Antiguan Stewed Duck
A rich and flavorful stew featuring tender duck meat simmered in a savory sauce with aromatic spices, vegetables, and often a touch of local rum. This dish showcases the island's ability to prepare poultry with deep, comforting flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 medium Whole duck(about 3-4 lbs, cut into serving pieces)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper(finely minced, seeds removed for less heat)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 3 cups Chicken or duck broth
- 1 tsp Allspice(ground)
- 1 tsp Thyme(dried, or 2 sprigs fresh)
- 0.5 tsp Cinnamon(ground)
- 0.25 tsp Nutmeg(ground)
- 1 tbsp Brown sugar
- 0.25 cup Dark rum(optional)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 0.5 cup Water(if needed)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the duck pieces generously with salt and pepper. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sear the duck pieces on all sides until golden brown. Remove the duck from the pot and set aside.
- 2
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and Scotch bonnet pepper and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring to combine.
- 4
Return the seared duck pieces to the pot. Add the chicken or duck broth, ground allspice, thyme, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and brown sugar. If using rum, add it now. Stir everything to combine.
💡 Tip: Ensure the liquid mostly covers the duck pieces. Add a little water if needed. - 5
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for at least 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the duck is very tender. Stir occasionally.
- 6
Once the duck is tender, remove the lid and continue to simmer for another 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
- 7
Serve the Antiguan Stewed Duck hot, typically with rice, fungee, or boiled ground provisions.
💡 Tip: Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, marinate the duck pieces in the spices and rum for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) before searing.
- ✓Adjust the amount of Scotch bonnet pepper to your spice preference. Removing the seeds and membranes will reduce the heat.
- ✓If the sauce is too thin, you can create a slurry with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the simmering sauce until thickened.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some recipes include other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or okra.
- A splash of lime juice can add brightness to the finished stew.