme, chives, or garlic. To make the meal even better, throw in some roasted vegetables, such as brussel sprouts or carrots, and you’ll be left with an extraordinary dish full of flavour.
7. Cauliflower gratin
If you’re looking for an alternative to mashed potatoes, cauliflower gratin could be a great choice. The tender cauliflower baked in a creamy sauce with a touch of nutmeg offers the perfect contrast to the tender, crispy duck. If you want to add a bit more flavour and texture to the gratin then you can add a bit of bacon and onions.
8. Garlic butter mushrooms
Garlic butter mushrooms are simply delicious. The earthy and savoury taste of the mushrooms complements the rich and flavourful duck meat, while the garlic butter adds a rich and fragrant note to the dish.
9. Roasted carrots & fennel
Duck Confit is a popular winter dish as its richness and heartiness make it an ideal option for cold weather. The side dish not only allows the seasonal winter vegetables to take centre stage but also enhances the overall taste. The roasted carrots’ natural sweetness works wonders to balance out the saltiness of the Duck Confit, while the fennel adds a refreshing touch that perfectly cuts through the dish’s richness.
10. Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce
Asparagus with hollandaise sauce makes for an excellent side dish, as it offers a delightful crunchy texture and a luxurious and creamy element to the dish.
You can prepare it by steaming and serving it with a touch of butter or a drizzle of olive oil. If you want to take it up a notch, sauté the asparagus in some duck fat or pork lard to infuse it with even more flavour.
Bon Appetit
Duck Confit is a beloved French delicacy that has captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide. With its rich and savoury flavours, pairing it with the perfect side dish is crucial. Fortunately, there are lots of mouth-watering side dishes to choose from, making the decision a difficult one. From the crisp crunch of roasted potatoes to the vibrant flavour of garlic butter mushrooms, all of these side dishes will take your meal to the next level.
To fully appreciate the exquisite taste of your Duck Confit, don’t forget to pair it with the perfect wine. Be sure to check out our other post, where we have listed our top 5 recommended wine pairings for duck confit.