Duck and Prawns Gumbo

Ingredients for Duck and Prawns Gumbo

• 1 (5 1/2- to 6-lb) Long Island duck (also called Pekin), excess fat discarded and duck cut into 6 pieces

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 120ml plain flour

• 2 medium onions, finely chopped (200g )

• 2 celery ribs, finely chopped (150g )

• 1 large red pepper, finely chopped (150g )

• 1 large green pepper, finely chopped (1 cup)

• 4 Turkish or 2 California bay leaves

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1450ml reduced-sodium chicken broth (1450ml )

• 950ml water

• 450g medium prawns in shell (31 to 35 per lb), peeled and deveined

• 1 cup thinly sliced spring onion greens (from 2 bunches)

• 1/4 teaspoons cayenne

• Accompaniment: white rice

How to make Duck and Prawns Gumbo

Pat duck dry, then prick skin of duck all over with tip of a sharp knife.

Heat oil in a wide 6-quart heavy pot over moderately high heat, then brown duck in 3 batches, skin side down, turning over once, 8 to 10 minutes per batch.

Transfer duck to a bowl and pour off and discard all but 60ml fat from pot.

Reduce heat to moderately low, then add flour to fat in pot. Cook roux, stirring constantly with a wooden spatula or spoon, until well-browned (a shade darker than peanut butter), about 20 minutes. Add onions, celery, peppers, bay leaves, and salt and cook over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crisp-tender, 6 to 10 minutes. Add broth, water, and duck with any juices accumulated in bowl and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until duck is tender, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours.

Remove gumbo from heat, then transfer duck to a cutting board with a slotted spoon and shred meat into large pieces, discarding bones and skin. Skim fat from surface of gumbo, then return duck to gumbo. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and stir in prawns, spring onions, and cayenne. Simmer gumbo until prawns is just cooked through, about 2 minutes. Discard bay leaves. Serve gumbo over white rice.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.