French Duck Soup Recipe

French Duck Soup is made with duck, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, leek, white wine, chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaf, thyme, potatoes, green beans, and parsley. This hearty French Duck Soup recipe creates a delicious and comforting dinner that takes about 2.5 hours to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.

French Duck Soup Ingredients

• 1 whole duck (about 4-5 pounds)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 leek, cleaned and sliced
• 1 cup white wine
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 cup potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

French Duck Soup Instructions

• Rinse the duck under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Remove excess fat and season generously with salt and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Brown the duck on all sides until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
• Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and leek to the same pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened and starting to brown.
• Pour in white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
• Return the duck to the pot, add chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until duck is tender and cooked through.
• Remove the duck and set aside to cool. Add potatoes and green beans to the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
• Once the duck is cool enough, remove the meat from the bones and shred into bite-sized pieces. Discard bones and skin.
• Return the shredded duck meat to the pot. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
• Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Recipe Tips

• Enhance the Flavor: For a richer taste, sear the duck until it’s deeply browned before simmering. This caramelization adds depth to the soup. Also, adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a few dashes of soy sauce can amplify the umami flavors.
• Boost Texture: To make the soup heartier, consider adding diced vegetables like parsnips or turnips along with the potatoes and green beans. These additions give extra texture and flavor.
• Thicken the Soup: If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender, or mash some of the potatoes in the pot. Alternatively, adding a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water can also help thicken the soup.

How To Store French Duck Soup

Refrigerate: Allow the French Duck Soup to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container or cover the pot with a lid or plastic wrap. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the soup. First, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How To Reheat Leftover French Duck Soup

In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the soup to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Reheat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it is hot all the way through.

In The Microwave: Pour a portion of the soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

On The Stovetop: Pour the soup into a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.

In The Slow Cooker: Transfer the soup to a slow cooker and set it to the low setting. Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through.

What To Serve French Duck Soup

French Duck Soup pairs well with crusty French bread, garlic bread, a fresh green salad, and steamed rice. It also can be served alongside roasted vegetables, potato gratin, buttered noodles, and a side of pickles for better savoring of the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I ensure the soup is not too greasy?

To reduce grease, let the soup cool and refrigerate it. The fat will solidify on the surface, making it easy to skim off before reheating.

What can I use as a substitute for white wine?

If you prefer not to use white wine, you can replace it with additional chicken or vegetable broth. A splash of apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can also add a touch of acidity to balance the flavors.

Can I use a different type of meat instead of duck?

Yes, you can substitute duck with chicken or turkey. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as poultry like chicken or turkey may cook faster than duck.

Try more recipes:

• Chinese Pork Noodle Soup Recipe
• Andersen’s Pea Soup Recipe
• Brown Windsor Soup Recipe