Description
A traditional Bohemian roasted duck recipe featuring a whole duck stuffed with honey crisp apple and onions, seasoned with caraway seeds, then slow roasted to tender, flavorful perfection. This hearty dish pairs beautifully with classic sides like dumplings and sauerkraut, making a comforting and authentic Central European meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Duck
- 6 lb whole duck
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
Stuffing
- 1/2 white onion, sliced into rounds
- 1 honey crisp apple, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for slow roasting the duck.
- Prepare Stuffing: Slice the onion into rounds and the honey crisp apple into thin slices. These will create a flavorful aromatic stuffing for the duck.
- Stuff Duck: Place the sliced onion and apple inside the cavity of the thawed duck, ensuring even distribution for maximum flavor.
- Season Duck: Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the duck’s skin. Then rub the duck thoroughly with caraway seeds for a distinctive, slightly nutty flavor characteristic of Bohemian cuisine.
- Roast Covered: Place the duck in a roasting pan and cover it. Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours. This initial covered roasting helps retain moisture in the meat.
- Roast Uncovered: Remove the cover and continue roasting for an additional 1 hour. This step allows the skin to crisp up to a golden brown finish. Note that cooking time may vary depending on duck size — about 30 minutes per pound is recommended.
- Serve: Serve the roasted duck warm, paired with traditional dumplings (knedlicky) and sauerkraut. Drizzle the pan juices over the dumplings and duck for extra richness and flavor.
Notes
- The total cooking time is approximately 3 hours for a 6 lb duck, but adjust time according to weight (30 minutes per pound).
- Allow the duck to rest for 10-15 minutes after roasting before carving to keep it juicy.
- Use fresh caraway seeds for stronger flavor; toast them lightly beforehand if desired.
- Make sure the duck is fully thawed before roasting to ensure even cooking.
- Serve with classic sides like knedlicky (Bohemian dumplings) and sauerkraut to complete the authentic meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Bohemian
Keywords: Bohemian roasted duck, roasted duck recipe, traditional Czech duck, baked duck with apple, caraway seasoned duck, knedlicky pairing
