Whole ducks in the frozen section of the grocery store are often overlooked, they seem like a project and that’s not always what you’re looking for when it comes to dinner. This week’s recipe is a weeknight duck ragu, best served with fresh fettuccine.

Duck ragu with fettuccine

Duck ragu with fettuccine

Yield: 2

Not sure how to cook a whole duck? Double back to the recipe for shredded duck meat (see below).

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter (or duck fat!)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
  • 1 cup shredded duck, chopped
  • 1 cup stock (or duck cooking liquid!)
  • 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
  • Red pepper flakes, to taste
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Grated parmesan cheese, to taste
  • 250 grams fettuccine

Instructions

  1. Heat butter (or duck fat!) in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add onion, garlic, and oregano and cook until onion begins to brown - about 5 minutes. Add chopped duck, stock (or duck cooking liquid!), crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes and bring to a simmer. Switch heat to low and allow to gently bubble while you cook the pasta.
  2. Cook pasta according to package directions, using tongs transfer pasta directly into the sauce and switch heat to high. Add some grated parmesan and toss it with the pasta. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then divide between bowl and top with extra grated parmesan.

Notes

Fresh oregano

Little bits of browning are what you’re looking for

Shredded duck

Let everything simmer together

Add the cooked pasta and toss together

© Sydney Keddy (Oland)
Not sure how to cook a whole duck? Double back to the recipe for shredded duck meat, available below.

Simple shredded duck