What veggies pairs well with Duck Confit?

I'm making Duck Confit and I'm not sure what vegetables to use with it. I want to use a vegetable that would cut some of the richness of duck.

Scottielew
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15 Comments

Scottielew May 6, 2015
Thank you all for the wonderful suggestions!! I can't wait!!

 
PazzoNico May 6, 2015
I'll add to all of the already great suggestions; SLAW (vinegar based). Essentially a pickled salad. You could go traditional with cabbage, but I prefer other vegetable slaws. Fennel, brussels sprouts, broccoli stems, celery root, kohlrabi, celery hearts, etc. (or obviously a combo of any of those).
And you could look beyond standard apple cider vinegar. Other vinegars; rice wine, champagne, red wine, tarragon, white balsamic...or lemon, lime, or grapefruit juice.

Pickled mustard seeds are another great addition. Bright, acidic, spicy.
 
ChefJune May 6, 2015
The French traditionally serve duck confit atop a salad of mixed greens dressed with a mustardy vinaigrette. The vinaigrette is a great counterpoint to the rich confit. I have also served duck confit atop black-eyed peas. They're good either hot or cold in a salad and the flavors are very complimentary. Cruciferous vegetables would just about all go well with the confit.
 
amysarah May 6, 2015
For what it's worth, traditional accompaniments for duck confit are sauteed or roast potatoes - done in some of the duck fat - and a simple salad with a tart vinaigrette to cut the richness. Delicious. If you want to splurge, a glass of Sauternes is also often served - a rather luxurious way to bring a sweet note.
 
Jenny M. May 6, 2015
A salad of bitter greens and walnuts. Kale and appels
 
keg72 May 5, 2015
Roasted cauliflower would be great as would a nice green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette. That would also add a touch of sweetness from the balsamic.
 
Scottielew May 5, 2015
I like the vinaigrette idea! Thanks
 
Greenstuff May 5, 2015
I eat duck confit with most all vegetables, often plain green ones if, like you, I'm trying to cut the richness of the duck. Brussels sprouts in winter, asparagus in spring, green beans (especially haricots verts) in later spring and summer. Broccoli or any of its relatives.
 
Scottielew May 5, 2015
I wasn't a big fan of Brussels sprouts but now I am! Thanks
 
QueenSashy May 5, 2015
I am very much with PieceOfLayerCake, duck confit calls for a touch of sweetness. I would pair it with a rooth vegetable or cauliflower puree with a jam or chutney on top.
 
Scottielew May 5, 2015
I totally agree! Thanks
 
Alexandra V. May 5, 2015
Kale, roasted sweet potatoes, roasted carrots, slow cooked leeks, braised cabbage and bacon! Basically if you have duck confit, you can't go wrong. Happy cooking!
 
Scottielew May 5, 2015
My wife loves sweet potatoes! Great suggestions
 
PieceOfLayerCake May 5, 2015
I don't know if I would think vegetables as much as I would think fruit. I think bitter greens with winey berries, cherries or plums would pair beautifully. If veggies are your ultimate goal, perhaps something pickled like a homemade giardinera. I've done that with a braised short rib and a parsnip puree, it was a lovely balance between rich, tangy, spicy and earthy.
 
Scottielew May 5, 2015
Thank you!! Great ideas!!
 
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