Succulent Sensations: Dive into the World of Wild Goose Confit

• Ingredients

• • 2 wild goose legs and thighs
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 4-6 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 4-6 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon juniper berries (optional)
  • 2 cups duck fat (or a mixture of duck fat and vegetable oil)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing) 

Instructions

Preparation:

• • Start by trimming excess skin and fat from the goose legs and thighs.
  • Generously season the goose pieces with salt, freshly ground black pepper, minced garlic, and crushed juniper berries (if using).
  • Place the goose pieces in a sealable plastic bag or a container with a lid. 

Marinating:

• • Add the fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaves to the bag or container with the goose.
  • Seal the bag or container and refrigerate the goose for at least 24 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to absorb the seasoning. 

Rendering the Fat:

• • Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C).
  • Remove the goose pieces from the marinade and brush off any excess herbs and garlic.
  • In an oven-safe dish, place the goose pieces skin side down and cover them with duck fat (or the fat-oil mixture).
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Let the goose slowly cook for 3 to 4 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily falls off the bone.

 Searing:

• • Once the goose pieces are done cooking, carefully remove them from the fat.
  • In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil.
  • Place the goose pieces skin side down and sear them until the skin is crispy and golden brown. This should take about 2-3 minutes. 

Serving:

• • Serve the wild goose confit on a plate with your choice of sides. It pairs wonderfully with hearty dishes like mashed potatoes, sautéed greens, or roasted root vegetables.

Leftover Fat: 

• • Strain and save the leftover fat from the cooking process. It can be stored in a jar and used for future cooking endeavors, adding a delightful richness to various dishes.

Enjoy the luxurious tenderness and rich flavors of Wild Goose Confit, a dish that pays homage to traditional French culinary techniques and transforms wild goose meat into a culinary masterpiece!