| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 2 hrs – 2 hrs 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 560 | 40g | 13g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 16g | 2g | 28g | 2.0g |
There’s something magical about combining the rich flavors of a New England classic with the comforting, hearty elements of an Irish casserole. My Mountain Pepper Roasted Duck recipe, inspired by the recipes passed down from my Irish grandparents and refined during my years in Boston, offers this perfect blend. This dish captures the essence of a hearty family meal while introducing the zing of mountain pepper berries and the sweet, fruity undertones of oranges and apricots.
A Touch of Wilderness in Your Kitchen
The mountain pepper berries are the star of this recipe, offering a unique, spicy kick that you won’t find in your everyday roast duck. Sourced from the wild, these berries are packed with antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, making them a healthy addition to your culinary arsenal. When you pair them with the sweetness of honey and the citrusy zing of orange juice, the result is a flavor explosion that is both sophisticated and soul-soothing.
The Mountain Pepper Roasted Duck pairs beautifully with side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes or a simple roasted Brussels sprouts. These sides provide the perfect backdrop for the complex, spicy, and sweet flavors of the duck. You can also serve it with a light salad or a sweet potato casserole to balance the richness of the meat.
A Family Affair
Cooking is a family event in our household. My fiancée, Laura, and our baby boy love being part of the process, even if it’s just watching the duck roast through the oven door. Sharing a meal like Mountain Pepper Roasted Duck creates memories that last a lifetime. It harks back to Sundays at my grandparents’ house where the table was always full, and laughter was as common as the food. It’s these memories that make the preparation of this dish so special and rewarding for me.
If you’re a fan of recipes like Peking duck or honey-glazed ham, you’ll find this dish quite similar yet intriguingly different. The fruity elements combined with the mountain pepper give it a depth and complexity that stands out, making it perfect for special occasions or a cozy Sunday dinner.
With each bite of this Mountain Pepper Roasted Duck, you’ll taste a harmonious blend of robust flavors and nutritious ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable culinary experience. It’s a dish that not only satisfies the palate but also warms the heart.
What You’ll Need
- 1 whole duck (about 5-6 pounds)
- 2 teaspoons mountain pepper berries, ground
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 oranges, thinly sliced
- 1 apple, cored and sliced
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, halved
- 1/2 cup dried figs, halved
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse the duck under cold running water and pat it dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat from the duck and remove the giblets from the cavity.
Step Two
In a small bowl, combine the ground mountain pepper berries, olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the duck, both inside and out, ensuring it is evenly coated.
Step Three
In a medium bowl, mix together the orange juice, honey, and soy sauce until well combined. Set this mixture aside; it will be used for basting later.
Step Four
Stuff the cavity of the duck with the sliced oranges, apple, dried apricots, dried figs, fresh thyme, and fresh rosemary. Use kitchen twine to tie the legs of the duck together, ensuring the cavity is closed.
Step Five
Place the duck on a rack in a roasting pan, breast side up. Pour a small amount of water (about 1/2 cup) into the bottom of the roasting pan to prevent the drippings from burning. This will also help keep the duck moist.
Step Six
Roast the duck in the preheated oven for approximately 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the duck every 30 minutes with the orange juice, honey, and soy sauce mixture to ensure a crispy, flavorful skin.
Step Seven
Once the duck is cooked through and the skin is golden brown and crispy, remove it from the oven. Carefully transfer the duck to a cutting board and let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving.
Step Eight
Carve the duck and serve it with the roasted fruit stuffing. Drizzle some of the pan drippings over the duck and fruit if desired. Enjoy your Mountain Pepper Roasted Duck!
