Recipe for roasted duck legs and potatoes
Photo by Mary Close Oppenheimer

Recipe for roasted duck legs and potatoes

I remember my mother making roast duckling only once a year because it was so labor-intensive.

This recipe is so easy you’ll be tempted to serve it often. It takes less effort than driving to the market to pick up dinner from the deli.

1h 45m — prep: 15 min.; cook: 1 1/2 hours; yield: 2 servings

2 duck legs (frozen duck legs are available in packages of 2 at LaBonne’s and the Sharon Market)

2 baking potatoes or 1 bag of baby potatoes

Fresh thyme

Salt and pepper

Defrost the duck legs.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Brush the skin side of the duck legs with a little bit of oil to prevent sticking.

On the stove, heat an oven-proof roasting pan or cast iron frying pan and sear the duck legs skin-side down over medium heat until the skin turns golden and gives out some oil.

Turn the legs skin-side up, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook for 45 minutes before adding the potatoes. Cooking time for the potatoes will vary depending upon the size of the pieces.

If using large potatoes, cut them across into 1-inch slices, then cut each slice into four.

If using baby potatoes, cut them in half along the longest side to allow the greatest surface area to brown in the pan. Use as many as will fit in your pan in one layer.

Arrange the potato pieces cut-side down around the duck legs, then sprinkle a few sprigs of thyme over the duck and potatoes and season with more salt and pepper before putting the pan back into the oven.

Cook for a total of 1½ hours, turning the potatoes so the cut sides get browned. Toward the end, toss to coat with the duck fat. Optimal outcome is tender duck legs and crispy potatoes. If the potatoes are done before the duck, remove and set them aside to keep warm.

This recipe scales up easily. Just use a larger pan and as cook as directed.

Leftovers: If you have some meat left over, seal it and store in the freezer for up to two months for future use. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Duck fat is delicious. Use any leftover fat to sauté snow peas, onions or anything else you would otherwise sauté in oil.

Latest News

Donald Terance Martin

NORTH CANAAN — Dr.f Donald Terance “Doc” Martin, 86, of North Canaan, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, at his home in North Canaan, which was his last wish. Dr. Martin was a dentist in Canaan, retiring in 2014. He served the community and their needs whether they could pay or not, and at all hours of the day and night. They do not make men like Don “Doc” Martin anymore.

Born on Aug. 27, 1938 in Walla Walla, Washington, he was the youngest of George T. and Anna Mae (McGrath) Martin’s eight children. Don proudly served in the US Navy with the Seabees during the Vietnam War. He adopted the Seabee’s “Can Do” attitude that served him for the rest of his life. Don married Lynne Horner in 1964.

Keep ReadingShow less
Paul Winter to celebrate the winter solstice at Saint James Place

The Paul Winter Consort will perform at St. James Cathedral in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Saturday, Dec. 21.

Photo by Matthew Muise

Seven-time Grammy winning saxophonist Paul Winter, with the Paul Winter Consort, will return to celebrate the Winter Solstice on Saturday, Dec. 21, with sold out shows at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Saint James Place, 352 Main St., Great Barrington, Massachusetts.

A uniquely intimate solstice celebration, in contrast to the large-scale productions done for many years in the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York, it promises to deliver everything audiences have come to love and expect.

Keep ReadingShow less
Developers withdraw application to expand Wake Robin Inn

Wake Robin Inn is located on Sharon Road in Lakeville.

Photo by John Coston

LAKEVILLE — Aradev LLC has withdrawn its application to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a special permit to redevelop the Wake Robin Inn.

In a letter submitted to P&Z Chair Michael Klemens on the afternoon of Tuesday, Dec. 17, law outfit Mackey, Butts & Whalen LLP announced its client’s withdrawal.

Keep ReadingShow less
North Canaan antique mall fills resale niche

The 403 Group is located at 403 Ashley Falls Road, where the old This N’ That for Habitat used to be.

Photo by Robin Roraback

NORTH CANAAN — The 403 Group Antique Market is “A hidden secret, a little off the beaten path, but worth the drive,” said Carey Field, who has a booth called “Wild Turkey” there.

“It’s a really fun group of dealers,” Field said. “A really eclectic group of antiques and the prices are reasonable.”

Keep ReadingShow less