Main dish

Duck Confit with Lentils

Enjoy this Duck Confit with Lentils recipe, featuring tender, slow-cooked duck legs and savory lentils. Perfect for a rich, flavorful meal on any occasion!

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Duck Confit

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Duck Confit with Lentils Recipe

What is Duck Confit?

Duck Confit with Lentils is a classic French dish that combines tender, slow-cooked duck legs with a bed of savory lentils.  The duck legs are slow-cooked in their own fat, making them incredibly tender and flavorful.

This method not only enhances the taste but also ensures the meat stays moist. The savory lentils, cooked with aromatic vegetables and herbs, provide a perfect complement to the duck, creating a well-balanced, healthy and satisfying meal.

Savory Duck Confit with Lentils

This recipe is ideal for special occasions or gourmet dinners. The process starts with seasoning the duck legs and letting them marinate to absorb the flavors fully.

After slow-cooking the duck to perfection, the legs are crisped in the oven to achieve a beautiful golden skin. The lentils are prepared with a mix of onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, simmered until tender in a flavorful broth.

Serve this dish with a garnish of fresh herbs for an elegant presentation that is sure to impress your guests.

 Duck Confit with Lentils Gourmet Meal

FAQs for Duck Confit with Lentils

Can I make Duck Confit with Lentils ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the duck confit up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat and crisp the duck just before serving.

What type of lentils should I use for this recipe?

Green or Puy lentils are ideal for this recipe as they hold their shape well during cooking and provide a firm texture that complements the tender duck.

How do I store leftover Duck Confit with Lentils?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the duck in the oven and the lentils on the stovetop before serving.

Can I use an alternative to duck fat for cooking the duck confit?

While duck fat is traditional, you can use olive oil or a combination of oils. However, duck fat imparts a unique flavor and richness to the dish.

What side dishes pair well with Duck Confit with Lentils?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a crusty baguette to soak up the flavorful lentil broth.

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Recipe

Duck Confit with Lentils is a rich and savory dish, perfect for those who enjoy gourmet meals. This recipe features tender, slow-cooked duck legs that are flavorful and moist, served over a bed of savory lentils cooked with herbs and vegetables. The combination of the crispy duck skin and the earthy lentils creates a satisfying and wholesome entrée. Topped with a touch of fresh herbs, this dish is both elegant and comforting, making it an excellent choice for any special occasion. Enjoy a classic French meal that's sure to impress.

Course:
Main dish
COOKing TIME:
180 minutes
Total TIME:
195 minutes
CUISINE:
French
PREP TIME:
15 minutes
SERVINGS:
4

Ingredients

For the Duck Confit:

  • 4 duck legs
  • 2 cups duck fat (or enough to fully submerge the duck legs)
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves

For the Lentils:

  • 1 cup green or Puy lentils
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Swaps

  • Use olive oil instead of duck fat for a lighter version.
  • Substitute lentils with quinoa for a different texture and flavor.

Instructions

  1. Rub the duck legs with kosher salt and black pepper. Add the crushed garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours.
  2. Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C). Rinse the duck legs and pat them dry. Place them in an oven-safe dish and cover with duck fat.
  3. Cook in the oven for 2.5 to 3 hours until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone. Remove from the oven and let cool in the fat.
  4. In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Add the garlic and thyme, and cook for another 2 minutes.
  6. Stir in the lentils and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, until the lentils are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the duck legs from the fat and place them on a baking sheet.
  8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
  9. Spoon the lentils onto plates and top with a crispy duck leg. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your flavorful and savory Duck Confit with Lentils!

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