Hello Lykkers! Have you ever wondered why duck has long been considered the food of kings and emperors?

Well, today we’re diving into the fascinating history of this regal bird and sharing some delicious recipes that bring its rich flavor to your kitchen! So, get ready to elevate your culinary game and impress your guests with these time-honored dishes.

The Royal History of Duck

Duck has been a prized dish for centuries, going way back to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Chinese, and Romans. It was always reserved for royal banquets and noble feasts due to its distinctive taste and luxurious nature.

In Ancient Egypt, ducks were raised along the Nile River and served during special occasions, often roasted or stuffed with cracked wheat. Meanwhile, in China, Peking Duck became a renowned dish during the Ming Dynasty, crafted to perfection with crispy skin and tender meat. Over in France, duck became synonymous with aristocracy, featured in famous dishes like Confit de Canard and Canard à l’Orange.

Why Was Duck the Food of Royals?

1. Rarity and Prestige

Unlike chicken, which was common in every household, duck was rare. It was specially raised in royal farms or hunted from the wild, making it a more luxurious and exclusive food.

2. Skillful Preparation

Cooking duck required a high level of expertise. Whether it was roasting, confit, or stuffing with fruits and nuts, it was a dish that challenged even the most skilled chefs.

3. A Symbol of Wealth

In France, duck was the ultimate symbol of wealth. It was served at aristocratic feasts, showcasing advanced cooking techniques and indulgent flavors.

Duck’s Transition to the Modern Kitchen

Though duck once graced only royal tables, today, it’s a beloved dish found in kitchens around the world. From Egyptian-style duck stuffed with cracked wheat to Egyptian traditional stuffed duck with freekeh, it’s a versatile dish that’s easy to recreate and perfect for special occasions.

Now, let’s dive into a few famous recipes to bring this luxurious bird to your plate!

1. Egyptian Stuffed Duck with Murtah (Cracked Wheat)

Ingredients:

- 1 medium-sized duck

- 2 large onions, chopped

- 4 garlic cloves, minced

- 2 tbsp ghee

- 2 tbsp oil

- 1 tsp salt

- ½ tsp black pepper

- 1 tsp duck spices

- 1 cup duck broth

- 1 tsp cumin

- 1 tsp dried coriander

- 1 tsp sugar

- 1 tbsp vinegar

Directions:

1. Clean the duck with water, salt, and vinegar, then fry in ghee until golden.

2. Boil the duck with onions, garlic, and spices for 1.5 to 2 hours until tender.

3. Prepare the murtah by frying onions and garlic in oil, then add chopped bread, broth, spices, and vinegar. Let it thicken.

4. Serve the duck on top of the murtah with a fresh green salad or pickles.

2. Egyptian Traditional Stuffed Duck with Freekeh

Ingredients:

- 1 whole duck

- 2 cups freekeh

- 1 chopped onion

- 2 tbsp ghee

- ½ cup chopped liver and giblets

- 1 tsp salt

- ½ tsp black pepper

- ½ tsp cinnamon

- 2 bay leaves

- 3 cardamom pods

- 2 cups chicken broth

Directions:

1. Sauté the onion in ghee, add liver and giblets, then add freekeh and spices. Cook for a few minutes.

2. Stuff the duck with this mixture and seal with string.

3. Boil the duck with bay leaves and cardamom for 90 minutes.

4. Roast in the oven at 200°C until golden brown.

5. Serve with leftover freekeh and tahini salad.

Duck has been a symbol of luxury for centuries, but with these recipes, you don’t need to be royalty to enjoy it! Try them out and treat yourself to a taste of history!