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Duck Curry

Make authentic Duck Curry with this foolproof recipe. Packed with rich traditional flavor, step-by-step photos, and cooking tips by Denisiya on EatMee Recipes.

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By DenisiyaPublished on December 18, 2021
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Duck Curry
⏱️
Prep Time20 mins
🍳
Cook Time90 mins
⌛
Total Time110 mins
🍽️
ServingsServes 4-6
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This Indian Recipe Serves 2-4

Duck is known as South African delicacy. There are various ways of cooking this meat but growing up in an Indian family – duck cooked in a curry form always hit the spot.

This is one my absolute favorite dishes & it can be adjusted however you prefer. We always cooked this meal dry braised with peas. The peas is optional & can be omitted, potatoes can also be added if preferred but our family personally enjoyed this meal as demonstrated below.

Duck usually takes anywhere from 30 minutes up to 3 hours to cook, depending on how tough the meat is, as well as where it has been purchased from.

🥗

Ingredients

Scale:
Base Yield: Serves 4-6
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Step-by-Step Instructions

24 Steps
  1. Step 1

    Bring out the Duck. I have purchased mine already cut.

    Step 1 visual guide
  2. Step 2

    Remove the skin off the duck (a lot of hair can often be found on the skin so it is best to remove it, however this part is up to you), rinse & place it into a bowl.

    Step 2 visual guide
  3. Step 3

    I’m also not a fan of the giblets (usually comes in a small bag with the duck) so I have omitted it – I did add in the neck though.

    Step 3 visual guide
  4. Step 4

    Peel & chop the onion.

    Step 4 visual guide
  5. Step 5

    Next, rinse tomatoes, slice into quarters, removing the stems & place into a blender. Blend until fine & liquid like. Alternatively, if you do not have a blender on hand, simple cut the tomatoes into small pieces. I prefer blending it as I find its quicker to cook & allows for more gravy to form.

    Step 5 visual guide
  6. Step 6

    To a pot on medium-high heat, add in the vegetable oil. I am using my 30cm AMC pot to cook this Duck Curry.

    Step 6 visual guide
  7. Step 7

    Once the oil is hot, add in the chopped onion, sprigs of thyme, bay leaves, star aniseeds, cinnamon sticks & the black cardamom pod (alcha).

    Step 7 visual guide
  8. Step 8

    Mix & sauté until the onions are translucent.

    Step 8 visual guide
  9. Step 9

    Once the onions are translucent, add in turmeric powder, cardamom (elachi) powder, garam masala, cumin (jeera) powder, coriander (dhania) powder, chili powder or masala, & crushed ginger & garlic or ginger & garlic paste.

    Step 9 visual guide
  10. Step 10

    Mix well.

    Step 10 visual guide
  11. Step 11

    Add in the cleaned duck & salt to taste.

    Step 11 visual guide
  12. Step 12

    Mix well until the duck is coated in the spices.

    Step 12 visual guide
  13. Step 13

    Cover with a lid & & allow the meat to seal in the spices for 10 minutes. Make sure to give it a stir now & again as you do not want it to burn – also avoid adding any water.

    Step 13 visual guide
  14. Step 14

    After 10 minutes, give it a quick stir.

    Step 14 visual guide
  15. Step 15

    Add in the blended or grated tomatoes, curry leaves, ¼ cup chopped coriander (dhania) & pour in a little boiling water.

    Step 15 visual guide
  16. Step 16

    Mix well.

    Step 16 visual guide
  17. Step 17

    Cover with a lid & allow to cook until the duck is soft. This could take about 30 minutes up to 3 hours depending on how tough the duck it or where it was purchased. This duck took 30 minutes to cook through.

    Step 17 visual guide
  18. Step 18

    The duck is cooked when a knife can easily go through the wing of the duck.

    Step 18 visual guide
  19. Step 19

    Next, add in the peas.

    Step 19 visual guide
  20. Step 20

    Pour in some boiling water if needed & stir.

    Step 20 visual guide
  21. Step 21

    Cover with a lid & allow the peas to cook until soft (5-10 minutes).

    Step 21 visual guide
  22. Step 22

    Once the peas are soft, give the curry a stir.

    Step 22 visual guide
  23. Step 23

    Plate & garnish with fresh dhania (coriander).

    Step 23 visual guide
  24. Step 24

    Serve this Duck Curry with carrot salad or pickles, rice, bread or rotis.

    Step 24 visual guide
Video Tutorial

Watch How It's Made

Follow along with Denisiya's step-by-step video guide for Duck Curry.

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Frequently Asked Questions & Cooking Tips

Expert kitchen guidance and troubleshooting for making the best Duck Curry

How do I make the curry gravy thick and rich in Duck Curry?

A combination of finely chopped braised onions, pureed or grated tomatoes, and allowing the gravy to simmer uncovered for the last 5 minutes helps reduce and thicken the sauce to a rich coating consistency.

Can I freeze leftover Duck Curry?

Yes, this curry freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Note: If freezing, omit or remove the potatoes as their texture changes when frozen. You can easily add fresh boiled potatoes when reheating!

How long does Duck Curry stay fresh in the refrigerator?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it keeps well for 3 to 4 days. In fact, Durban curries often taste even richer the next day as the spices continue to infuse overnight.

Denisiya - Founder & Chef at EatMee Recipes
About the Creator

Meet Denisiya

Hi, I'm Denisiya! Food lover, recipe developer, and founder of EatMee Recipes. I specialize in authentic South African Durban Indian cuisine, comforting curries, and modern Instant Pot adaptations. Every recipe on this site is tested in my personal kitchen to ensure you get mouth-watering, foolproof results every time.

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